Too often people hire a contractor for major repairs or renovations without proper precautions and get scammed. Consulting with an attorney prior to signing or handing over money can prevent you from being a victim.
Houstonians are resilient. Over the years, from Allison, Rita, Ike, the Tax Day flood, the Memorial Day Flood and Harvey, each time we have come back. Between flood insurance, savings, home equity loans, state and federal loan programs, people have been able to build, and sometimes rebuild again. But along with the good, came the vultures to take advantage of people in desperate situations. During a mass event everyone is scrambling, there is a shortage of contractors and materials, people are desperate to get back to ‘normal’ and someone shows up at your door to ‘save the day’. It happens every time. You hand over your insurance or loan check, some work might get done, or not, and most of your money is gone, with little or nothing to show. Even during ‘normal’ times, when one wants to renovate their house, put in a pool, or there are foundation problems, even sophisticated people don’t properly look into who they are hiring and get taken.
What to Do?
No matter how much ‘pressure’ you feel, recognize it as an emotional reaction, and a danger sign. Take your time, the more questions you ask, the quicker the scammers will flee. Ask for documentation, drivers’ licenses, insurance coverage, photos of license plates, only pay for what work is actually done, use your credit card to make payments, do not agree for a contractor to put a lien on your house to finance the repairs. For any repair or renovation over $10,000, call this office first for a review of the proposal, and any ‘blind spots’ that you may be missing. A modest consultation fee can save you a world of pain.
If you are involved in any type of contractor fraud and need help, call the Law Office of Elliott Klein for an evaluation.