As the clean up continues from the May 26 tornados in the Twin Lakes Area, many homeowners are facing the task of home repairs or rebuilding. Unfortunately, there are or will be scammers in the area looking to make a quick buck. We have also had several stories recently about local residents being arrested for taking money for construction jobs and never starting them, so it’s always wise to be vigilant and do your homework when hiring someone to do work on your home.
Teresa Bell, who along with her husband Bryan own Bryan Bell Construction in Mountain Home, has some tips to help homeowners avoid being scammed during the process of hiring a contractor. Bell, whose company is a member of the Twin Lakes Homebuilders Association and the National Home Builders Association, says make sure your contractor is bonded and has general liability insurance.
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Bell says when you get your contract, make sure it is itemized.
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Bell says another way to make sure the contractor you are working with is legitimate is to check a state website.
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That website is aclb.arkansas.gov, then click on the “Find a Licensed Contractor” tab.
Bell says with the way the Twin Lakes Area has been growing, construction businesses have been very busy, which means those who have been impacted by the severe weather are going to have to be patient.
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Other tips she suggests is make sure the contractor you choose has workers comp and their price is in line with what your insurance estimate is. She also says don’t make any agreements over the phone, and don’t send money through apps such as Venmo or Cash App.
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