Advice for After A Storm

​​How to Hire a Contractor After a Storm
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Consider some important advice before you hire a contractor to work  in or around your home:

• Verify the company’s business address and reputation.
• Insist on a complete, clearly written contract.
• DO ask for references.
• DO NOT pay more than 50% up front.
• Select a few companies and ask for written estimates.
• Look for professional designations, if applicable, to the type of project you need done.

Be aware of warning signs for scams. These might include:

• You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.”
• You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front”—or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.
• You are confronted with scare tactics.
• You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price.
• You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
• The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located.
• You can’t verify the contractor’s business address. 
• Remember to check out resources such as the Better Business Bureau.

​Visit the HBA website for a list of professional members.

Here is a short video by FEMA on Identifying Disaster Fraud and Scams from 2015, but still has relevant information to help you today.