Follow some winter weather storm damage tips

With recent freezing temperatures affecting the greater Houston area, the winter season is far from over. In the aftermath of any winter storm, some homeowners may be dealing with frozen or burst pipes and possibly fallen tree branches damaging their homes. Unfortunately, scammers tend to take advantage during these times, so if your home is damaged, you will want to make sure repairs are made swiftly and that you avoid any scams.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas 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. 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-to-door 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 and

licensed. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage and personal liability. General contractors are not licensed in Texas, but certain trades, such as plumbers, are licensed. If you need plumbing repairs for burst pipes or other damage, check licensing with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at tsbpe.texas.gov or 800-845-6584. Never pay in full for all repairs in advance, and do not pay cash. many companies may ask for a deposit, BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid up front.

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.

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.