LIFE
NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • LOVELAND HERALD • B5
Don’t pay too much upfront contractor money When you hire a contractor to do work around your house, how much money should you pay that person upfront? Often, contractors ask for 50 percent or more before they’ll do anything. But, that’s not only a bad idea for the homeowner, it may even be illegal. Robin Lippelman wanted to fix up her Clifton home earlier this year. In March, she hired a contractor to remove a porch from the left front of her home. She says that went well. “When he demolished the porch, it was discovered my main porch had literally just an inch of concrete in some places. It was going to collapse,” Lippelman said. So, Lippelman hired the same contractor to do more work. “I contracted with him to do the main porch and he asked for money ahead – which, unfortunately, I did give him. He came and demolished the porch and then I didn’t see him again, except off and on for an hour at a time,” she said. According to the contract, Lippelman paid the contractor more than $6,700 upfront. There’s just $1,750 due at the completion of the porch – so the contractor received most of his money before he ever started work. “I continually stayed in touch with him, called him, asked him when he was going to finish the project and received a myriad of excuses,” Lippelman said.
That went on for three months, during which Lippelman had to use the back door of her Howard house beAin cause the HEY HOWARD! front door porch was full of debris. Finally, Lippelman hired an attorney who gave the contractor a deadline to complete the work and, when it wasn’t done, fired him. She’s now hired another company to complete the job – but still hasn’t been able to get her money back from the first man. Under the city of Cincinnati home remodeling ordinance, a contractor is not allowed to collect more than 10 percent of the money upfront. In addition, the company must give a written contract containing the start and completion dates. Having the completion date in writing makes it a lot easier to determine when a
BUSINESS BRIEFS Grandma’s Pizza opens
company has walked off the job. Lippelman says, “This has been following me for so many months I would like to see some form of justice done.” So, I had her contact Cincinnati Police because of the alleged violations of Cincinnati’s home remodeling ordinance. In the meantime, I called the contractor who claimed he never walked off the job – but admitted having problems getting the work finished. He says he’s willing to repay the money and has now set up a payment schedule with Lippelman to avoid possible criminal prosecution. Bottom line, even if you don’t live in the city of Cincinnati, I suggest you follow these same guidelines in order to protect yourself.
Cast members perform one of the muscal numbers from Loveland Stage Company’s production of “Oklahoma.” THANKS TO PAT FURTERER
‘Oklahoma’ in Loveland The great American classic “Oklahoma” opened at The Loveland Stage Company Theater Nov. 2. Show dates are Nov. 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 & 17. All Thursday-Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. Please call (513) 443-4LSC (4572) or visit
Open House ST. VINCENT FERRER SCHOOL December 2, 2012 12:00 – 1:30
Howard Ain answers consumer complaints weekdays on WKRC-TV Local 12. Write to him at 12 WKRC-TV, 1906 Highland Ave., Cincinnati 45219.
Saint Vincent Ferrer is a K-8 school offering academic excellence in a faith-based environment. We are blessed with a talented, dedicated and highly qualified staff that utilizes our excellent facility to help all of our students grow spiritually, academically and emotionally. Curriculum includes: Music, Art, Physical Education, computer, French and numerous field trips. Extra-curricular opportunities include: athletics, student government, Electives, drama, school newspaper, and student television. Enrichment based Extended Day program and financial aid available.
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ST. Vincent Ferrer School 7754 Montgomery Road Kenwood, Ohio 45236 513-791-6320 www.svf-school.org
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www.lovelandstage company.org to order tickets. Performances are at The Loveland Stage Company Theater, 111 Second St. “Oklahoma” is directed by Cathryn Alter, with music direction by Jack Hasty. Marjory Clegg choreographs and Pat Furterer is producer.
Grandma's Pizza is now open in Loveland. The retaurant is at 309 Loveland-Madeira Road, in the Goodwill Center behind United Dairy Farmers. Karolyn and Chris Kritikos are owners of Grandma’s Pizza. This is their third location. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, Call (513) 677-1234.
CE-0000530521
Pierce Matthews, resident since 1998
John Parker, staff member since 1999
Our promise, your future. Our residents find real security and peace-of-mind in a very simple promise in their contract: you will never be asked to leave for financial reasons. It’s an important benefit of Episcopal Retirement homes’ not-for-profit difference – a promise made possible by generous donors, our substantial endowment, and 60 years of financial stability. There is no up-front deposit or entrance fee required. To learn more, call Gini Tarr at 513.561.4200. episcopalretirement.com
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