Storm-damage tips offer way to navigate fixes

The recent stormy weather has caused flooding and tornado damage in some Houston neighborhoods. Those storms, coupled with the strong winds blowing in, mean many people are in need of assistance to repair their homes, fences, etc.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous storm chasers tend to take advantage during these times, and if your home is damaged, you will want to make sure repairs are made swiftly and that you avoid any scams. The BBB offers the following tips for homeowners seeking repairs:

• Check out any business with the BBB. If a business approaches you offering to repair your home, ask for their contact information and allow yourself time to fully research the business, check for references, and review their BBB report at BBBHouston.org to determine if there are any issues of concern. You should do the same for any auto repair company you select as well.

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Inform your policy holder of the damage and determine what they will and will not cover and any requirements for your claim. Be sure to document the damage to your property or your car, and take photos if possible. If you are staying at a temporary location, keep any receipts for lodging or food, as some of these costs may be covered by your insurance, depending on what your policy allows.

• Avoid high-pressure sales pitches. Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Be proactive in selecting a company and not re-active to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary. For major repairs, take time to shop around and get three to four estimates based on the same specifications and materials.

• Be wary of door-todoor solicitors. Especially be cautious of those who claim to have leftover materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business. Also, be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it.

• Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, the materials to be used and the price breakdown. Any promises made orally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure their name, address and phone number along with a start and end date for the work is included in contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety; don’t sign a blank contract and a copy of the signed contract is to be given to you at time of signature. Always remember, in Texas, you have three days to cancel any contract for a sale made at your home.

• Verify if the business is insured. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage and personal liability.

• Never pay in full for all repairs in advance, and do not pay cash. While many companies may ask for a deposit, BBB suggests that no more onethird of the job be paid up front.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.

Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, the materials to be used and the price breakdown.