Read the fine print anytime you contract for work around your house. That is the warning from Sheriff Patrick Ray whose office is already getting calls about questionable business practices by some local contractors and freelancers.

“Make sure you know who they are and that they are a credible business,” said Sheriff Ray in warning residents about signing any contract for things like driveway sealing, paving and various painting jobs. “We are already starting to get the calls.”

The sheriff said spring-time is usually the time property owners are approached by individuals and businesses about sprucing up their property, the most common job being driveway sealing. Ray suggests you read a contract fully, especially the fine print on the bottom, before affixing your signature to any legal document.

“If you have any problems about the person not doing what they said then you are welcome to call us here at the sheriff’s department,” Ray said, noting that due to the wording of contracts that most cases are not criminal in nature, meaning the victim will have to sue to get their money back if the job is not done right. “Many are civil actions.”

The sheriff advises residents to go to the Better Business Bureau’s website and check out anyone who is asking to do home improvement work. Any complaints registered against the business or individual should appear on the site.