BANGOR – Homeowners who have been hit hard by this week’s storms should be careful to check references if they hire door-to-door contractors, Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe warns.

Portland Fire Chief Fred Lamontagne has reported to the state Attorney General’s Office that the Portland Fire Department has begun receiving an increased number of calls concerning door-to-door contractors wanting to do arborist’s work or roof repairs.

Arborists must be licensed in Maine. The Maine Department of Agriculture is responsible for licensing arborists and emphasizes that tree work can be a dangerous undertaking, especially in residential areas. Homeowners can check the validity of an arborist’s license, by calling the Department of Agriculture at 287-3891.

Written contracts should always be used to define the scope of construction, repair or arborist work, the schedule and the payments. Also, no more than one-third of the payment should be made upfront.

More information on home construction laws can be found in the Maine Consumer Law Guide at www.maine.gov/ag/index.php?r=clg.