Contractors Warn Dexter Tornado Victims to be Wary of Scams

As insurance company representatives work around the clock to help Dexter residents in the aftermath of Thursday's tornado, construction contractors are urging Dexter residents with wind and water damage to be wary of scams.

Andy Bobo of in Dexter said typically after a disaster, contractors and others will often go door-to-door in neighborhoods, which have sustained damage to offer clean up or construction and repair services.

"Most of these business people are reputable, but many are not," Bobo said. "We appreciate all the volunteer help, but we also want to make sure we're protecting our neighbors from people who want to take advantage of a bad situation."

One such scheme is to pocket the payment and never show up for the job, or never complete a job that was started. Another scheme is to use inferior materials and perform shoddy work not up to code in order to pocket more profit, he said.

"Some contractors are showing up and telling homeowners to sign contracts to replace their roof before he or she even has time to assess the property," Bobo said. "All these people who have come into town are chasing the storm and will be gone as soon as the next storm hits."

Adam Zylka, owner of Momentum Construction in Hamberg, suggests residents look for reputable contractors by contacting their local real estate agent.

"Real estate agents know who is good to work with and who is not. They are generally knowlegeable of the quality of work a contractor invests in a house," Zylka said.

Zylka, a graduate of , said the practice of targeting diaster victims with false promises is common practice, especially among new homeowners.

"When contractors come in from outside the area, some certainly do good things, but some put undo pressure on people who are already under a lot of stress. Homeowners can be pushed into something before they understand the process or their rights," he said.

Jeff Brown, owner of Dexter Builders, said larger businesses with widely recognized names, are typically reliable, but residents should be leary of individual contract workers from Ohio and surrounding states.

Zylka said homeowners should never feel compelled to sign a contract on the spot and most repairs to a house can be done over time.

"The most important thing to do is ask questions until you are comfortable," he said. "Construction projects take time. There's no reason why you have to get going right away. If someone tries to push you into something, it's probably a bad sign."

Here are some common tips to avoid being scammed, according to The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fund:

• Do not use a contractor who is going door to door or who is calling because they are “in the neighborhood." Often they are not “in the neighborhood.” Selecting a contractor on the basis of them coming to your door or via phone call is always a questionable selection method.
• Do not allow a contractor to “inspect” your property when you are not home. Take photos before, during and after an “inspection.” Some contractors have been known to cause damage intentionally during an inspection.
• Do not use a contractor that asks you to get any required building permits. The party pulling a building permit is responsible, among other things, to assure code compliance.
• Do not use a contractor that promises you a discount because they have “leftover materials.” This may be a signal that another consumer paid for the materials and the contractor failed to leave the materials or give proper credit, or that the materials may be stolen. You may find that you are the next one to be subjected to unethical practices.
• Do not use a contractor that only accepts cash. If you do pay cash, be sure to get a clear written receipt.
• Do not use a contractor that claims you will get a great rate because your project will be a “demonstration.”
• Be wary of exceptionally long guarantees or warranties.
• Do not use a contractor that asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
• Do not use a contractor who tries to scare you into repairs claiming they are urgent.
• Do not use a contractor that asks you to “deed” or “transfer title” to your property or sign a promissory note secured by your home.
• Do not use a contractor who can start the job “tomorrow.” Consider that a good contractor is most likely a busy person and will often need to schedule your project along with his others. A bad contractor “can start the job tomorrow” because he may not have any other work.