Use Care In Hiring Repair Contractors
Release Date: May 22, 2003
Release Number: 1463-31
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- Storm-affected residents and business owners eager to move along their recovery likely will need one or more contractors to help repair disaster damages or rebuild their homes and businesses.
That's why state and federal disaster recovery officials are urging citizens to be smart consumers when it comes to choosing professional help.
To help the process go as smoothly as possible, follow these suggestions:
- If you were satisfied with past work done by local licensed contractors,
try them first. If they cannot help you, ask for recommendations. If
you must hire a contractor you don't know, talk to several before signing
anything.
- Check the contractor's reputation.
The local Better Business Bureau, homebuilders association or building
trades council all are sources of information. Ask if the contractor
you are considering has unanswered complaints filed against him/her.
- Ask for references. Contractors
should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Contact some
of those customers and ask if they would hire the contractor again.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
Be sure the contractor has disability and workers' compensation insurance.
If not, you may be liable for accidents on your property.
- Ask for a written estimate.
Make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do. Also,
find out up front if the contractor will charge a fee for that estimate.
- Ask for a contract. The
contract should clearly state all work, costs and the payment schedule.
Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. It may be worthwhile
to have a lawyer look at the contract before signing it.
- Ask for guarantees in writing.
If the contractor provides guarantees, he/she should clearly
state what is covered by that guarantee, who is responsible for fulfilling
the guarantee (dealer, contractor or manufacturer), and how long the
guarantee is valid.
- Get a copy of the final, signed
contract and read it over carefully before signing.
Once signed, the contract is binding on both you and the contractor.
- Do not sign off before the job is finished. Make sure the work is done to your satisfaction before signing completion papers or making a final payment. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure to sign if the job is not finished properly.
Consumers who do have problems with a contractor or who have been victims of fraud are urged to call the Missouri Attorney General's Hotline, Consumer Fraud and Price Gouging Division, at 800-392-8222.
Access to federal and state assistance programs begins with a call to the toll-free registration line, 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with hearing or speech impairments, the TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multi-lingual operators are available. The registration numbers are operational 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, with the exception of Memorial Day (Monday, May 26), when the lines will be closed.
On May 16, residents in 18 additional Missouri counties became eligible for individual assistance. Those counties are: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, and Shelby.
The counties previously designated as disaster areas are: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Buchanan, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Perry, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, Scott, Stoddard, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Vernon, Washington and Webster.
Last Modified: Friday, 23-May-2003 14:10:39