State Board of Contractors warns Homeowners

COLUMBUS, Miss (WCBI)- The cleanup process is in full swing, and that means homeowners are looking at what they need to do to either rebuild or move on.

Unfortunately, when disaster strikes some people coming in offering to help, only want to help themselves.

“Right now we’re just taking it a day at a time we have a cleaning service just coming out getting out the bad parts so that we can rebuild and go from there,” said Stephanie Williams.

Residents hit by Saturday’s storm are busy picking up the pieces.

But as many try to put their lives back together, others could be heading in to take advantage of their situations.

“Unfortunately in these times of disaster these unscrupulous contractors they’ll come in, and they’re looking to prey on these individuals in this situation for their own personal gain,” said Joe Hawkins.

And for homeowners like Becky Wittke, that’s the last thing they need.

“This is my husband’s home his mother and daddy built this house in 1972 his mom when she was alive lived right next door to where our neighbors the William’s live and they built that house in 1966 so this is home this has been home for over 50 something years so yes we’re not going to leave our home,” said Wittke.

Joe Hawkins says residents need to be on the lookout for people coming up to them offering their services.

“You’re going to see guys coming in with materials on their truck already, and they’re gonna tell the homeowner, ‘hey, I just got through finishing a project over here on that other side of the street. I have some leftover materials if you pay me a little bit of money I can use that material and get you going’ that’s definitely a red flag,” said Hawkins.

Homeowners don’t need to rush into repairs. The experts say you should get at least three estimates before deciding on a contractor.

“Compare it to those estimates and if one of those estimates is significantly lower than the others does than that’s obviously a red flag and they probably should look at that a little bit more because the lower estimates those contractors could be using sub-par materials and cutting corners,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins says if you’ve been a victim of a scam during the repair process call their office with a complaint and get in touch with law enforcement so they can take action.

If you aren’t sure if a contractor is legitimate you can visit the Mississippi State Board of Contractors website or call 601-354-6161.

Here is a list of everything homeowners need to do:

• Be cautious of door to door solicitors.
• Don’t pay cash or give money up front.
• Get at least three estimates and verify references.
•  Have a written agreement detailing the work to be performed.
• Hire only licensed contractors to perform repairs.