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BBB cautions homeowners to check repair contractors

January 30, 2009

In the wake of the recent winter storm that swept through the Bluegrass, the Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky is urging homeowners to carefully check out contractors before hiring to repair any ice and snow damage.

"When any kind of storms cause damage to homes and property in our 64-county service area, calls and e-mails come into the BBB from homeowners looking for contractors they can trust to help them," said Heather Clary, Communications Director of the BBB of Central & Eastern Kentucky.

"We want the public to know that we are ready to help them start with trust and find ethical, BBB Accredited Businesses to do the work they need. The BBB urges homeowners to use the new BBB e-Quote to simplify the process of searching for an ethical contractor for necessary repairs.

"The BBB also wants to urge the public to use caution with door-to-door contractors or out-of- state workers that move into the area offering repairs. "Don't let your rush to get the damage fixed cloud your judgment when choosing a contractor," said Clary. "If you give money to a fly-by-night outfit that disappears quickly without having done the job right, you'll pay even more to get the problem resolved, and you may have little recourse."

The BBB offers these tips to property owners looking for reputable companies to remove fallen trees or repair roofs, gutters, electrical problems, burst pipes and other damage:

Before hiring, check out the company report and rating with the BBB by calling (859) 259-1008 or 1-800-866-6668, or by logging on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.

n Get a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the specific category you need. These lists are available on the Web site or by calling the BBB to have one sent to you.

Use BBB e-Quote to get estimates from BBB Accredited Businesses. Log on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org and click on the e-Quote icon. Choose the category you need, the manner in which you'd like to be contacted, and contractors in that category will automatically contact you, making it an easier process to get the service you need.

n Multiple estimates are a good idea. When you hire, get a written contract (there's no such thing as a "verbal contract") outlining the materials to be used, the time frame in which the work is to be done and the payment schedule. Get any warranties in writing. NEVER PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT UPFRONT.

Ask to see the contractor's proof of proper workers comp and liability insurance, and any required licensing. (Contractors doing work in Fayette County, even if from outside the county, are required to be registered with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Contractor Registration Program. Make sure you verify their registration at 859-258-3770.)

Contact the Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky to check out companies, charities or to report scams by calling (859) 259-1008, toll-free 1-800-866-8668, or by logging on to bluegrass.bbb.org.

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