Disaster Officials Issue Fraud Warning
Release Date: May 16, 2003
Release Number: 1464-13
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Nashville, TN -- State and federal officials are advising residents of Tennessee's storm-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 Bolch, 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 after the tornadoes, severe storms and floods of May. "Although no widespread problems have been reported so far, caution is the safest course for people who have already suffered losses," said John D. White, the state coordinating officer.
- 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 filed against it.
- Get a written estimate. Obtain a written estimate and read the fine
print. Get estimates from several reputable contractors before making
a final 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. If the contractor is
not insured or bonded, 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.
The declared counties for Individual Assistance are: Bedford, Bledsoe, Bradley, Cannon, Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Coffee, Crockett, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Hamilton, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Lake, Lauderdale, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Maury, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Montgomery, Obion, Polk, Rhea, Robertson, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Stewart, Warren, Wayne, Weakley, Williamson and Wilson.
Last Modified: Friday, 16-May-2003 14:44:38