Dealing with damage from the ice storm
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/4598/1/Dealing-with-damage-from-the-ice-storm/Page1.html
By Tri-State Defender Newsroom
Published on 02/4/2010
The winter storm that blew through Memphis last week caused significant damage to many trees in the area. Ice-laden branches, both big and small, can be seen littering sidewalks and roadways. Many caused damage to homes, roofs, and fences as they crashed down.
The Better Business Bureau says if you sustained damage to trees, your roof or other structures in Friday’s ice storm, don’t compound the problem by selecting the wrong contractor to make the repairs. The BBB recommends that you:
Be wary of workers who show up unsolicited at your door offering to make repairs. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Those knocking on your door are often itinerant scam artists from other parts of the country who flock to disaster-stricken areas.
Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Keep copies of receipts for emergency repairs for reimbursement later.
Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid acting in haste. Don't be pressured into signing a contract. Make temporary repairs if necessary. A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire.
Take time to shop around for contractors and get 2-3 competitive bids for larger jobs. Don’t automatically select the one with the lowest price.
Check out the contractor’s record and grade with the BBB. If you don’t have a specific contractor in mind, the BBB can provide you a list of BBB Accredited Businesses to choose from. They include roofers, tree removal companies, fence contractors and other home repair companies.
Verify that the contractor has the necessary license, permit and insurance coverage (workers compensation, property damage and liability).
Once you’ve selected a contractor, get everything in writing, particularly for larger jobs. Don’t rely on oral promises and don’t sign a contract with blank spaces.
Remember, simply buying a chain saw at Walmart doesn’t make someone a qualified tree servicer. And a large Yellow Pages ad, glitzy website or sign on a telephone pole don’t always translate into the best company for the job.
The Better Business Bureau says if you sustained damage to trees, your roof or other structures in the recent ice storm, don’t compound the problem by selecting the wrong contractor to make the repairs.
Dealing with damage from the ice storm
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| Last week’s winter storm created ice sculptures throughout the Greater Memphis area. (Photo by Shirley Jackson) |
The winter storm that blew through Memphis last week caused significant damage to many trees in the area. Ice-laden branches, both big and small, can be seen littering sidewalks and roadways. Many caused damage to homes, roofs, and fences as they crashed down.
The Better Business Bureau says if you sustained damage to trees, your roof or other structures in Friday’s ice storm, don’t compound the problem by selecting the wrong contractor to make the repairs. The BBB recommends that you:
Be wary of workers who show up unsolicited at your door offering to make repairs. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Those knocking on your door are often itinerant scam artists from other parts of the country who flock to disaster-stricken areas.
Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Keep copies of receipts for emergency repairs for reimbursement later.
Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid acting in haste. Don't be pressured into signing a contract. Make temporary repairs if necessary. A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire.
Take time to shop around for contractors and get 2-3 competitive bids for larger jobs. Don’t automatically select the one with the lowest price.
Check out the contractor’s record and grade with the BBB. If you don’t have a specific contractor in mind, the BBB can provide you a list of BBB Accredited Businesses to choose from. They include roofers, tree removal companies, fence contractors and other home repair companies.
Verify that the contractor has the necessary license, permit and insurance coverage (workers compensation, property damage and liability).
Once you’ve selected a contractor, get everything in writing, particularly for larger jobs. Don’t rely on oral promises and don’t sign a contract with blank spaces.
Remember, simply buying a chain saw at Walmart doesn’t make someone a qualified tree servicer. And a large Yellow Pages ad, glitzy website or sign on a telephone pole don’t always translate into the best company for the job.