Sometimes, it’s not storms that pose the most danger to people; sometimes, it’s the scammers trying to take advantage of the situation. This is what the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recently stressed when it reminded people to conduct due research before hiring contractors for storm damage repair. As DLI commissioner Ken Peterson says, “after most storms unscrupulous operators try to take advantage of storm victims” so being careful is only natural when hiring roofing, construction, or siding contractors in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota DLI presents many different tips for sniffing out contractor scams after a storm. One good piece of advice is to simply check the contractor’s license number, which can be verified by calling 651-571-9557 or checking online. If that checks out, homeowners can then look for previous complaints with the Better Business Bureau or state court records revealing lawsuits and criminal convictions. If that works out as well, then that’s when you take an even closer look at the supposed “contractor”.
There are a few warning signs that should raise alarms once you notice them. In this situation, the old saying that “if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is” rings true, especially when it comes to door-to-door sales, bottom-dollar deals, and upfront payment transactions. Also, be aware that contractors are prohibited by state law to pay insurance deductibles or any other kind of compensation as incentive to avail of their services. Finally, remember to always check the fine print before signing anything, and if it comes down to it you have 3 days to cancel a contract, provided it was the contractor who initiated contact.
This reminder comes right after Minneapolis was hit with severe summer solstice storms, so the warning couldn’t have come at a better time. Assuming better weather persists for the rest of the summer, this is the chance homeowners could take in order to transact with good Minneapolis siding contractors and have repairs done to their ravaged houses. If this is the case, then it is all the more important to pick the right people for the job.
To choose a reliable contractor, take a look at their credentials, tools, and experience for the job you want done. Check if they have memberships to reputable organizations such as the Certified Contractors Network, the Minnesota Safety Council, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, etc. because if the contractor has their seal of approval, they’re likely to have yours, too. One good example of a company that fits all these requirements is the Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.
Don’t let scammers deal any more damage to your home and your budget right after surviving a destructive storm. If you want to get your house fixed, then you have to give the job to those who know how to do the job right; otherwise, you might end up at an even bigger loss than before. When it comes to storms, always be prepared—and that includes the before, during, and the after.
Sources:
- http://www.doli.state.mn.us/CCLD/RBCConsumer.asp
- http://www.citypages.com/slideshow/summer-solstice-storm-2013-the-destruction-39855940/
