Choosing the Correct Contractor After A Hurricane Or Disaster

Many legitimate contractors will actually come by your home, especially after a natural disaster or when they are working in the neighborhood simply to introduce themselves or see if you may require their services.  But not all are who and what they say they are. There are ways to tell apart the good guys from the bad guys.

Here are a few things that should be considered RED FLAGS:

1. Claiming to be a contractor in street clothes
2. Their work vehicle has no visible company branding
3. Requested an immediate deposit, without a contract in place
4. They offer to work without getting permits required by law

How to Avoid Being Scammed

There are pre-cautionary measures you should take whether hiring someone who knocks on your door, or call on someone. Here are a few things to do in order to avoid being scammed in the home improvement process:

1. Ask to see their Louisiana State Drivers license
2. Make certain there is a working Local Phone number to reach them
3. Check the vehicle they're driving for a Louisiana State license plate
4. Verify their Louisiana State Contractors License
5. Verify their Louisiana State Insurance Certificate
6. Verify their Local Business Occupational License
7. Ask for referrals and get references
8. Insist on Permits & Contracts for any work to be done.

And, most of all...IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!

Homeowners who use out-of-towners will have NO WARRANTEE once the work is done and they leave town.

If a contractor is willing to undercut another contractor for work, there has to be a reason. Perhaps they are not licensed and insured, or they are going to take serious short-cuts to drive costs down. Maybe those short cuts are buying used or junk materials, not pulling permits, or down right shoddy workmanship. Whatever the case may be, there is a reason lurking behind it. Professional companies will be able to provide you with references, insurances, licenses, permits and contracts. They will also charge you a fair price, but one that allows them to stay in business as well.