Memphis, TN – After storms or other kinds of bad weather that cause widespread damage, homeowners are often approached by less than reputable “storm chasers” who follow bad weather and go door to door offering too good to be true deals on repairs. While not all of them are out-and-out scammers, they may lack proper licensing, make promises they can’t keep, and/or be long gone when you find out the work they did was unsatisfactory. The same may be true of shoddy local contractors and handymen.
The BBB encourages consumers to research contractors at BBB.org before hiring one. A BBB Accredited Business has been vetted, meets proper licensing requirements, and adheres to high ethical BBB Accreditation standards. If a contractor you’re considering has a bad record or you don’t have a specific one in mind, the BBB can provide a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in any industry that can do the job.
Additional BBB tips for hiring a contractor after damaging weather:
- Be wary of unsolicited door-to-door solicitations.
- After bad weather that causes widespread damage, reputable contractors may be busier than usual. If necessary, make temporary repairs until a trusted professional is available.
- If a contractor isn’t a BBB Accredited Business, verify it has any required license.
- Get a detailed contract in writing, including work specifics, materials, timelines, total cost, and responsibility for pulling any required permits.
- Never pay the full amount up front and use a credit card when possible. Credit cards provide some recourse if a problem develops that other forms of payment don’t provide.
Consumers can learn more about BBB Accredited Businesses and find additional tips at BBB.org
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