Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick), a member of the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, is announcing that the state’s Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is conducting an online home improvement initiative. The initiative is designed to gain a greater understanding of consumer concerns and contractor practices. The initiative will include a homeowners and contractors survey and a series of public hearings.

“The home improvement industry causes hundreds of complaints to be filed with the Consumer Protection Board and the purpose of the online survey is to get at the root of consumer problems and contractor compliance,” said McDonough. “It is that time of year when home improvements are on the agenda; before you embark on your project, take a few minutes to inform yourself about home improvements and take the Board’s online survey.”

The CPB is inviting consumers, contractors, and all interested parties to visit their website at www.nyconsumer.gov. Answer a brief survey and provide comments you may have. The site also includes home improvement tips, a sample building contract, information to help consumers ask the right questions, information on how to select a reputable contractor, and continuous updates of relevant information and warnings to consumers in a user-friendly format.