SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
Bureau worried about ‘storm chasers’ after Puget Sound windstorm
Mar 16, 2016, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:40 am
The wind and rain that tore through the region is making for some tough clean up, but the Better Business Bureau is warning locals that some deals on home repairs are — as the adage goes — too good to be true.
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Spokesman David Quinlan says it’s like clockwork. In the week after storms hit, shady businesses target hard-hit neighborhoods, and the complaints start flooding in.
“It’s the storm chasers that we’re really worried about — folks who call themselves contractors, go door-to-door, offer low prices and quick repairs,” Quinlan said. “But, often times, they lack proper registration, training and licensing.”
Some companies will agree to repair projects but disappear as soon as they’ve got cash in hand. Others, said Quinlan, agree to do a project such as roof repair at one price, and then either jack up fees or exaggerate damage when they’re halfway through.
“I think the number one thing to do is get a contract, look at a contract,” Quinlan said. “Get a complete timeline of what exactly they’re going to do, how much it’s going to cost, the materials needed.”
Quinlan always advises against going with a company that tries to drum up business door-to-door, especially for more complicated projects. There are some red flags to look out for if you do, namely, high-pressure sales.
“You don’t have to make a decision right on the spot. Get a quote from them, and check around, look online and look at a couple of other businesses,” said Quinlan. “Don’t pay all this money up-front. I think 30 percent is what we consider standard. And if you do, use a credit card. That way you can always dispute the charges.”
Another red flag: Businesses that don’t give out their contact information or address. Some fly-by-night operations will have several different names associated with them, to cover up past mistakes.
Above all, do your research. Homeowners can call their insurance company for recommended contractors or search for businesses by zip code on the Better Business Bureau website. The state also has free online resources, like the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Online reviews at a variety of sites can shed light on past customers’ experiences as well.
“Better Business Bureau offers request-a-quote, so you can actually request a quote from BBB accredited contractors in your area. And they’ll get back to you probably within about 24 hours or so. And that way you know you’re dealing with a company that’s going to obviously going to stand by their service and products. And these are companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and insured,” Quinlan said.
