Posted: 04.12.2011

Severe weather that rolled through Wisconsin on Sunday has caused some damage to buildings and mechanization.

Pam Jahnke's getting reports of damage done to farm buildings in the Fox Valley and irrigation units in the central portion of the state.  Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of Wisconsin's Trade and Consumer Protection Division, said they had already received a call from a farmer in the Fox Valley that had been approached by a scam contracter - offering services.  "Fortunately, this farmer was also a contractor and knew this person was not qualified,"  said Chalmers. 

The Trade and Consumer Protection Division reminded all consumers to be on the look-out for scammers that follow the severe weather pattern - promising everything from roof repair to remodels without credentials.  Chalmers told Pam Jahnke's Farm Show that the first call a consumer might want to make is to local law enforcement to find out if these door-to-door construction folks have been chased out of other neighborhoods!

"Wisconsin does not license home contractors,"  Chalmers tells Jahnke, which can complicate matters.  It does, however, require these businesses to register with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.  That doesn't endorse their skill levels - but it does provide a bit of a paper trail.

Chalmer says that some of these door-to-door scammers will also change the lettering or address on the side of their work vehicles to give the impression that they are from the area when they're not.  "My best advice,"  Chalmers suggests, "is to work with contractors that your friends and neighbors suggest.  People that have been doing business in the area for a while.  And always get things in writing - never go on a verbal agreement alone."

Some of the other suggestions from the Trade and Consumer Protection Division include:

**Get waivers from anyone you pay for home repairs. It's necessary in case the person collecting the money doesn't pay the supplier or worker, a lien could be put on your property.
**Make sure contracts include a start and completion date, and warranty information.  It should also specify exactly what work is to be done, what materials are to be used, and if a down-payment is required.
**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.
**Check with the Bureau of Consumer Protection and Better Business Bureau (1-800-273-1002) to see if there are complaints on record against a contractor you are considering.

For more consumer information, or to file a consumer complaint, visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection's website at datcp.wisconsin.gov; via e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov; or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.

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