Disaster Officials Issue Fraud Caution
Release Date: April 12, 2006
Release Number: 1634-007
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JACKSON, TENN. -- State and federal officials are advising residents of Tennessee's tornado-damaged counties to be careful when hiring contractors to clean up and repair their homes and businesses.
"We know from experience that residents often get into disputes with repair services over the quality or cost of the work they have done," said Michael Karl of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the official in charge of federal recovery operations.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency offered the following suggestions to families that are rebuilding:
- Use reliable, licensed contractors. Demand to see a license. Check with the Better Business Bureau or call the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors at 1-800-544-7693 to make sure the firm has no outstanding consumer complaints.
- Get a written estimate. Obtain a written estimate and read the fine print. Get estimates from several reputable contractors before making a decision. Hire local contractors if possible.
- Check references. Call former customers who had similar work done to see if they were satisfied with the job.
- Proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance, workers' compensation and is bonded, otherwise the homeowner can be held liable for accidents that occur on the property.
- Ask for a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all the work to be performed, all associated costs, the payment schedule and obligate the contractor to pay for all materials ordered. Never sign a blank contract.
- Permits. Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of the signed contract.
- Written guarantees. If the contractor provides any guarantees, they should be written into the contract clearly stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee, and how long the guarantee is valid.
- Pay by check. Avoid advance payments and cash payments if possible. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project. Federal law requires a three-day "cooling off" period for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25.
- Canceling a contract. Canceling a contract should be done within three business days of signing. Send notification by registered mail.
- Make final payments only when work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Apr-2006 08:32:51