Use caution for contracting to repair high wind damage

Severe weather in Wisconsin, resulted in damage to homes and businesses throughout the state. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), reminds property owners to use trusted contractors for repairs and to be leery of storm chasers that come knocking with aggressive sales tactics.

Always use caution when interacting with traveling crews who show up in the aftermath of a storm. Do not let them into the home and do not give in to high-pressure pitches. Instead, use trusted sources, such as friends, neighbors and insurance agents, for contractor referrals.

Homeowners with storm damage should use the following safeguards:

• Be wary of any contractor who knocks at the door. If the municipality has a door-to-door sales ordinance, call municipal officials to find out if the contractor holds the proper permits.

• Get lien waivers from anyone paid for home repairs. If the person collecting money does not pay their supplier or worker, a lien could be put on the homeowner’s property.

• Get a written contract, with exactly what work will be done, what materials will be used, a start and completion date, and warranty information.

• Check with a local building inspector to see if the work requires a permit and make sure an inspector visits the job site before providing final payment.

• Request a copy of the contractor’s certificate of liability insurance.

• Keep all receipts that document the cost of repairs or the replacement of damaged items.

In addition, Wisconsin’s storm chaser law aims to protect consumers and businesses, and prevent insurance fraud through the following:

• Contractors cannot promise to pay all, or some, of a property insurance deductible.

• Contractors cannot negotiate with a homeowner’s insurer on behalf of the customer. They can only discuss damages and costs with the insurer, with the customer’s permission.

• Before entering into a contract with a customer, the contractor must inquire if the work requested is related to an insurance claim.

• Customers have a right to cancel the contract within three business days of notification that their insurer has denied all, or any, part of the claim for work. Contractors must notify customers of this right.

Homeowners can contact the DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1800-422-7128, to check for complaints against a business before signing a contract.

If someone has been the victim of a scam, report it by filing a complaint online, emailing datcphotline@wisconsin. gov, or by calling the DATCP hotline.