The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is reminding local consumers and businesses to do their homework when selecting companies to provide roof repairs, tree trimming or other services related to the recent storm damage in North Alabama.
The BBB anticipates that several out-of-town companies will enter the local marketplace to offer their home repair or tree trimming services in the wake of the storms. The BBB has found during similar situations in the past that some of these companies do not secure proper licensing with the business license departments in the cities where they are offering their services, and may even make false claims of being a BBB Accredited Business or BBB Member.
"We understand that local residents and businesspeople are anxious to repair the damage that has occurred to their homes and buildings from the tornado and strong storms, however, it only takes a few minutes to verify a company's licensing status with their local license department, and to review the company's BBB Reliability Report," says BBB of North Alabama president and CEO Michele Mason. "Our BBB Accredited Businesses have earned that distinction by showing that they adhere to the BBB Standards of Trust, and it is very concerning when a company that does not meet those standards would boldly promote themselves as being BBB Accredited when they in fact are not," Mason added.
The BBB also warns that some companies are known as "storm chasers," meaning they travel to areas where damage has been publicized, do work for a short period of time, and then move on to the next area of disaster. Consumers and businesses hiring a storm chaser to do their repairs face the risk of being unable to locate the business later, should there be any problems with the workmanship, despite having written warranties.
The BBB offers the following tips for homeowners and business owners who are in the process of hiring repair companies and tree trimming or removal companies:
- Gather the company's complete name, address and phone number. If the company won't provide this information, consider this a red flag. Also confirm the address...the BBB has seen bogus addresses used in the past.
- View BBB Reliability Reports on companies located in North Alabama or throughout the U.S. and Canada online at www.bbb.org or call the BBB at (256) 533-1640 or (800) 239-1642. Consumers and businesspeople can also obtain a list of BBB Accredited Businesses categorized by the product or service offered.
- Verify that the company has secured proper licensing with your local city or county business license department.
- Once you choose a company, make sure that you have a written contract that clearly states the work that will be down, the quality or grade of materials that will be used, and an estimated completion date. Verify whether or not the company will also provide cleanup after they have completed their work. Don't assume this is included in the price.
- Use extreme caution when approached by door-to-door company representatives soliciting work, especially those that ask for advance cash payments for products and services.
- Don't pay the full amount of the job upfront. Many reputable companies do not require any advance payment or no more than 1/3 of the job in advance. If your insurance company is covering the damage, make sure that you have their approval of all agreed upon repairs and verify their process for providing payment.