(WICHITA, Kan.) — Are you ready for spring? The Better Business Bureau of Kansas is warning consumers before the storm season begins.
Every year storms cost Kansas homeowners millions. When it happens, they don't always make the best decisions.
“They panic and they're in shock because of the damage that's been done,” says Robbie Namee with the BBB.
Last year, FactFinder 12 discovered roofing scams after a major hail storm hit western Sedgwick County. Some homeowners paid roofing contractors who never came back to do the work.
We also learned of many unlicensed contractors doing work.
Here’s what the BBB wants consumers to know this storm season:
Be wary of a contractor who-
- Solicits door to door
- Only accepts cash payments
- Asks you to obtain building permits
- Pressures you for an immediate decision
- Asks for payment upfront
- Offers to talk to the adjuster or insurance company on your behalf
- Has no local phone number and/or address
- Tells you the job is a “demonstration”
- Asks to borrow money from a lender the contractor knows
- Check the business out with your local BBB, City Licensing (make sure the licensing matches the work you are contracting for), local DA Consumer Protection, and local Builders Association.
- Ask for recent local references for the last 6 months to a year.
- Get at least 3 bids.
- Make sure everything is in writing, make sure you understand what you are signing, make sure to read the back of the contract.
- Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler?
- Work with your insurance agent
