Hiring a Qualified Contractor
Experiencing property damage due to a catastrophic event can be stressful, and rebuilding can seem unmanageable. Use these tips to help you through the repairing and/or rebuilding process so you can get your property repaired and back in working order.
After a catastrophe, salespeople go door to door offering clean-up and repair services. While many of these people are honest and reputable, some may have other motives. Below is a list of recommendations from various government authorities to help you protect yourself from unscrupulous operators.
Get an Estimate
Don’t be rushed into signing a contract with a company. Instead, collect business cards and get several written estimates for the proposed job. Be especially suspicious of door-to-door salespeople who make “lowball” estimates, refuse to leave a contract overnight, or try to sell their services to you by playing on your emotions. You can also call your insurance adjuster and request an estimate of the damage and probable repair cost. This will give you a benchmark estimate prepared by a professional that you can use to negotiate with contractors.
Review the Contractor’s Background
If a contractor comes to your door and offers to do repairs, you should thoroughly review their background by asking the following questions:
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- Does the contractor have a permanent business location? Be careful when contracting with out-of-town businesses.
- How long have they been in business? It usually takes several years to establish a financially sound business.
- Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
You should also inquire about the contractor’s professional reputation by talking with banks, building material suppliers, or the contractor’s previous customers. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the contracting firm has no outstanding consumer complaints filed against it. And if the salesperson is unknown to you, write down his or her driver’s license number and license plate number.
