How to avoid being scammed during construction work following Sunday’s storms

As many area residents continue the clean up following the early morning severe thunderstorms and tornadoes Sunday, some will have to deal with home repairs or rebuilding. Unfortunately, that means there may be some unscrupulous people coming into the Twin Lakes Area trying to make a quick buck by scamming home owners hoping to get the work done quickly and cheaply.The Arkansas Attorney General’s website has some tips to keep in mind to avoid being ripped off.

One thing to know is any contractor building, repairing or doing improvements to a home costing more than $2,000 is required to be bonded and licensed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. You should call the board at (501) 372-4661 to verify a contractor’s license, the date it was issued, and whether any complaints have been filed against that contractor.

Always insist on a written and signed contract before and work begins. Specifically, make sure the following information is included in the contract:

· Your name. The name, address and telephone number of the builder or contractor.

· A complete and detailed description of the work to be done and the materials to be used, including the grade, quality and quantity.

· A provision requiring your written approval before any price increases are implemented or before the scope of work is expanded.

· A statement that explains the builder’s or contractor’s guarantee on the work to be performed.

· A starting date and, more importantly, a completion date.

· A complete description of the cost of the job, full disclosure of the payment terms and the financing costs, if any.

· Your signature and the contractor’s signature.

Also, use caution when you are hiring someone to do work for you.

· Think twice before hiring out-of-town or unknown contractors, especially those soliciting door-to-door.

· Question contractors who use terms like “special introductory offer,” “limited-time offer” or those who offer discounts to use your house as a “model home.”

· Do not fall for high-pressure tactics from contractors who want to discuss the price of the job later.

· Beware of those demanding a full payment before work is finished.

Scammers frequently target distressed homeowners and charge fees.

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