Williams: Homeowners Should Use Caution when Hiring Contractors in Wake of Hurricane Irene

State laws—and a little research—can help protect homeowners

August 31, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) is urging homeowners who are grappling with property damage due to Hurricane Irene to use caution when hiring home contractors or arborists.

“Homeowners who have already been hit hard by Hurricane Irene could get hit again by scam artists” said Senator Williams. “In the wake of Hurricane Irene I urge homeowners to take precautions. That means asking for identification, checking credentials and taking advantage of the state laws that are designed to protect consumers. My office is available to help direct people to the right resources.”

State law requires that home improvement contractors are licensed and insured, helping to protect consumers from liability during the project. Arborists, those who improve tree conditions, are also required to have a license to perform work. (A person does not need to be licensed to remove trees but any person working on a homeowners’ property should be able to provide written proof of insurance regarding damage and liability).

Other tips consumers should follow when hiring a contractor include:

• Always insist on a written estimate before a contractor begins repairs and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage.
• Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.
• If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact the insurance company to resolve the difference.
• Lastly, flood and earthquake damage are not covered in a typical homeowners or renter’s policy. If homeowners have a separate flood or earthquake policy, contact the company that wrote the additional policy to file the claim.
• Licensed arborists in Connecticut can be found at www.kellysolutions.com/ct/index.htm or the CT Tree Protective Association site, www.ctpa.org.

A copy of a booklet entitled, “The Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor,” can be obtained by calling the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6110 or 1-800-842-2649 or download from the web site at www.ct.gov/dcp.

If consumers have any questions about the coverage in their policy, or if they need help with a problem regarding their claim following a disaster at their home, they should contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900 or go to the “Be Prepared” page.

Contact:
Derek Slap
860-240-8641