WHAT TO DO NEXT

Many residents and property owners affected by the tragic tornadoes and severe weather have suffered from minor building damages to total loss. Building officials from across the Commonwealth have been and continue to conduct 'Rapid Visual Safety Assessments'. Homes and places of business may be posted with a color-coded placard:

Green: Suitable to occupy
Yellow: Proceed with caution (follow notes on the placard)
Red/Orange: Not fit for occupancy, seek professional assistance

As homeowners and business owners begin the process of putting their lives back together following the recent tornadoes and severe storms, they should be wary of unscrupulous contractors who may be looking to take advantage them.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety recommend that people take the time to do the proper research to avoid getting taken advantage of by untrustworthy home contractors, 'storm chasers' and door-to-door peddlers offering dubious deals that can cost thousands of dollars and create serious headaches.

Homeowners should contact their municipal Building Department to ensure required permits are in place and contractors have all required credentials to avoid further hardship. Some additional strategies for homeowners are:
 

  • Beware of any contractor who uses high-pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront.
  • Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labor and any warranties or guarantees. Before signing a contract, verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Have your attorney review the contract.
  • Ensure that the contractor is appropriately licensed (CSLs) and is a Registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC Registration)
  • Also ask the business for references from three most recent jobs with names, telephone numbers and addresses of the owners. Confirm whether or not the contractor will be subcontracting the job or relying on his/her own employees.
  • Check with your local Better Business Bureau, Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations and the Office of the Attorney general to confirm that there have been no complaints filed against the contractor.

    In the wake of a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door-to-door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises on which they won't be able to deliver.
    Seek at least three bids. Beware of low-ball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.

For further clarification, please contact your local building department, as well as the following websites/telephone numbers:

MA Department of Public Safety: www.mass.gov/dps / 617.727.3200
MA Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulations: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/