Posted: 09.29.2010

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is advising homeowners affected by recent flash flooding to be careful who they hire to do needed repairs.

"Consumers are more vulnerable to scams in emergency situations," said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. "Fly-by-night contractors, referred to as 'Storm Chasers,' often target communities following a disaster."

These contractors use different approaches to try and scam consumers out of money. Some require an upfront payment for promised repairs and then disappear without doing any work. Others start the work and then ask for more money than the agreed upon price to finish the project.

Home repair contractors are not licensed by the State of Wisconsin as required in other trades such as plumbing. However, a recently enacted law does impose a registration requirement for contractors through the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Keep in mind, that registration does not guarantee a contractor has any actual knowledge or experience in home repair.

Consumer Protection offers these tips to avoid a home repair scam:
 

• Be wary of any contractor who knocks at your door. Call the police or sheriff's department to check them out.
   
• Try to get a local contractor. Ask contractors if they are subcontracting your job. Be careful if local contractors are using outside subcontractors.
   
• Get lien waivers from anyone you pay for home repairs. It is necessary to do this because if the person collecting the money doesn't pay the supplier or worker, a lien could be put on your property.
   
• Get a written contract, with a start and completion date, and warranty information. Also make certain the contract states exactly what work is to be done and what materials are to be used. Never rely on verbal commitment.
   
• Contractors who register with the state are issued a card. Make sure any contractor you are considering hiring shows you their state registration card.
   
• Have someone watch the work being done. Ask your local building inspectors to visit your job site often.
   
• Request a copy of the contractor's certificate of liability insurance.
   
• Contact Consumer Protection if you have questions. We can tell you if we have received complaints against a contractor you are considering. Find us on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call our toll-free hotline at 1-800-422-7128.
   

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