DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing in response to the recent letters regarding problems with contractors. As an attorney with a construction law practice, I have come across many similar stories. Sun Spots did an excellent job identifying steps homeowners can take to minimize the risk of having to take legal action. Sun Spots also provided helpful information about the Maine small claims court process, for disputes involving $6,000 or less.

Maine law also provides protection to consumers through the Home Construction Contracts Act (10 M.R.S.A. §§1486-1490). Failure to comply with the HCCA might be an unfair trade practice.

The HCCA requires written contracts for home construction or renovation totaling more than $3,000. The written contract must contain certain key terms, including a description of the work and materials and the estimated costs, a time frame for beginning and completing the work, a warranty statement and a method of resolving any disputes that might arise.

The law also provides that the initial down payment not exceed one-third of the contract price. Any change in terms must be set forth in a change order. Additional information about the HCCA, and model contract and change order forms, can be found on the Maine Attorney General’s website.

Following the tips from Sun Spots, and knowing your legal rights beforehand can help to protect the investments you put into your home — and take some of the stress out of construction or renovation. — Sonia J. Buck, Linnell, Choate & Webber LLP

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We recently installed unfinished hardwood in our home. We are now looking for someone to finish the floors and to also give us a quote to refinish the other floors in the house. We are hoping we can find a quality person to do this. You’ve been a great resource before. I hope you are able to provide us with some names and numbers this time. Thanks! — Cyndy Paradis, cparadif@roadrunner.com, 224-8436

ANSWER: Sun Spots had wood floors done 10 years ago (unfortunately, that person is no longer available) and was most pleased with the results, but she has heard horror stories of ruined floors. Please follow the advice offered in previous columns (in particular, see June 14).

Ask for references and check them thoroughly. Start with a small job, then if you are pleased, let them do more work. And, as Sonia notes in her letter, you don’t need to pay for all the work upfront. You could also check online and with consumer services such as the Better Business Bureau to see if there complaints on file about the contractors you are considering.

Sun Spots cannot recommend any specific contractor, but there are several listed in the yellow pages, and you are sure to get calls from those eager to undertake the job.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In reference to the broken Sony television. We have the same model (Bravia) which we purchased new in November 2009.

I have called the company three times, and they keep trying to convince me that either this or that needs to be disconnected and then reconnected. The picture is sometimes so black it cannot be viewed.

Now, the TV voice will not come on when the TV is turned on. Sometimes it takes five or six times for it to work. They did send me a gadget to plug into the back of the TV to download. It made no difference in the TV. I have about had it, too! — Julie, dayesisu2@megalink.net

ANSWER: Maine consumers who are having difficulties, whether it is with a television or appliance or paving their driveway, can turn to the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131. Details of the protections offered can be found at http://tinyurl.com/25kgmbx.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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