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CAUTION when Finding Reliable Contractors to Repair Home after Hurricane Ike The Woodlands & Spring Texas

By Pippa Mac

Real Estate Agent with Chevaux Group Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring

September 26, 2008 02:38 AM

The Woodlands, Spring & Houston Texas:

BBB is saying use CAUTION when looking for a reliable contractor to repair your home after Hurricane Ike

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous repair people.

Call the BBB (713)868-9500 or (877)468-9222 to get a contractors report
Check their website at www.BBBhouston.org
Please report any suspious people
Get references from friends, relatives or realtors
Be suspicious of door-to-door workers, especially if they use scare tactics
Check to see if the company name is on their vehicle or if company is in phone directory
Try to get 2-3 estimates for the cost of repairs and that contractors are bidding the same package
(including materials, when work begins, is completed & when payments made)
A 30% downpayment of the total is standard for the industry
Get a detailed description of the necessary work
Do NOT sign a completion form until you are satisfied

Proceed with caution! Additional heartache and money will be saved for the many victims of Hurricane Ike.

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Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Hi Pippa, I would say the BBB is right to be careful with contractors. NEVER pay full for a job up front. Great reminder for all those in the Hurricane ravaged areas that need work done.

Sep 26, 2008 04:43 AM

Carol Smith

Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Pippa,

It's a rotten fact of life that after any disaster, no matter the devastation level, the rip-off artists come out of the woodwork. It's maddening that there are others that will take advantage of people when they are so vulnerable. But, unfortunately, it happens every day.

Sep 26, 2008 06:29 AM

Anonymous

A man contacted me claiming to be from a company listed in BBB and gave his cell number. Sent a man to repair. This man wanted $50 to buy tarp to cover roof. I became suspicious that a big company did not have money to buy tarp. Looked in phone book, got phone number and called. They said they did not contact me or send anyone. I told the repair man I would not pay. He demanded $240 for coming all the way to my house. He threatened physical harm. I said I am going to call police and he left.

Sep 26, 2008 11:38 AM

Ann Allen Hoover

RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL

CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

Hi Pippa - glad to see you post this. Since you are getting such good traffic to your blog hopefully it will create awareness for some folks who might otherwise get taken advantage of.

Have a great weekend!

Sep 27, 2008 02:34 AM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Excellent tips. It is a sad fact that people really have to follow these tips to protect themselves! Most people pull together to get through tough times like they are experiencing in Houston. Others see it as an opportunity to cheat people and create more heartache. Great post!

Sep 28, 2008 05:22 AM

CAUTION when Finding Reliable Contractors to Repair Home after Hurricane Ike The Woodlands & Spring Texas

The Woodlands, Spring & Houston Texas:

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