Following the EF2 tornado that recently impacted parts of Slidell, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has issued a warning to residents about potential roofing scams. Her aim is to ensure citizens remain vigilant while hiring contractors for storm damage repairs.
"People in Slidell were hit hard by a tornado last week. While citizens are rebuilding their homes and lives, they need to be on alert for scammers and untrustworthy contractors, and that includes hiring the right roofer if you have storm damage. My team wants you to be prepared before hiring someone to do work on your home," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The Public Protection Division provided several tips for hiring a roofer:
Residents are advised to choose local contractors with a solid reputation who have been operating in the area for many years. It's important to avoid "storm chasers" who come from out of state offering quick fixes at low prices. Verifying the contractor's local address and asking for references is crucial.
Ensuring that the contractor is licensed and bonded is another key step. Homeowners should obtain written quotes and consider at least three different options before making a decision.
Attorney General Murrill cautions against contractors requesting upfront payments, noting that reputable ones will not demand large down payments. Payments should not be made in cash; instead, using checks or credit cards can provide protection if disputes arise.
Door-to-door solicitors should be approached with caution, and homeowners are warned against believing claims such as having leftover shingles or materials.
It is essential to get contracts in writing and thoroughly read them before signing. High-pressure sales tactics should also raise red flags; reputable contractors will not pressure clients into making hasty decisions.
For further verification of companies, residents can visit www.BBB.org.
Attorney General Liz Murrill encourages anyone suspecting fraud to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling 1-866-720-5721.