Avoiding Flood Damage Cleanup Scams
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by: skleinsto
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Word Count: 427
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 Time: 12:00 AM
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After a flood, many homeowners will be looking forward to hiring professional contractors for a flood damage cleanup. However, there will also be unscrupulous individuals who will pose as professional contractors and aim to scam homeowners for their well-earned money. What they usually do is extract an initial payment and make a run for it. Eventually, homeowners are left with a dirty home and no cash to pay for another company.
To avoid being scammed, here are a few things you should look for in a professional flood damage cleanup contractor:
*Ask for identification, a license, or proof of the company's existence. A legal contractor should be licensed and should be a member or owner of a well-established company. If someone comes knocking on your door offering you a flood damage cleanup contract, always ask for identification and company license. In most cases, contractors should be wearing a company uniform with company insignia or logo. If these proofs of company existence are unavailable, refuse the contract and report them to local authorities.
*Insurance or bond - A contractor may be legal but you should also ask if they are insured or bonded. If accidents happen during a flood damage cleanup, you will be liable to pay for damages. If not, you can be sued for your hard-earned money.
*Do not pay in advance, if not pay through check. Never pay the whole amount of a flood damage contract in advance. Scammers usually do this and when payment is made, they make a run for it without delivering any services. The payment should be your collateral against the services you hired them for. If a down payment is required, pay with a check so you leave a paper trail in case you need it in the future.
*Require a contract. To ensure that the flood damage cleanup is finished, ask the contractor for a contract. This should be a legal document reviewed and notarized by your attorney stating the conditions of the flood damage cleanup.
*Permits should be obtained by the flood damage cleanup company. Most of the time, city or county offices require permits especially if repairs are needed. The contractor's ability to obtain permits should also be a proof of their legality.
*Make final payments only upon completion of the contract. Never make the final payment before a contract is completed or else you may risk an unfinished contract and a house halfway cleaned. Do not fall for pressure tactics!! Be strong in your convictions. Pay AFTER the job is done and has passed final inspection!
About the Author
Samantha Kleiner writes about what's important for homeowners for Flood Damage Cleanup Los Angeles, CA and San Jose Flood Damage Cleanup
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