Beware of home restoration scams after flooding verify licensed contractors and legitimate businesses – Gladwin County Record & Beaverton Clarion…

LANSING Consumers tackling restoration of their homes damaged by recent flooding are urged today by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to first check online to verify the individuals and businesses they hire are legitimate.

Make sure you know up front who youre doing business with and trusting to work on your home, LARA Director Shelly Edgerton said. Consumer caution is the best way to help avoid problem situations or disputes.

Verify a Builder/Contractor License. Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors: An online license search is available at http://www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling LARA's Bureau of Professional Licenses at 517-373-8068. Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors also must have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to http://www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call 517- 241-9316. Consumers are also reminded to:

Ask the individual to show you his/her pocket card, which will contain the license number.

Ask for and verify references.

Get at least three written estimates to include detailed job specifications on the materials, labor, timeline, and total charges for the work. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Obtain a detailed written contract stating exactly what work will be done, the quality of the materials used, warranties, start and completion dates, total cost of the job, and a payment schedule.

Never sign a contract with blank spaces. Know your cancellation rights.

Protect yourself by asking the contractor, subcontractor, and suppliers for a completed and signed "waiver of lien" form. This may provide you additional protection should a subcontractor or material supplier place a lien on your home if the contractor doesn't pay the bills. This can happen even if you paid the contract in full.

Make sure your contractor is insured and carries personal liability, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of current insurance certificates. If the contractor isnot properly insured, you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Check with your property insurance provider for the extent of your coverage.

Avoid paying for the entire job upfront. Consider paying one-third in advance; one-third halfway through the job and the final payment upon satisfactory completion. Avoid paying with cash. Pay by check or credit card and get a receipt.

Keep good recordscopies of the contract, change orders, and correspondence.

Dont forget your permitif neededby checking with your local or state building department. The proper permits and inspections help to guard against defective work or costly mistakes. If homeowners plan on doing the work themselves, they are also responsible for obtaining building permits. MORE Information

Read the original post:
Beware of home restoration scams after flooding verify licensed contractors and legitimate businesses - Gladwin County Record & Beaverton Clarion...