Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s important to be cautious when you hire a contractor to perform work on it. Many storm chasers are following the storm path into Alabama to replace damaged roofs in the Birmingham area. Take the time to investigate the contractor through friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Following these guidelines will help protect yourself against scams and fraudulent acts:
- Check with local consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and any other affiliations the company may have.
- Hire licensed professional contractors with a permanent place of business with an office staff to support the business. Check to insure your contractor has a business license, State of Alabama license and city license to perform construction work in your vicinity. Be leery of a contractor operating without an office and a staff; it may not be a bona fide business that pays taxes, carries all the credentials, licenses, insurance and bonds to support the work performed.
- Your contractor should provide you with a written labor warranty for the completed project for at least five years or more.
- Proof of liability insurance is a must. General contractors should be covered by liability insurance.
- Make sure your contractor carries a dishonesty bond in the event of fraudulent acts by representatives of the contractor.
- After the project has been completed, your contractor should provide you with a release of lien. When a contractor replaces a roof and payment is not satisfied, the contractor can place a lien on your property. When new materials are ordered from a supplier, the supplier has the same right to place a lien on your property called a materials lien. A release of lien will release you from contractor and material liens.
Contact us today for a free inspection to see if you qualify for a total roof replacement.
