Unique Original Articles » Suggestions for Catastrophe Casualties – How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Scam

In the outcome of any disaster, there are always some who will set about to prey upon and scam customers. Below you will discover some significant tips on how to prevent becoming a victim of a scam.

HOME REPAIR – GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Disaster victims must regularly face thousands of dollars worth of essential repairs to make their homes habitable again. Home owners can guard themselves from swindling home repair contractors by paying attention to the following ideas to not get scammed:

1. Shop around and get hold of not less than three documented estimates. Ask the contractors if they have liability insurance (as required by law) and whether they will be using subcontractors on the project.


2. Ask your contractor about his or her professional affiliations.


3. Receive a written contract. Home improvement contracts must reveal the legal name and business address of the contractor as well as a start off date and completion date, a description of the work to be done, and the entire price. Make sure the brand names of principal products and materials to be used or installed are outlined on the contract.


4. Make sure all assurance and guarantees are in writing.


5. Do not pay for the entire job in the beginning. The conventional arrangement is one-third in advance, one-third halfway through the job, and one-third once finished.

6. Hunt for red flags. Be suspicious if a contractor tells you that he or she needs to have a large payment in order for the home repair work can begin, insists that you pay cash, or tells you a written contract is not needed – that a non-written agreement is sufficient. Contracts for home improvement projects costing $500 or more should be in writing.


7. Stay clear of transient home repair contractors. All home improvement contractors must be documented with Consumer Affairs. If you hire a contractor, make sure you acquire names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. If a crisis does occur, this information will help out law enforcement to track down the contractor.


8. When you sign a contract, ask the contractor for a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a receipt that indicates that the workers and material suppliers will not ask you for payment once you have paid the contractor. Careful of any petition by a contractor to have you sign a statement that says you will handle the costs of materials and labor if the contractor does not pay.

9. Before you let in anyone who states to have been directed by a utility company to investigate your home, ask for ID. Agents of utilities and respected businesses will have proper ID. When in doubt, call up the company to substantiate the identity of the worker.

PRICE GOUGING

Per the Consumer Fraud Act, it is unethical during a State of Emergency or within 30 days of the termination of a State of Emergency to charge over the top prices – or a price that is 10 percent more than the original price – for any goods and services needed as a immediate result of an emergency or to “sustain the life, health, safety or comfort” of consumers or their property.


About MCIPE Constructors and Professional Engineers

MCIPE Constructors & Professional Engineers is a outstanding civil and building general contracting company providing discrete general contracting and design/build expertise to private clientele and public firms throughout the world. We have supplied construction solutions for decades and have created a strong standing within our markets by executing large complex projects on time and within spending budget while sticking to strict quality control measures.

We offer general contracting, pre-construction planning & specialized project management services, such as the planning and scheduling of the manpower, equipment, materials & subcontractors necessary for a project. We also provide self-performed construction services consisting of excavation, concrete forming & placement, steel erection, electrical & mechanical services, plumbing and HVAC. We are recognized for our major complex building project commitments as well as our competence to accomplish large and complex transportation and heavy civil construction for government agencies and private clients throughout the world.


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Avoid Contractor Scam
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