BBB WARNS OF CONTRACTOR SCAMS AS WARM WEATHER BRINGS RISK OF FLOODING
February 7, 2015
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS:
The Better Business
Bureau is warning area homeowners about potential scammers looking to take
advantage of people dealing with flooding in their homes as this weekend's
warmer weather melts last week's snow.
Homeowners should be
careful when choosing a contractor to fix flooding issues, according to a
statement from the BBB.
It's best to request
bids from two or three different companies and carefully read all agreements,
guarantees and instructions before signing any contracts, the BBB said.
Consumers should never sign blank or partially blank contracts.
“Make sure all oral
promises are put in writing,” Steve J. Bernas of the BBB said in the statement.
“Be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could
pose a problem later.”
Illinois state law
requires a contract for all repairs totaling more than $1,000, Bernas said.
Consumers should get
all price quotes or estimates in writing, determine whether the contractor has
insurance and check with local and county government to see if permits are
required for the work they need done, the BBB said.