Ask the Expert

A.

When I first met the woman who became my wife, she was having car problems, and the garage wanted more than $2,000 for the repair. Once I got involved, used a few correct terms, and had a "conversation," the price dropped to $600. I saw then exactly what you mean, and over the years I've witnessed this many times. It is wrong to treat people differently. I find no difference between this behavior and the New Jersey State Troopers who were found guilty of racial profiling. It seems everyone profiles, but as long as you know what to counter with, such as having someone else review the work or language of the terms, you at least stand a chance of making the pricing fairer.

The same thing happens in different neighborhoods, where the price goes up with the size and price of the homes. A different fee in one neighborhood is justified, however, when it can be shown that the requirements of a local jurisdiction make working there more difficult. For instance, a plumber comes to your home and charges you more than he charged a friend in another village a few blocks away. Some of the fees for paperwork, permits and insurance requirements of your local building department may be up to twice as much as comparable fees for your friend's service. But if you suspect you are being profiled or treated unfairly, you can get others involved in the review. Your county keeps a list of such complaints, and you should always check to see if the professional you're reviewing is listed (in Nassau, call 516-571-2600).

Keep good records of times and dates when interviewing people to do work in your home, receipts, and notes of conversations for comparison when choosing the best person for the job. Some people will come to you by recommendation, so ask the person making the referral what he or she liked. You may be surprised by the answers. Also, keep in mind that some tradesmen only do smaller jobs and others specialize in bigger ones. Finally, you get what you pay for - but you can get what you need. Just don't give up. Good luck!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.