Be wary of contractors ... damage comes in many forms after storms

The Beaumont Enterprise

Scott Eslinger/The Beaumont Enterprise file photo Gary Swanson, 41, of West Orange attempts to hook up the telephone line for his home and what remains of his business, Kool Breeze Automotive, in October 5 in West Orange.

A hurricane's most devastating havoc might not be caused by wind, rain or debris at all.

On top of wrecked homes, cars and routines, victims of a hurricane can be victimized again by unscrupulous operators who take advantage of shock, legal loopholes and naïve consumers.

Resources like the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas can help you avoid costly mistakes and to resolve problems that arise from questionable practices. Since Hurricane Rita, BBB inquiries and dispute resolutions have gone through the roof. In October 2004, the BBB received more than 200 inquiries about roofing contractors; during the same month in 2005, inquiries about roofers jumped to 9,000.

And according to BBB President Michael Clayton, dispute resolution has doubled since Rita.

But if you need post hurricane repairs, you can help yourself by being a smarter consumer.

BBB tips: Avoid being ripped off

Contractors

• Solicit two or three bids for any remodeling work you are planning. Don't automatically accept the lowest offer. Make sure all bids are based on the same set of specifications and materials to be used. Ask for references and inspect finished projects. Make sure the contractor is in compliance with all local licensing, bonding and insurance requirements and that any necessary building permits are obtained.

• Never sign a blank or partially blank contract. Before paying, get a sworn statement that all bills for material and labor have been paid for by the contractor. Typically, a down payment of one third of the total contract price is made with additional payments made after completion of each phase of work; final payment should not be made until work is completed and you have inspected the work.

• If the work is to be financed, be sure to have completed details of the financing agreement, especially if a second mortgage of your home is used as security for the remodeling work.

Foundation repair

Don't think that you need to be an expert to determine that you have a problem with your foundation. Just look around to see if you find the following:

• Cracks in the interior walls

• "Popped" nails in the plaster of sheetrock

• Doors and windows that are hard to close

• Cracks in the brick fireplace wall

• Cracks in or between the exterior bricks

• Joints around the windows or door frames pulling away from the caulking

• Leaks in the roof, despite roofing material that is in good condition

• Obvious sloping of doors.

These problems are more that unsightly cosmetic annoyances. Cracks in the interior walls reduce the value of your home. Cracks in exterior bricks allow moisture that can damage the sheathing, insulation and the interior walls. Spaces between walls and windows or doors that no longer fit well can result in higher heating and cooling costs. Also, leaking roofs can result in damaged beams, insulation, interior walls, ceilings and electrical wiring.

Most homeowners can take their time in getting their foundations repaired since foundation problems usually are not emergencies. Because of this, there should be no need for you to be pushed into a hasty decision regarding which company you select to level you house.

However, it is important to remember that foundation problems cause damage to the rest of your home, so the sooner the repairs are made, the better. So, how do you find the right company?

Handy checklist to use when comparing foundation fixers

• Determine how long the company has been in business.

• You should understand what method of foundation repair would be used. If you have a preference, you should seek out the companies using that method.

• Visit the business location. Is it professional and organized.

• How much experience does the company have in foundation repair? Remember, the years a company has been in business may not reflect its experience with foundations. In the event you may sell your home in the future, it is important to be certain that any foundation repair will be adequate to obtain financing.

• Does the company have workman's compensation and liability insurance? Ask the company to have its agent mail a certificate of insurance to your home.

• Is a city permit required for the area?

• Will the company supply a scale drawing to show how the hose will be leveled?

• Is the company a member of any related trade or professional associations?

• Is the company willing to give you references? Be sure the references are not handpicked by the company. And don't be satisfied to simply have the references. Check with the people to see what their experiences were.

• Be sure that you understand the terms of payment. You should make no payments before the work begins. Be sure you understand the warranty agreement before you sign the contract. In the foundation repair industry, most contracts contain a clause indicating that conditions might appear during foundation work that were not visible when the bid was submitted. In these cases, the desired results may not be obtained. After the extended warranty period, a service agreement may be available to cover beyond the warranty period at an additional cost. Other companies may not transfer the warranty if you sell the house or may charge a fee for the transfer. No matter what, the conditions of the warranty or guarantee should be clearly listed in the contract.

Help yourself

Want to know more about protecting yourself? Visit the BBB’s Web site or call (409) 835-5348 or (800) 685-7650.