Building-related complaints for calendar year 2000.

By Matthew Power

Type of Contractor and Number of Complaints

Roofing/Gutters: 4,093

Home building: 4,071

Home remodeling: 3,721

Plumbing: 3,251

Swimming pools: 2,598

HVAC: 2,244

Painting: 1,466

Electrical: 909

Concrete: 592

Dubious distinction: Records show that roofers lead the pack in the number of homeowner complaints. Note that the data does not reveal what percentage of complaints entered litigation.

Source: Council of Better Business Bureaus, www.bbb.org