BBB Advises Homeowners to
Watch Out for “Storm Chasers”Bookmark & Share
August 30, 2011 – New York, NY – Your home may take a serious beating when a big storm like Hurricane Irene hits. During the cleanup effort, choose repair contractors carefully, to avoid having your wallet take a beating too. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Irene to look out for fly-by-night “storm chasers.”
“Beware of contractors who stop by your home after a storm and offer services at a supposedly low cost since they are in your neighborhood,” said BBB President and CEO Claire Rosenzweig. “They could be unlicensed or unscrupulous operators who will take your money but provide incompetent services or no services at all.”
Storm chasers often include problem contractors who have temporarily crossed into the state, seeking to take advantage of homeowners who suffered property damage during the storm. Their dubious deals can cost thousands and create serious headaches.
How do you find a contractor you can trust? BBB recommends that homeowners do the following:
Start Your Search with BBB. In addition to offering Business Reviews on tens of thousands of contractors—good and bad—across the US, you can also rely on BBB’s Accredited Business Locator to find trustworthy contractors in your area. BBB accreditation standards require that accredited businesses make a good faith effort to resolve disputes.
Check the contractor’s background before you hire. Verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs, and check them. Confirm whether or not the contractor will be subcontracting the job or relying on their own employees.
Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor who uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors who require you to get the necessary permits.
Don’t fall for promises made by storm chasers. After a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door-to-door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises on which they won’t be able to deliver.
Seek at least three bids. Beware of low-ball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.
Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labor, any provisions regarding liens, and any warranties or guarantees. Don’t sign any contract that has blanks in it or that you don’t understand.
For more advice on hiring home repair professionals in New York, click here.
To schedule an interview, contact Walter Brewster at 212.358.2845 or wbrewster@newyork.bbb.org
About BBB Serving Metropolitan New York
The BBB Serving Metropolitan New York, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Region is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Reports™ and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports™, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.
To further promote trust, the BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912 by advertising executives. The BBB of Metropolitan New York was founded in 1922 by the NY Stock Exchange. Today, 124 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org or www.newyork.bbb.org for more information.
