NARI Offers Tips To Natural Disaster Victims To Avoid Home Repair Scams From National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Dealing with disasters using insurance restoration requires special attention from homeowners

	(Before) Photo courtesy of Carl Krueger Construction, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis

(HIT) - Weather and other disasters are unpredictable, and that's why it's important for homeowners to be aware of their options when disasters strike. Whether that disaster is wind-, water- or snow-related damage, negotiating with insurance companies, contractors and state officials can be difficult. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is offering tips for homeowners affected by disasters to get their home back in shape and avoid home restoration scams.

(After) Photo courtesy of Carl Krueger Construction, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis

The first step is for homeowners to call their insurance provider right away. This will initiate the claims process, which can include assessment of the damage and negotiations. Assuming that others in your community are dealing with similar issues, this process can get backed up easily. "The key is to act fast-as many homes can be saved or have less devastating effects once the home is cleared," says Diane Ausavich, CR, of Carl Krueger Construction Inc., and member of NARI's board of directors. If the homeowner doesn't call restoration experts right away, there could be a waiting list, and having to wait could impact how much of your home can be saved.

	(Before) Photo courtesy of Carl Krueger Construction, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis

Depending on the condition of your home, the next most important step is to secure the property to keep belongings safe and to ensure that no one enters the property. That way, homeowners can protect themselves from lawsuits if someone gets hurt while trespassing on their property. "Most of the time police step in and secure the area when it's beyond normal security," Ausavich says.


Once a homeowner is ready to find a restoration contractor to work on their homes, they need to be careful of scam artists. "These days being approached by a scam artist after a disaster is pretty commonplace," Ausavich says. "Especially in large disasters in dense populations because it is easier for them to blend in compared with individual communities with heightened awareness."

(After) Photo courtesy of Carl Krueger Construction, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis

Typically homeowners are bombarded with people offering assistance who don't necessarily have the credentials to be working in that state or doing that type of work. Con artists often show up at a homeowner's door after a disaster, offering an array of services and demanding a hefty down payment upfront. They might offer a "great deal," based on using materials left over from a neighbor's job, but homeowners should remember that a "great deal" isn't always what it seems. Frequently, these fly-by-night operators drive vehicles with out-of-state license plates or set up temporary offices from which they can vacate quickly once authorities start looking for them.


Working with an unlicensed contractor can jeopardize a homeowner's compensation from their insurance company as the work must be priced within the insurance company's standards. "Companies must have proper licensing to work in a state," Ausavich says. She adds that although it is common for out-of-state companies to work in disaster zones temporarily, they must apply for licensing within that state before work begins.


Before writing that check, and especially before allowing any unknown individual into your home, NARI suggests that a homeowner:

• Get the name and address of the company that person allegedly represents.
• Get all details of the offer in writing and carefully review it. Be sure you understand everything in the contract and that any promises made verbally are included in the contract.
• Determine how long the company has been in business and call organizations with which the contractor is affiliated, such as NARI or other trade associations, to determine the firm's legitimacy.
• Ask for references and contact each one.
• Remember, any legitimate company that wants your business will be more than willing to allow you the time to do your homework. Don't fall prey to high-pressure tactics such as "this is the only chance you have" or "by tomorrow the extra materials will be gone."

Homeowners should be especially skeptical if they:

• come to your door unsolicited.
• use high-pressure sales tactics.
• request full payment before completing the work.
• give a post office box without a street address or phone number.
• promise to begin and complete the work more quickly and cheaper than any other company.
• say they just finished work on your neighbor's house and have just enough materials to do repair work on yours. They might say they can give you a better bargain if you let them do the work today since they have the supplies now.
• don't provide you with a preliminary estimation report that details the full scope of work and can be presented to your insurance company for full compensation.

"Ultimately, you have the right to choose who you want to work with," Ausavich says. "If you're not clicking with the person or you're uncomfortable in any way, you should listen to your instincts and either do more research or move on."


Although a fire or a disaster is a devastating experience, it can be turned into a positive one, with the new motivation to renovate your home. Many homeowners find remodeling work a good idea after a disaster because they can put the insurance money toward a more functional home.


NARI can connect you with remodel-ready contractors who will take care of the entire remodeling process. Find a NARI member on www.NARIremodelers.com. For green remodeling information, please visit www.greenremodeling.org.


About NARI:


"The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."™ To locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI's Web site at www.nariremodelers.com, or contact the national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, at 800-611-NARI.



Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center