Avoid shady contractors in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Irma can bring out the best in people, but they can also bring out the worst. You might have heard of price gouging going on during the first few days after the storm when resources were at a premium, such as charging exorbitant amounts for basic necessities like gas and water. Similar dishonest behaviors can also be seen in the construction industry, unfortunately, where unscrupulous individuals pose as bonafide experts. Homeowners looking to get repairs done cheaply can fall victim to fake construction companies and contractors who are neither licensed nor insured. Find tips below to ensure that you steer clear of unlicensed contractors in the wake of hurricane Irma and in the future.
Avoiding Scams and Fraudulent Construction Companies
The tips were supplied by an online news article out of Carrol County.
- Know the basics. Understanding the basics of the damage to your home will help you avoid the worst cheaters and make you a better, more informed consumer. For example, if someone says your entire roof needs to be replaced but you are unsure, get a second opinion, especially on a newer roof.
- Make sure potential contractors are fully insured. Reduce your potential insurance risk by only working with insured contractors and make sure you get proof of Liability Insurance.
- Ensure proper licensing. To make sure the job is done right, ensure contractors carry the right licenses and know all the state and local codes and rules.
- Confirm potential contractors’ affiliations. A reputable contractor will take additional classes and earn certifications to be affiliated with a major national manufacturer. For example, those affiliated with Owens Corning, work to meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements, including a commitment to customer service, business stability and quality; carrying all required state and local licenses; holding at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance; and going above and beyond local code, with things like proper product usage and nailing patterns.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau.Make sure potential contractors have a good reputation. Check to make sure they have no bankruptcy or leans on the business. You can find out through the Better Business Bureau at org.
- Find a source for trustworthy contractors. Looking for a trustworthy and reliable contractor in your area, but don’t know where to start? Visit comfor a list of reliable, vetted independent contractors in your area.
At Hendry Aluminum, we are dealing with water damage to our offices. This has made us fall behind in our customer service response times. Please be patient while we repair and rebuild. If you have questions you can reach us at 239-303-0099 or email us at sales@hendryaluminuminc.com. Thank you for your patience.
