Take Care When Hiring Contractors for Disaster Repairs
Release Date: November 7, 2008
Release Number: 1763-212
ยป More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Take extra care when hiring contractors. That is the advice issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Iowa Attorney General's Office to Iowans working to rebuild after this summer's tornados, severe storms and flooding.
"As the weather is turning colder, we know many homeowners are taking steps to repair their homes for winter," said William L. Vogel, FEMA federal coordinating officer. "People should be especially alert for phone or door-to-door solicitors who hand out flyers and promise to speed up the insurance or building permit process, and those who ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full."
"Whether they are architectural, engineering, electrical, or general contractors, most service providers in the building industry are honest," Vogel said, "but disasters attract scam artists. Some claim to be 'FEMA certified,' when in fact, FEMA neither certifies nor endorses any business for repairs."
Tips for hiring help include getting a written estimate, calling references provided, asking for proof of insurance, obtaining required building permits, signing a complete contract with all work clearly defined, and avoid paying with cash.
"Thanks to alert consumers and honest contractors, we've had relatively few consumer scams in the wake of this year's tornadoes and floods," said Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. "But consumers still need to take care to avoid being cheated - we don't want scams to flare up as the weather turns colder. The cardinal rules are to check out any contractor in advance, get a written contract and don't pay large sums in advance."
Report problems with a contractor or fraud to local authorities or the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office - 888-777-4590, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Consumers also may file a complaint online - and get more consumer tips and information - at
www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org
. Complaints may also be directed to FEMA's Inspector General's Office at 1-800-323-8603.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
