Hurricane Sandy Repairs / Roof, Siding, and Electrical

Ocean City Residence - New Siding, Roof, and Electrical

Apex Construction has been busy helping many home owners and businesses get back on their feet after Hurricane Sandy. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous businesses and scammers who prey on storm victims seeking to repair their home. Below is some important information on how home owners can protect themselves from home repair scam artists, who will try to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners who suffered property damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Here are some warning signs to avoid a contractor or salesman.

Beware of anyone who:

Comes to your home or calls you on the phone and offers to make repairs.
Tells you that you must make repairs immediately.
Talks too fast to confuse you and pressures you to sign a contract immediately.
Tells you that they are doing work in your neighborhood and that they have extra materials left from another job.
Offers a discounted price or discounts if you refer others, but only if you buy today.
Tells you something that sounds too good to be true. It probably is not true!
Is not an established local business, but has come to the area from somewhere else to “help.”

In addition, it is wise to:

Avoid unlicensed contractors in areas of the State where a license is required. Unlicensed contractors are operating illegally in those areas.
Avoid contractors who don't supply references or whose references can't be reached.
Avoid contractors who tell you there's no need for a written contract. By law, all contracts for $500 or more must be in writing, but it's a good idea to get a written contract even for smaller projects
Avoid contractors who only have a P.O. Box address or a cell phone number.
Avoid contractors who do not supply proof of insurance.
Avoid contractors who ask you to get required building permits. It could mean that the contractor is unlicensed or has a bad track record, and is therefore reluctant to deal with the local building inspector. However, you should verify with your local building department that all necessary permits have been obtained by the contractor.
Be wary of contractors who ask for money to buy materials before starting the job. Reliable, established contractors will buy materials on their own credit.
Avoid contractors who demand payment in cash or want full payment up front, before work has begun. Instead, find a contractor who will agree to a payment schedule providing for an initial down payment and subsequent incremental payments until the work is completed.