Following a natural disaster, unfamiliar contractors are going from door to door offering their services for clean-up and repairs. How do I know if they are honest and reputable?
While the majority of the businesses are honest and reputable, some are not. We suggest the following helpful hints to avoid a potentially difficult situation down the road: • If possible, use contractors that are familiar to you. • Always ask for references from previous customers and local suppliers. Be sure to check the references out! • If possible, get more than one estimate. Never be pushed into signing a contract on the spot. • Get all agreements in writing; i.e., work to be performed, costs, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and any other expectations. Never sign a blank contract. • Never pay a contractor in full, or sign a contract of satisfaction until the work is completed.
