Consumer Guides

Contractors

• What to Look For (and Look OUT For) In a Contractor   
• After a Disaster, Don't Get Scammed | Storm Damage Raises Fraud Risk (pdf version)
• TOP TEN TIPS for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up  
• What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor (publication)
  • What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor (brochure) 
• STATEMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTIONS (must be provided in residential door-to-door solicitations)  
• Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund | fact sheet (pdf)
• Call Before You Dig | DIAL 811 to have underground utility lines marked for free.
  • Call 811 before any excavation (digging) project--DIY or professional contractor. It's the LAW!

Barbers & Cosmetology

• FDA Issues Tattoo Ink Warning and Guidance for Preventing Microbial Contamination
• Nail Salon Safety and Pedicure Pointers (pdf version)
• FDA: Think Before You Ink | Are Tattoos Safe?  
• OSHA: Hair Smoothing Products Alert 

Asbestos & Lead

• Asbestos Licensing Consumer Information Sheet  
• Lead-Safe Virginia Program (Virginia Department of Health): information and free materials on lead-poisoning prevention
• EPA Lead Information Website 

Auctioneers

• Auctions and Auctioneers 

Cemetery

• Cemeteries and Pre-Need Burial Contracts  

Hearing Aid Specialists

• Buying a Hearing Aid
  • Brochure Version (PDF) 

Opticians

• Buying Eyeglasses and Choosing an Optician 
• Beware of Risk from Decorative Contact Lenses  

Onsite Sewage Systems

• Be Septic Smart! Information about inspection and maintenance for traditional septic and alternative onsite systems

Real Estate

• Real Estate Transaction Recovery Fund 
• Common Interest Community Ombudsman 
• Disclosure Forms for Sellers and Purchasers 
• Virginia Fair Housing Office