After The Storm Passes

The days after any storm are when so many lives are lost, so I ask our friends in the areas affected by Hurricane Idalia  to remain vigilant and safe. As I write this column, millions of people along the west coast of Florida and are actually “directly in the cone” of Hurricane Idalia which is slated to land on the coast, northwest of where I am sitting. 

We felt the feeder bands in southeast Florida last night and will again tonight, but it will not compare with the devastation that our fellow Floridians are unfortunately about to experience in their communities.

Of course, all areas of the country have their natural challenges, from earthquakes to floods to extreme weather and all these natural events demand respect and require preparation.

One thing that many of us will have in common after such disasters is the rebuilding process. After such disasters, caregivers can find themselves in the position of having to rebuild their lives and homes - sometimes from the ground up. In many cases, such rebuilding happens in a smooth and efficient manner, unfortunately for others they can find themselves in—Contractor Hell.

Allow me to impart some hopefully helpful hints for those of you with home repair woes:

• Check ‘em out! Call the Better Business Bureau and our state to check on any complaints against their license. Talk to previous clients.
• Make sure they have a license. Many times, even if there is a license associated with the business, you never deal directly with the license holder. Make sure that the person is aware you will refer them to the proper authorities, if necessary.
• Bid! Bid! Bid! Prices, as well as qualifications, will vary. GREATLY!
• Insist on a time and payment schedule, with penalties for missed scheduled commitments and rewards for beating the schedule with competent work.
• Do not give anyone cash. Never. Not for any reason. Get receipts and when the work is done-get warranties.
• Do not pay in advance. If you are asked to pay too much before the work is done –worry.
• Watch the paperwork. Re-total figures. Ask questions. Demand proof. Demand receipts. It is your money, after all.
• Make sure you get “Release of Liens” from all subcontractors. If you do not-and the contractor fails to pay them-you are liable.
• “If in doubt, don’t lay it out!”. Get good advice from your attorney if you feel that someone may be taking advantage of you.
• Trust yourself. Don’t settle for answers that don’t ring true.

Now that you’ve passed Contractor 101, may you never have to take the final exam.

Please share your tips and observations in the comments below.