Better Business Bureau offers advice fraud to avoid storm damage

Tornado damage in Barnwell (Source: WFXG)

Augusta, Georgia (WFXG) -

After the storms of last weekend calls the Better Business Bureau, be the public care when a contractor hiring, to repair the damage.

, Some of the most common scams "after the disaster" include your car, home and yard repairs or Here are some tips that accreditation for homeowners, cleaning, cars and property damage after a natural disaster have:

• Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific statements. Keep all receipts, for food, shelter, or other costs that may be covered by your policy.
• Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, keep your emotions get the best of you. Do not feel pressured to make an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be proactive in selecting a company and not reactive to requests for sales. Make temporary repairs if necessary.
• For large permanent repairs, take time for contractors to get the store, competitive bids, check references, make sure the contractor is properly licensed and check. Your opinion business with the Better Business Bureau in bbb.org
• Beware of working from door to door "on the road" to leave as a working material claimed to have or not have a permanent establishment. If sales people go door to door to see if your community requires to be a solicitation permit.
• Be careful if a worker comes to your door to announce that your home is not safe. If you are worried about possible structural damage to your home, an engineer, architect or building official inspect have.
• It will require a written contract agreement, anyone you hire. You need the work to be done to specify materials and the price used for breakdown work and materials. All verbal promises made should be written into the contract, including the warranty on materials and workmanship. Make sure your name, address, license number, if available, telephone number and a date for the beginning and end of the work will be included in the contract. Read and understand the entire contract and do not sign a blank contract. A copy of the signed contract must be considered that at the time of signing that.
• Once you have a contractor found, require proof of a valid insurance policy on workers compensation, property damage and personal responsibility.
• They insist that the contractors have all the necessary permits. Unscrupulous contractors ask the owner permission to draw, because the person who is to acquire the approval responsible for ensuring that the work comply with local and national regulations.
• Never pay not pay in full for all repairs in advance, and the money! While many companies may ask for a deposit, suggests accreditation that not more than one third of the front part of the employment paid. Make sure that the contract specifies payment release schedule for the contractor.
• Be wary if a contractor asks you to sign an estimate. Many unscrupulous contractors have to sign what he believes, an estimate is, but actually it is a binding contract.
• When searching for the services of a cleaning company and restore, remember that the flood soaked carpets can be saved, but they must be professionally disinfected in plant cleaning company. All the furniture was immersed in flood water to be re-upholstered or varnished.
• Clean the materials mud and residual heating and cooling and drying units before deciding whether the unit is functional or to be repaired.

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