You find something wrong in your home — a leaky faucet, scuffed floor boards, chipping paint — and make a mental note to fix it this weekend. But then you discover that your “to-do” list is a lot bigger than you originally thought and it will take a little longer to get all of those repairs done.
Home repair contractors in my area can help you get caught up and put your home back to normal. But beware of contractors who are not licensed or insured; scam artists prey on people as they try to restore their homes after a disaster or major weather event.
Before hiring someone to make repairs, ask for a written estimate and description of the work to be performed, including materials and time needed to complete the job. Be wary of contractors who ask for a large deposit upfront or require a cash payment before starting work (contractors are required to either hold deposits in an escrow account, disclose where they’re holding the money, or prove they have bond insurance). Also be aware that some types of damage may need to be covered by your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, so check with your insurer before having permanent or substantial work done.