Latest Storms Brings Another Storm Chaser Warning!

Written by Jennifer Satut

Better Business Bureau Issues A Contractor Warning

Following the wake of the past two week’s storms, the Better Business Bureau has issued a warning for Chicagoland residents to be wary of scam artists and storm chasers. Both hail damage and wind damage can cause a great deal of problems when it comes to your roofing and siding, but these contractors can cause much more problems than they fix.

To find out more about storm chasers and how the insurance claim process SHOULD work, as well as what to do if you suspect you have hail damage to your roof, siding or gutters, please visit our Hail Damage page.

From the Chicago Better Business Bureau news center on June 30,2010:

If your property has been damaged by any of the recent weather, the BBB offers these tips before choosing a contractor:

• When approached by a contractor, ask for proof of licensing and bonding.
• Try to get at least 3-4 quotes from contractors, and insist that payments be made to the company, not an individual.
• Do not pay for the job in advance. Be wary of any contractor who demands full payment up front.
• Do not hire people who show up at your door offering services such as tree or debris removal and roof repair.
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot.
• Check out the company first with the BBB at www.bbb.org and deal only with reputable local contractors.
• Get a written contract that specifies the price and the work to be done and a time frame. In Illinois state law requires a written contract with all costs enumerated for home repair or remodeling work over $1,000.
• Prices are often high in the immediate aftermath of a storm. Buy only the services that are necessary to make your home safe and habitable. Wait at least a few days to hire other contractors because the rates are likely to drop.
• Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if there’s a problem. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash.
• Check that the contractor’s vehicle has signs or markings on it with the business name and phone number.
• Be sure that all promises made are put in writing.

Click here to read the entire text of the BBB warning.