BBB Urges Caution When Hiring Contractors After Storm Damage

RALEIGH — As homeowners begin cleaning up from weekend storms, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas is urging residents to take their time before hiring contractors or making permanent repairs.

Strong winds, heavy rain and tornadoes caused damage across parts of the region, including Johnston County, where an EF-0 tornado was confirmed in Clayton.

BBB President and CEO Mallory Wojciechowski said storm recovery can vary considerably from one property to another.

“Natural disasters can affect areas differently and recovery can prove more difficult for some than others,” Wojciechowski said. “Take the time to assess how your property has been impacted and what company can best help you recover.”

Homeowners should first contact their insurance company to determine what is covered and what documentation will be required for a claim.

BBB recommends photographing or recording video of damage to homes, vehicles and other property before cleanup begins.

Permanent repairs generally should not be made until the insurance company has been contacted and any necessary approval has been received. Temporary repairs may be needed to prevent additional damage, but homeowners should save receipts for materials and other expenses.

Residents cleaning up storm debris should also be cautious around fallen trees, damaged structures, electrical lines and other hazards.

BBB warned homeowners to be particularly careful when approached by contractors who arrive unsolicited following a storm.

So-called storm-chasing contractors may travel into damaged areas looking for repair work. BBB recommends checking a contractor’s background, asking friends or relatives for referrals and obtaining several estimates before making a decision.

Homeowners should also determine whether a contractor is properly licensed when a license is required.

BBB recommends getting all agreements in writing, including the work to be performed, materials to be used, cost, payment schedule and expected start and completion dates.

Verbal promises should also be included in the written contract.

Residents are advised not to sign documents they do not fully understand or sign an estimate or authorization form before deciding to hire a contractor.

BBB also cautions against paying the entire cost of a project in advance.

Payments should generally be tied to the progress of the work, with final payment made after the job has been completed and inspected by the homeowner.

Residents should also avoid signing insurance checks directly over to a contractor or signing documents that give a contractor rights to an insurance claim.

Anyone who suspects price gouging or questionable business practices following the storm can report the matter to the Better Business Bureau or the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.