Repairing The Damage
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If you have to vacate your home during repairs, let local law enforcement
officials know it will be unoccupied. You should inform family members,
trusted friends and neighbors, your insurance provider and employer of
your temporary location.
Hire A Contractor
After a disaster, competent home repair companies are usually
in short supply. Be cautious of inexperienced and even fraudulent
individuals who offer to quickly repair your home at a discount price.
Take time to find reputable roofers, builders and contractors.
These tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FEMA can help.
- Interview several licensed and bonded contractors. Ask for a list of recent
customers and call them.
- Ask for recommendations from your insurance provider, relatives,
neighbors or co-workers.
- Check your local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association
to see whether complaints have been filed against a contractor.
- Ask for a detailed written estimate and completion date before signing a
contract. Obtain a copy of the final, signed contract before work begins.
- Never pay in advance. It is customary to pay a deposit of 20 percent to
30 percent of the total cost. Some contractors may ask you to pay for
materials up front; consider going with them to buy materials or paying
the supplier directly.
- Pay only by check or credit card — never in cash. Pay the final
amount only after all work has been completed to your satisfaction.
- Consider asking an attorney to review a home repair contract before
you sign, particularly when extensive work is required.
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To report fraud, call your state Attorney General. To file a
complaint or get free information on preventing unfair business
practices, visit www.ftc.gov
or call (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357).
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Updated Thursday, August 14, 2008
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| © The USAA Educational Foundation, 2000 -
All rights reserved.
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Selling A Home
Selling A Home
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