Emergency Repair ALERT 

Current laws greatly favor builders, remodelers and contractors rather than homeowners. So...

BUYER BEWARE: Too many Texas homeowners were ripped off by unscrupulous contractors after Hurricane Ike, hail storms and similar events. Although many contractors are reputable and can easily handle emergency repairs, unscrupulous ones often show up after disasters to pray on people in a hurry to fix their homes.

Please protect yourself and consider this advice please when hiring a contractor to fix your home.

• Ask your insurance adjuster for contractor references.
• Ask your contractor for customer references (and call them).
• Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to check their status. Angie’s List is another good reference, because it has both good & bad consumer comments. Although there’s a small fee, it’s probably worth it.
• Make sure your contractor has a physical Texas address and ideally a local address (not a P.O. Box).
• Don’t pay anything up front, not even for materials. It’s common for a contractor to do one good job and then canvas an entire neighborhood referring to the first, getting up-front payments and then disappearing.
• Understand your contract and get help from an attorney if you don’t, because the contract defines the rights of each party.
• Avoid contracts with a mandatory binding arbitration clause, since arbitration almost always favors the contractor.
• Make sure the contractor has workman’s comprehensive and liability insurance.
• If you can, require a performance bond since that provides a source for collecting damages if problems disputes occur, even if the contractor files for bankruptcy protection or skips town.
• Contact us with any other suggestions you have to share.

City sounds warning against unscrupulous contractors

Don't Be Duped!  Protect Yourself from Scams & Faulty Work.

The Police News, 4/16/2009
http://www.familybadge.org/(S(inf4yc55d2nmhdzymeqx1yni))/screenprint.aspx?newsletterid=12639 

Galveston, Texas: Not long after Hurricane Ike moved on, contractors began moving in.  More than six months and stacks of complaints later, some unfortunate citizens find themselves the victims of scams and faulty work.  How can you differentiate a reputable contractor from a fraud?  Don't be duped!  Carefully read over the following list of tips to avoid falling prey to schemes and faulty labor:

• Ask to see your remodeler's license and proof of insurance.  All residential and commercial contractors must be registered with the City of Galveston.  [HOT: Don't confuse the terms License and Registration. Texas does NOT license general contractors, remodelers, roofers, framers, or several other sub-scontractors. It only registers them. The state only licenses electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, and a few others.]
  
• Homeowners should never pay for the entire job up front.  Negotiate a payment schedule with your contractor based on performance or task completion.  Be suspicious if the remodeler asks for cash payment before starting the job.  Always pay by check so you retain a record of your payment.
  
• Request a list of references and verify that previous clients were satisfied with their work.  Don't hire someone out of desperation; patience will help protect you.
  
• Talk to more than one company and compare bids.  If one contractor returns a noticeably lower bid resist the temptation to immediately hire that business.  The lowest price doesn't always guarantee quality work.  Contractors who cut costs on materials to secure their next job could leave the unsuspecting homeowner with costly repairs down the road.
  
• Ask for a written estimate before signing a contract or making down payments.  Never sign a blank contract!  Your agreement should outline the job, the process, and costs involved to complete the work.
  
• Professional contractors will adhere to city building codes and submit a permit application to the Planning and Community Development Department for approval.  Be wary if a remodeler tells you city codes and permits have been waived due to the emergency.  Call the city or check the city's website, www.cityofgalveston.org , to verify that information for yourself.
  
• Some fly-by-night operators specifically travel to disaster areas with the intent of swindling homeowners, especially the elderly, out their money.  Don't be their next victim!  If you suspect someone of engaging in unscrupulous activities call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.  Complaints may also be made to the Galveston Police Department by calling (409) 765-3702 and through the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.