Latest news with #Lampos
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida man spent $43K on windows, but the installation caused leaks. What to do if a home reno goes wrong
In November 2024, Florida resident Dominic Lampos paid $43,000 for 22 windows and a sliding glass door from Home Depot for a home renovation. He told Tampa's WFLA News Channel 8 that, aside from his house, it's the largest purchase he's ever made. Home Depot sent subcontractors to install the windows — but, unfortunately, they botched the job, resulting in damage to the interior trim and water leakage around the windows. Lampos believes the situation was made worse by a second set of subcontractors who were sent out to fix the shoddy work. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Pinellas County inspectors then failed the project, according to Channel 8. There were reportedly a number of issues, including nail holes that didn't look like they could hold the windows in place. A few days later, things went from bad to worse. During a period of light rain, Lampos told Channel 8 'it barely rained and it [the water] poured in, there was a puddle on my windowsill.' But Lampos' story is not unique. Each year, a number of Americans deal with botched home renovations and repair projects. In a recent survey, 22% of homeowners said they found it challenging to find a reliable contractor, while 15% of those who remodeled their homes cited poor workmanship. Taking the time to carefully vet a contractor doesn't guarantee there won't be any problems, but it does reduce your risk a fair bit. Almost all large projects will involve some hiccups along the way, but working with a reputable contractor can make it easier to resolve any issues that might arise. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from reliable sources such as family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who've had reno work done. You can also check various referral and rating websites, as well as professional organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. It's also helpful to speak to more than one contractor since you'll be working with them for a decent period of time and — similar to hiring a new employee at work — getting the right fit can be a factor in how the relationship and the project progresses. Once you've landed on a few potential contractors, check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local or state consumer protection agencies to ensure there are no glaring issues. Then call the contractors to see if they have experience with your type of project, whether they have the time to devote to your reno, and whether they'd be willing to provide references. The next thing you should do is call their references and ask about their work. You should also investigate the contrators to verify that they're licensed for the type of work you need and make sure they have liability and workers' compensation insurance. Also, ask if they offer a workmanship warranty — also known as a craftsmanship or contractor warranty — which means defects will be addressed without any additional cost. Before the work starts, make sure to draw up a written contract to ensure both parties understand and agree upon the timeline, quality standards and payment schedules. The contract should also outline how changes will be handled and how disputes will be resolved, as well as tackle legal issues such as lien releases and building permits. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP Many issues between contractors and homeowners boil down to poor communication, so be sure you are getting frequent updates on progress and potential problems from your contractor. If you do run into issues, getting angry and straining the relationship further won't help the situation. And if the relationship is deteriorating, communicate in writing, document all communications and try to work out a plan for moving forward. If the situation still doesn't improve, you could withhold payment until the problems are resolved or file a complaint with the BBB. You also may need to seek legal counsel, especially if a lot of money is on the line. Depending on the nature of the issue, your state consumer protection laws may be of help. While they tend to deal more with fraud and financing issues, some states — such as Illinois — have laws specifically governing home contractors. If it comes down to it, you may be able to sue for breach of contract, breach of warranty or negligence. Home insurance could also cover some of the costs if the renovation causes damage to your home or belongings. It's a good idea to contact your insurer before any work begins to understand what your policy will cover and to add any additional coverages that may be deemed prudent. As for Lampos, Channel 8 contacted Home Depot, which then sent out a crew to fix the issue, assuring Lampos that a 'comprehensive checklist' will be used to address and resolve the situation. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Old Lyme considers creating a dog park, adopting jet ski regulations
Old Lyme — The town has no official dog park, but the selectmen are looking to change that. Selectman Jim Lampos said Monday he has a spot picked out for the park. Located in the Cross Lane Recreation Area behind the fire department, he said, it's a place where people already walk dogs. It's 100 feet off the wetland, it's dry, it's level," Lampos said before Monday's Board of Selectmen's meeting. "It would take very little to turn it into a dog park..." The site, which has parking and a trail that curves around a pond, is more specifically located south of the firehouse, north of the pond and east of the lower Mile Creek School playground. Lampos wrote in his proposal the town would need to install a fence and do some landscaping to create the park, but there would be no clear cutting of trees. First Selectman Martha Shoemaker said residents have wanted a dog park for years. Resident Ross Burr, walking his Corgi, Axel, by Town Hall on Monday, said a dog park is a good idea. He added that he'd be concerned about out-of-town beachgoers and their dogs crowding the park in the summer and said it would be a good idea to designate times for certain, larger breeds to avoid dog fights or injuries. Lampos said there would be a "long road ahead" to create the dog park as it would need approvals from several local commissions and if it costs more than $20,000, voter approval. The town would also likely have to set up a committee to develop the park. Jet ski ordinance Lampos also introduced a draft ordinance overseeing jet ski and other watercraft use at the town's private and public beaches. "The background is about 10 to 12 years ago we were having trouble with people landing on (Sound View Beach) and fueling on the beach, going over the swim area, Lampos said. The draft ordinance says jet ski riders cut swim lines with their propellers, and spilled gasoline on the beach when they refueled there. Back then, the town cracked down, asserting that jet skis are prohibited from the boat lane, which is only to be used by a water taxi. The situation improved, Lampos wrote, and the water taxi shuttled Kokomo's Bar patrons and other beach users from the shore to their vessels. But the issue has resurfaced as jet ski traffic has increased, Lampos said. Boats and jet skis are using the water taxi lane at Sound View Beach to moor, tie up to swim lines, or land in the public area of the beach, which Lampos wrote is hazardous to swimmers. But the town has no ordinance saying jet skis must use a water taxi lane and stay out of the swimming area, so there's nothing to enforce. With an ordinance, the town could conduct enforcement. The proposal calls for a $150 fine for a first offense, $300 for a second and a third violation could lead to seizure of the vessel. Anyone approaching Sound View would have to moor outside the swim area and take the water taxi to the shore, and couldn't use the water taxi lane at Sound View, which would be reserved for the water taxi or emergency vessels. It also states no vessel, powered or not, could be within 100 feet of any swim area and could not land at any beach designated for swimming except the Sound View Beach water taxi. Jet ski riders would have to stay in designated water lanes and couldn't refuel on the beach, and moorings would have to be at least 50 feet from the swim area, though the selectmen expressed a desire to make that buffer larger. Shoemaker said this ordinance is a first draft and has go through a legal examination. Voters would then have to approve it.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Old Lyme to begin celebrating the country's 250th anniversary
Old Lyme — A group has begun work to educate residents about the town's place in the country's 250-year history, its role in the American Revolution, social progress and development of the country's founding ideals. The town's America 250 Committee is scheduled to launch its website March 15, an auspicious date in town history, said committee member and Selectman Jim Lampos. March 15 is the birthday of David Ruggles, an abolitionist born 1810 in Lyme, which then encompassed Lyme and Old Lyme. He was the first Black publisher in the country, a founder of the nonviolent civil disobedience movement and associate of Frederick Douglass. He published books, articles and pamphlets denouncing slavery, opening what was likely the first Black-owned bookstore before a group burned it down. He was a major conductor" of the Underground Railroad, aiding at least 600 Black people to freedom, including Douglass, according to the New England Historical Society. "We have amazing stories to tell," Lampos said. "We want our residents to have a lot of pride in the town," added committee member Cheryl Poirier. The celebration will last through July 4, 2026, Poirier said, and more information on festivities is to come. The town is going to take part in a nationwide event, "Two Lights for Tomorrow" this April, Poirier said. It commemorates Paul Revere's midnight ride warning of the British Army's approach before the battles of Lexington and Concord, both in Massachusetts. Yet another historical figure from Lyme the group will tell residents about is Stephen Johnson, a pastor and pamphleteer who was a main opponent of England's Stamp Act, which imposed an extra tax on paper materials produced in the colonies, Lampos said. "Our country is based on an idea, that we're created equal with inalienable rights," Lampos said. "That was first codified in one of Stephen Johnson's pamphlets. The ideology of the Revolution can be traced to Old Lyme. Poirier said about 100 Lyme troops marched from Connecticut to one of the two first armed conflicts of the American Revolution, the Battle of Lexington, including Black soldiers and men from the Nehantic Tribe. The group also plans to tell residents more about the history of the town's Black residents, and of its precolonial inhabitants, the Nehantic, and of important suffragists and artists the committee says deserve more attention. The group will have free tours of local landmarks and historic houses, Lampos said.
