HBA OF SOUTHWEST LA URGES CAUTION IN HOME REPAIR CONTRACTING

                        The Home Builders Association of Southwest Louisiana has issued important information on contracting for home repair and construction services post hurricane Gustav and Ike.  “We know there is extensive damage to homes throughout the region and that many in the area will be contracting for repairs. We are alerting consumers that "buyer beware" is the best policy in contracting for work, particularly if it involves out-of-state contactors," said Wayne Fender, HBA of Southwest President.  "We want community members to act with caution. Our best advice is to verify contractor coverage and licenses."

    The Home Builders Association of Southwest Louisiana has made the following suggestions to area residents in need of contractors.  

·         When repairing disaster damage, beware of unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors.

·         Don’t rush into repairs, no matter how badly they’re needed.

·         Don’t just hire the first contractor who comes along or be victimized by someone making a door-to-door presentation offering to do repair jobs on the spot.

·         Proof of insurance from the insurance carrier for both liability insurance and workmen’s compensation, is necessary. This should be verified with the insurance company issuing certificates.  Be aggressive and verify the coverage; do not take the word of the contractor or a copy of his certificate, but rather CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANIES and verify the coverage. Some unscrupulous contractors are giving out phone numbers that are not legitimate. 

·         Consumers should get addresses, telephone numbers and drivers license numbers of all contractors making repairs to their homes.  The HBA of SW LA recommends taking a photo of the contractor and the vehicle showing the company name and license plate number.

·         Make sure contractors are properly licensed.  The out-of-state contractors are required to register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Their licenses can be verified at www.lslbc.louisiana.gov or calling 225-765-2301.

·         Get a signed contract on all work to be performed on the property. The contract should include a price for doing the work, the scope of work, addresses and signatures of the homeowner and contractor and telephone numbers for all parties.  If the contract is for temporary work only, this should be stated on the contract.  Don’t sign anything until you fully understand the terms.

·         Building material and supply dealers are not likely to issue credit to out-of-state contractors unless they are well known in the state they originate from and have excellent credit. To avoid paying up front for materials that are never delivered, homeowners should consider purchasing the materials themselves directly from local dealers. Doing so would guarantee the quality of the materials used in the repair work. If the contractor is purchasing material, homeowners should require a copy of the paid invoices and/or lien waivers for labor and materials for work performed on their property.

·         A down payment may be required, but is generally not more than 10% to 25% of the total contract and should not be paid until all of the above documentation is received and verified.  Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.  Keep records of payments and don’t pay in cash.  The final payment should not be made until you are satisfied with the job and any required building inspections by the parish have been made and approved.

·         Should any of the above mentioned documentation be refused or not provided, a RED FLAG should be raised in the homeowner’s mind.  A reputable contractor will not hesitate to provide this information.