Use Care in Choosing Post-Flood Repair/Clean-up Contractors

5/3/2010

Lexington, KY - The Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky urges property owners in need of repairs and clean-up services after the weekend floods that deluged Kentucky to carefully check out companies before hiring.

"Many home and business owners in our 64-county service area are dealing with flooded basements and buildings, leaking roofs, soaked carpeting or furniture, perhaps electrical and heating and air issues," said Heather Clary, BBB Director of Communications. "There is also the possibility of scam artists coming in to promise repairs, take people's money and not deliver. The BBB wants people to know they can call us or log onto our website for reports on contractors. They can also get a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the specific categories they need, businesses they can trust."

BBB Accredited Businesses have been qualified for Accreditation and have committed to adhere to ethical business practices including responding to customer complaints if there are problems. "We know property owners may be in a hurry to get things back to normal, but rushing to hire a company you haven't checked out that may not have proper insurance or licensing could cause you a bigger headache in the long run," said Clary.

The BBB offers these tips to property owners looking for ethical companies to repair damage:

  • Before hiring, check out the company report and rating with the BBB by calling (859) 259-1008 or 1-800-866-6668, or by logging on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.
  • Get a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the specific category you need. These lists are available on the website or by calling the BBB to have one sent to you.
  • Use BBB e-Quote to get estimates from BBB Accredited Businesses. Log on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org and click on the e-Quote icon. Choose the category you need, the manner in which you’d like to be contacted, and contractors in that category will automatically contact you, making it an easier process to get the service you need.
  • Get multiple estimates. When you hire, get a written contract (there's no such thing as a "verbal contract") outlining the materials to be used, the time frame in which the work is to be done and the payment schedule. Get any warranties in writing.
  • NEVER PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT UPFRONT.
  • Ask to see the contractor’s proof of proper workers' comp and liability insurance, and any required licensing.

Contact the Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky to check out companies, charities, or to report problems and scams by calling (859) 259-1008 or toll-free 1-800-866-6668 or by logging on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.