The aftermath of any natural disaster takes an emotional, physical and often a financial toll on the people involved. Whether the cause was localized flooding, a fire in your home or a major storm event that caused widespread damage, many homeowners feel an urgency to repair their homes to get back to normal. Unfortunately, that can lead consumers to make rash decisions that have long term and expensive consequences.
The key to avoiding being taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors is to take your time, do your homework and make wise choices. Be particularly wary of anyone who comes to your door unsolicited, quotes prices that are overly inflated and/or insists that you must immediately sign a contract. Check with the Bureau of Professional Licensing to determine if a contractor is licensed, and check the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for complaints.
Always obtain written estimates from multiple contractors and never pay cash or give a deposit up front. It is also a good idea to use credit cards rather than checks, as the ability to dispute unauthorized charges provides another layer of consumer protection. For major work, check with your insurance agent or company to see what repairs are covered by your policy, and never have permanent work performed without first receiving approval from your claims adjustor.