After a Flood: 4 Tips for Hiring Contractors
Video by Michaela Parker
When you’re ready to hire a contractor to repair or rebuild property damaged by flooding, keep these tips in mind to help avoid being scammed.
- Always ask to see identification.
- Check to see if the Mississippi Better Business Bureau has complaints against contractors you are considering hiring.
- Do not pay a contractor in full before the work is done. Be wary of one who demands you pay in cash only.
- Check signage on vehicles for local addresses and phone numbers.
While it’s tempting to try and fix everything yourself, some jobs really should be done by a professional, especially large jobs where mold is involved. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if mold covers more than 10 square feet, cleanup should be handled by a professional. Learn more about when to call in a professional on their website.
If you do decide to hire a professional for mold cleanup, choose a contractor who is specially trained for mold cleanup and check their references.
For more information about hiring contractors without getting scammed, read Extension information sheet 1700, “Disaster Relief: Avoiding Fraud and Deception.”
We have resources on our Disaster Response website.
Read our article, After disasters, beware of frauds, scammers.
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