Story Created:
Sep 22, 2009 at 7:02 AM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 22, 2009 at 7:02 AM CST
(September 22, 2009)
Main Topic: It’s not surprising with the recent rains that our BBB has received an increase in the number of inquiries on roofing contractors.
Your roof covering and the deck beneath it are your home’s first line of defense against high winds, rain, and hail. The following information will help you with selecting a roofing contractor and installing a roof after a storm.
Before Making Roof Repairs
· If your home is located in the first row of Texas counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico or in one of the following cities in Harris County that is East of HWY 146: La Porte, Morgan’s Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, or Shore Acres, contact your insurance agent to determine if your repairs need to comply with the Texas Windstorm Building Code (TWBC).
· If repairs need to comply with the TWBC, talk to your insurance agent or adjuster about the Windstorm Inspection Program to maintain or obtain windstorm and hail insurance coverage.
· Repairs made and inspected to comply with the TWBC will receive a Certificate of Compliance, Form WPI-8, from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
· Additional information on the Windstorm Inspection Program is available at www.tdi.state.tx.us or by calling (800) 248-6032.
· Contact your local building official for building requirements in your area.
· Contact your insurance agent to determine if certain roof covering products are eligible for insurance discounts.
Selecting a Roofing Contractor
How do I go about selecting a contractor to install my new roof?
· Verify the name, address, telephone number, and references of your roofing contractor.
· Make sure that the contractor is insured or bonded.
· Obtain and compare at least three written bids.
· Make sure that all agreements and terms of warranty are written and signed and that you have received copy.
· Make sure that the re-roof application is eligible for receiving a Certificate of Compliance, Form WPI-8, from the TDI if required by your insurance company.
· Final payment should not be made until all work is complete.
· Avoid door-to-door solicitors for damage repair work.
Beware of a contractor…….
· Who only wants cash.
· Whose references are all out of state.
· Who wants money before materials are on site.
· Who is not established.
· Who is not bonded or insured.
· Who offers “specials” or “extra-cheap work.”
Scheme of the week: Online Rental Scams Hits the Coastal Bend
Some 36 million, or one-third of U.S. households currently rent according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Many prospective renters find homes through online classifieds, but some consumers are being set up by scammers.
Consumers typically fall victim to these scams after responding to an online classified for a rental property. Victims say they were asked by the supposed landlord to wire as much as $1,400 as a deposit in order to receive the keys to the rental home. When the victims asked if they could check out the property first, the landlords claimed they were out of the country and unable to show the house.
As a result of this scam, many shocked homeowners have received knocks at their doors by people who were planning to move into their new rental home. Often the real homeowners have their house up for sale – not rent - and had pictures posted online that the scammers could steal for their phony listings.
BBB advises consumers of the following red flags to look out for:
- The deal sounds too good to be true.
- The landlord is located elsewhere and prefers to communicate via e-mail.
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- The landlord requires a substantial deposit before handing over the keys or even showing the property.
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- The landlord asks the renter to wire money through wire transfer services such as Western Union or Money Gram.
