Friday, September 29, 2017

Repair Rip-offs / A Second Assault

Thousands of people suffered property damage from the recent hurricanes, and the season isn't over yet. If you've been affected, after you've ensured your family and friends are safe, it's understandable you want to make your life whole again as quickly as possible.

Just as every disaster brings stories of strangers unselfishly helping each other, disaster also brings out opportunists who take advantage of victims when they're most vulnerable. Here are some tips to consider as you recover from the storms:

Beware of contractors who go door-to-door soliciting your business, promising to do the needed repairs right away at too-good-to-be-true prices. Hiring someone on the spot can be tempting, especially when every legitimate contractor in town is inundated with calls.

Contact your insurance adjustor first to verify the scope of the damage and to determine what your policy will cover. One year, after a big hailstorm, a roofing company went door-to-door in our neighborhood offering to replace everyone's roof; some homeowners did not even have roof damage.

Research and referrals. Even though you may be anxious to get repairs underway, try to be patient. Shop around. Get estimates and references. Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau. Research online how long they've been in business, and how many complaints they've had.

Get everything in writing. Have the contractor spell out the work to be done, materials used, cost, timeline. While you might have to pay something up front to cover materials, resist making full payment until the job is complete and you're satisfied with the work.

Permits and inspections. If you live in an area where permits and inspections are required for the type of project you're doing, make sure those permits are obtained before work begins and inspection takes place before final payment is made. Ask to see the permit. The company that replaced our furnace charged $125 for a permit to install it. When my husband asked to see the permit, not only did they not have one, they didn't even know the process for obtaining one! Yet for years, they had been padding every customer's bill with a charge for a permit.

Beware when buying a used car. Massive flooding during hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria damaged hundreds of vehicles beyond repair. After the claims are settled, many will be sent to auto parts recyclers for dismantling, but others will be assigned salvage titles and shipped to dealer lots. While a reputable dealer will disclose a car's provenance, some unscrupulous sellers willingly pass flood-damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.

Watch for telltale signs that the vehicle might have been underwater: a musty odor, covered up by strong air freshener; shorts in the instrument panel lights or other electronics; fog or moisture beads in the lights; mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seat. Examine the title and ask for a complete CARFAX history. And, as with any used-car purchase, have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you agree to buy it.

What tips do you have to avoid getting ripped off after disaster strikes? I'd love to hear your comments.

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