Advice for After A Storm
How to Hire a Contractor After a Storm
Consider some important advice before you hire a contractor to work in or around your home:
Be aware of warning signs for scams. These might include:
Here is a short video by FEMA on Identifying Disaster Fraud and Scams from 2015, but still has relevant information to help you today.
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.
Here is a short video by FEMA on Identifying Disaster Fraud and Scams from 2015, but still has relevant information to help you today.