Long read but worth it! Stay Safe!1
Choose your contractor wisely
Be wary of repair services or contractors that approach you and offer services after a disaster. While most home-repair contractors are honest and provide quality work, it is important to be on the lookout for workers and companies engaging in contractor fraud.
Here are some ways to avoid getting scammed by contractor fraud in the aftermath of a disaster:
•Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door. Work only with established contractors and those who have a solid reputation.
•Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation.
•Require references and check them out.
•Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering. Victims of contractor fraud often file complaints.
•Don't feel pressured into signing a contract, and never sign a contract with blanks. A contract should include the contractor's name, business name, phone number and address.
•Avoid payment-in-full up front. Some contractors may require a partial up-front payment, but the amount should not exceed approximately 20% of the total estimate amount.
•Never let work begin on your home or business until the contract is finalized.
•Don't pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work — avoid making cash payments.
•If anyone performs unauthorized work on your property and demands payment, consider contacting authorities.
•Never let anyone persuade you to seek reimbursement for nonexistent or exaggerated losses or damages. This is insurance fraud, which is a felony.
And, when it comes to making final repairs on your property, consider these additional tips for hiring a reputable contractor to help avoid lost money or poor-quality home repairs.
•Know FEMA's protocol. If you've submitted a claim through The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), be aware that they do not certify or endorse any private-sector contractor. If FEMA sends a contracted inspector to your home, ask to see official photo identification. Know that FEMA does not charge a fee for housing inspections.
•Get contact information. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says that reputable businesses have a physical address and phone number. If possible, verify the contractor's contact information. Watch out for contractors that list only a post office box.
•Ask about certifications, licenses and insurance. Ask the contractors you're considering for copies of their professional licenses and insurance. The NAHB recommends verifying the license by checking your area's licensing board(s). The association also suggests checking to see if the contractor has a listing with the Better Business Bureau and making sure there are no consumer complaints.
•Get written estimates from several contractors. The Better Business Bureau recommends getting three to four quotes before deciding which contractor to use. Do not sign an estimate, the NAHB says. Watch out for contractors who vastly underbid competitors — this may be an indication of poor-quality work, according to the NAHB. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute (III) cautions against hiring contractors who push for expensive temporary repairs.
•Review the contract. Before signing a contract for repairs, read it from start to finish. Is all the information filled in? Does it have a start date and an end date? The III says you should never sign a contract with areas that are left blank. Other key things to look for, according to the FTC: the payment schedule; the contractor's obligation to obtain all necessary permits; a detailed list of materials to be used; and an explanation of services the contractor will or won't perform, such as post-construction cleanup.
•Consider payment options. Don't pay cash for home repairs, and don't pay for more than a percentage of the cost up front, says the FTC. Don't complete payment or sign a completion certificate until the work is fully finished, the III says.
•Keep records. Once you choose a contractor, make sure to have copies of the contract and all payment receipts, and keep records of your correspondence with the contractor, says the FTC.
Finding a reputable contractor brings you one step closer to fixing your home and restoring your life.
Long read but definitely worth it!
Choose your contractor wisely
Be wary of repair services or contractors that approach you and offer services after a disaster. While most home-repair contractors are honest and provide quality work, it is important to be on the lookout for workers and companies engaging in contractor fraud.
Here are some ways to avoid getting scammed by contractor fraud in the aftermath of a disaster:
•Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door. Work only with established contractors and those who have a solid reputation.
•Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation.
•Require references and check them out.
•Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering. Victims of contractor fraud often file complaints.
•Don't feel pressured into signing a contract, and never sign a contract with blanks. A contract should include the contractor's name, business name, phone number and address.
•Avoid payment-in-full up front. Some contractors may require a partial up-front payment, but the amount should not exceed approximately 20% of the total estimate amount.
•Never let work begin on your home or business until the contract is finalized.
•Don't pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work — avoid making cash payments.
•If anyone performs unauthorized work on your property and demands payment, consider contacting authorities.
•Never let anyone persuade you to seek reimbursement for nonexistent or exaggerated losses or damages. This is insurance fraud, which is a felony.
And, when it comes to making final repairs on your property, consider these additional tips for hiring a reputable contractor to help avoid lost money or poor-quality home repairs.
•Know FEMA's protocol. If you've submitted a claim through The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), be aware that they do not certify or endorse any private-sector contractor. If FEMA sends a contracted inspector to your home, ask to see official photo identification. Know that FEMA does not charge a fee for housing inspections.
•Get contact information. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says that reputable businesses have a physical address and phone number. If possible, verify the contractor's contact information. Watch out for contractors that list only a post office box.
•Ask about certifications, licenses and insurance. Ask the contractors you're considering for copies of their professional licenses and insurance. The NAHB recommends verifying the license by checking your area's licensing board(s). The association also suggests checking to see if the contractor has a listing with the Better Business Bureau and making sure there are no consumer complaints.
•Get written estimates from several contractors. The Better Business Bureau recommends getting three to four quotes before deciding which contractor to use. Do not sign an estimate, the NAHB says. Watch out for contractors who vastly underbid competitors — this may be an indication of poor-quality work, according to the NAHB. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute (III) cautions against hiring contractors who push for expensive temporary repairs.
•Review the contract. Before signing a contract for repairs, read it from start to finish. Is all the information filled in? Does it have a start date and an end date? The III says you should never sign a contract with areas that are left blank. Other key things to look for, according to the FTC: the payment schedule; the contractor's obligation to obtain all necessary permits; a detailed list of materials to be used; and an explanation of services the contractor will or won't perform, such as post-construction cleanup.
•Consider payment options. Don't pay cash for home repairs, and don't pay for more than a percentage of the cost up front, says the FTC. Don't complete payment or sign a completion certificate until the work is fully finished, the III says.
•Keep records. Once you choose a contractor, make sure to have copies of the contract and all payment receipts, and keep records of your correspondence with the contractor, says the FTC.
Finding a reputable contractor brings you one step closer to fixing your home and restoring your life.
Living Word Worship Center
August 11 at 10:26 PM ·
Natchez Christian Academy is now accepting applications for Pre-K Ages 3-5. We have a limited number of scholarships available for qualified students. Please leave you name and number in message and someone will contact you within 24 hours. Our space is limited. First come first served. Registration dates and times. Monday August 17, and Tuesday August 18 from 9-12 and 5-6
Make it a great Monday!
Beverley Greene
August 10 at 7:09 AM ·
Make it a great Monday!
Together will get passed this COVID-19 Pandemic. Thank you for staying safe!
If you're concerned about identity theft, you may want to consider putting a freeze on your credit. Learn more.
ALLSTATE.COM
How to Freeze Your Credit | Allstate
The 2020 calendar is winding down. Let's touch base to make sure your life insurance policy and beneficiary information is up to date. Call me today!
Hear the word of the Lord!!
My GOD is JEHOVAH MEKODDISHKEM
Living Word Worship Center was live.
January 24 at 7:39 AM ·
Sermon 1-24 by Pastor Dwight Greene @ Living Word Worship Center
** We do not own the rights to any music played in this broadcast**
Living Word Worship Center was live.
January 24 at 7:39 AM ·
Sermon 1-24 by Pastor Dwight Greene @ Living Word Worship Center
** We do not own the rights to any music played in this broadcast**
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
January 12 at 11:05 PM ·
The 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated imagined humanity and impact beyond what was common for the time. It is their foresight and fortitude that we celebrate during this 108th anniversary of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. 🔺
Happy Founders Day!
#DST1913 #DST108 #ForwardWithFortitude
Hear the Word of the Lord
Living Word Worship Center was live.
January 3 at 9:25 AM ·
1-3-2021Sermon by Pastor Dwight Greene at Living Word Worship Center
*** We do not own the rights to the music played in this broadcast. ***
So happy to call him brother long before this well deserved promotion! Natchez is in great hands under his watch. Keep going & growing brother!!! We are proud of you.
NATCHEZDEMOCRAT.COM
New fire chief adjusting to job - Mississippi's Best Community Newspaper
It's officially winter! With a new season upon us, please let us know if you have any new insurance needs. We're here to help!
Living Word Worship Center was live.
December 20, 2020 at 9:32 AM ·
12-20-2020 Sermon at Living Word Worship Center by Pastor Dwight Greene
**We Do not own the rights to the music played in this broadcast**
