Beware of unscrupulous contractors
The hurricane season is not over yet, and some homeowners are still dealing with necessary repairs after Hurricane Nicholas. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized. The Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of unscrupulous contractors. There are many reputable contractors, but certain ones may perform shoddy work or make big promises they can’t deliver.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas has these specific tips for victims of natural disasters:
• Contact your insurance company. Ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.
• Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBBHouston.org. Read any complaints and customer reviews available. Get references from friends and relatives.
• Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot. Be proactive in selecting a contractor and not reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches. Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor.
• Be especially careful of door-todoor contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if salespeople go door to door. Ask for identification. Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and license plates for your state or province.
• Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment). Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. If you have questions, contact your insurance company or agent.
• Be wary regarding places you can’t see. While most contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work. The same goes for attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places you cannot easily access or see for yourself.
BBB is also warning contractors to beware of storm chasers who offer to pay local construction companies substantial amounts of money to use the business’ established name, reputation, and phone. They masquerade as a local business, collect the insurance money and then move on, leaving the real business to deal
with unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship, unfinished work, or unfulfilled warranties.
The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit for honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with mailing address and phone number.
Some storm chasers use tactics such as the ‘good deal’ you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot. Be proactive in selecting a contractor and not reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches.