HomeMy WebLinkAboutattachment C Watch for Travelling Contractors in the Wake of Recent Storms
.� Release Date: July 24,2019
Media Contact: Jerad Albracht, Communications Specialist
(608) 224-5007,Jerad.Albracht u,wisconsin.gor
MADISON—Recent severe weather in norther and central Wisconsin has resulted in
significant damage to homes and businesses throughout the region. The Wisconsin Department
of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) asks affected property owners to
seek trusted contractors for repairs and to be leery of"storm chasers" that come knocking at
your door with aggressive sales tactics.
Always use caution when interacting with travelling crews that show up at your door in the
aftennath of a storm,never let them into your home, and do not give in to high-pressure
pitches.
Start your search for a contractor by seeking references from neighbors, friends, family, local
home builder associations, and your insurance company. You can also contact DATCP's
Consumer Protection Hotline (800-422-7128) to check on complaints against a business.
DATCP offers these tips for homeowners with storm damage:
• Be wary of any contractor who laiocks at your door. If your municipality has a door-to-
door sales ordinance, call municipal officials to find out if the contractor holds the
proper permits. 0.5A&6-5/, LO,,as p Y��' . ��-� (2;4 el,2,k— C'� y �Glz eApf ?-,-V.5"
• Hire a contractor based on referrals. Ask friends, neighbors, or your insurance agent for
recommendations and ask contractors for references. Before you sign a contract,
contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline to see if there are complaints about the
business.
• Try to get a local contractor and know who will be doing the work—the contractor or a
subcontractor.
• Get lien waivers from anyone you pay for home repairs. It is necessary to do this
w because if the person collecting the money does not pay the supplier or worker, a lien
could be put on your property.
• Get a written contract with a start and completion date and warranty information. Also,
make certain that the contract states exactly what work is to be done and what materials
are to be used.. Never rely on a verbal commitment.
• Check with your local building inspector to see if the work requires a permit and make
sure an inspector visits the job site before you provide 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, a Wisconsin state law—"The Storm Chaser Law"=aims to protect consumers and
r�pliorF�npy businesses and prevent insurance fraud. Highlights of the law include:
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" • Contractors cannot promise to pay all or some of a property insurance deductible.
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• Contractors cannot represent or negotiate with the customer's homeowner's insurer on
behalf of the customer, The contractor can, with the consent of the customer, discuss
damages and costs with the insurer.
• 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 being
notified that their insurer has denied all or any part of the claim for work. Contractors
must notify customers of this right.
It is important to note that local door-to-door solicitation rules could vary by municipality, and
that there are legitimate businesses that may lazock on your door with a sales pitch. A good
practice to follow is to request a business representative's permit to operate ifyalu• �
municipality has a door-to-door sales ordinances
For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at
http://datep.wi.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wi.gov or call the Consumer Protection
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.
Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wiconsumer or Twitter: @wiconsumer.
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