As North Texans clean up from severe weather over the past month, the Better Business Bureau is urging homeowners to take their time picking a contractor. They say this is a time when "unscrupulous contractors and con artists" might start going door-to-door to drum up business they do not intend to finish.
"We just want to remind consumers to be proactive when they're selecting a contractor instead of reactive to some of the sales calls they might receive on the phone or door-to-door pitches," the BBB's Monica Horton said.
Horton said people may be in a rush to get damage repaired, but she said some contractors may take advantage of that rush.
"Never turn that check over to a contractor," she said. "Get an invoice from them and then pay them, if you can, with a credit card because there are some protections in place that way."
Horton also urges people to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and check bbb.org for information about a business. She said people should get an estimate from at least three different contractors and make sure they are comparing "apples to apples" on each estimate's details.
"We want consumers to be wary of places you can't see because unethical contractors may actually create damage in order to get work," Horton said.
Horton said this is a time when people might also see phony rental listings as scammers try to take advantage of those who might need a temporary place to stay.
"These are very popular where a crook will steal a picture off a real estate listing. Usually, it's a great deal, but the sense of urgency there is there's a lot of interest in this property, so if you don't send the deposit, you could lost out on it," she said.
BBB said contractors can protect themselves too. The organization said "storm chasers" may offer local construction companies money to use the business name and logo. The thief may then "masquerade" as a local business, collect insurance money, and leave without finishing the work, leaving the business to answer customer complaints about poor and unfinished work.
A complete list of tips provided by the BBB is below.
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.
Beware of contractors claiming to waive deductibles. Claiming to waive insurance deductibles without the insurer's consent is illegal in Texas, according to House Bill No. 2102. If speaking with a contractor who offers to waive your deductible, reach out to your insurance company and check if they have been authorized to make that claim.
Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org. Check your local city government agency that is responsible for registering and/or licensing contractors. 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-to-door 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.
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.
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