If your home has been damaged by a natural disaster, a reputable building contractor can help with the repairs in most cases. Unfortunately, disasters sometimes bring out the worst in home-repair con artists who overcharge, perform substandard work, and often leave before completing the job. So, how do you find a reputable and quality building contractor?

Identify home repair scams
The following are suggestions on how you can identify construction con artists.

1. Be cautious of builders or contractors who contact you first, by going door-to-door selling their services, especially after a large area-wide natural disaster in which many contractors who are unknown in the community, often referred to as travelers, come into the area to “help the victims.” These travelers can usually be identified by their quotes of ridiculously low prices for their professional services, generally well below the standard market price for that area for similar work. They also can be identified by (1) their claim that they have just completed work in the area and have materials left over, so they can give you a good deal and (2) their insistence that a contract be signed that day so that repair work can be done immediately. In addition, they generally request more money than the original repair quote.
   
   
2. Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Verify the contractor’s licensing credentials with the local building department. Investigate the track record of any contractor you are considering hiring. Get a list of recent jobs the contractor has completed in the area and the names of at least three satisfied customers for whom the contractor has done work. Then verify the contractor’s reliability and quality of work by visiting the site and talking to the referred customers.
   
   
3. Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, insurance agents, or claims adjusters for recommendations. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see whether complaints have been lodged against the contractor you are considering.
   
   
4. Insist on a written contract, but don’t let anyone rush you into signing the contract. Get written estimates from at least three firms. Ask contractors if there is a charge for an estimate before allowing them in your home. Ask for explanations of price variations; make sure the contract includes detailed descriptions of the work to be done and specifies exactly what materials will be used, the starting date and the estimated completion date; and do not automatically choose the lowest bidder. Get a copy of the final, signed and dated contract.
   
   
5. Beware of contractors who ask you to pay for the entire job up front. Never give a deposit until you’ve done your homework. When you make a down payment, it should not be more than one-third of the total price. Pay only by check or credit card, and pay the final amount (usually the final 10 percent of the estimated cost of the job) only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don’t pay cash and don’t pay in advance.
   
   
6. Be skeptical of contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Be sure you’ll have enough money to complete permanent repairs.
   
   
7. Be cautious about using your house as security (called a deed of trust) for a home improvement loan. If you fail to repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home.
   
   
8. Have a knowledgeable friend, relative, or your attorney review a contract before you sign. If you get a loan to pay for the work, consider having these documents reviewed as well. If financing is offered by the contractor, it may be expensive, so check with banks or credit unions to see if you can find a better deal.
   
   
9. Before you contract for repair work, decide first what you want to have done and how much you can afford to spend.
   
   
10. Request an insurance certificate from the contractor and make sure it includes workers’ compensation coverage in addition to liability.
    
    
11. Make sure the contractor has a city building permit (if you live in the city) and is properly bonded. Inspect all work very carefully to make sure it was done correctly. If you are not satisfied, do not sign the “completion certificate” until the work is properly finished.
    
    
12. If you suspect a repair rip-off, contact your attorney immediately, because many times there are time deadlines to cancel sales or pursue legal claims. Also contact your county prosecuting attorney, the Better Business Bureau, and the consumer division of your state attorney general’s office.

Conclusion
“The Better Business Bureau nationwide fields more inquiries and complaints about general contractors than any other type of business,” says Pam King, president of the Mountain States Better Business Bureau, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters that affect a widespread area.

Although some home repair companies do good work and are reputable, some cannot be trusted. Dishonest companies target homes that have experienced disaster, the elderly, or low-income families.

A home repair scam could start as innocently as someone knocking at your door after you have suffered devastation and offering to “help” with home repairs, so make sure you thoroughly investigate any and all contractors you are considering contracting for repair work on your home.