8 ON YOUR SIDE: Storm damage repair tips from the BBB
FILE – Home damaged in a storm. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
8 ON YOUR SIDE: Any time a storm leaves behind property damage, owners are at risk of being a victim of scam artists.
The Better Business Bureau has helpful information so that you aren’t left paying for work that is never finished or doesn’t meet your expectations.
While you likely want to get the repairs made quickly, you should check with your insurance company first before getting anyone to do the work. That way, you know what will be covered by your insurance policy and what you’ll have to pay for yourself.
- Watch out for someone giving you unbelievably low estimates, especially if they come with a high-pressure sales pitch forcing you into making a quick decision.
- You also don’t want to pay in advance or in full before the job is completed because you may never get the work finished.
- Don’t sign a contract without reading the fine print, to make sure you get a warranty on the work and you know all costs up front.
- Make sure whoever is doing your repairs has a license and a permit before any work starts.
- Make sure you get estimates in writing, with all labor, materials and a timeline included.
- Pay by credit card, which gives you extra protection if there’s a dispute.
Finally, check the Better Business Bureau website, BBB.org, to verify contractors and to check reviews.
This is good information to know, not just if you have storm damage, but anytime you need to someone to make repairs.
