An Official Publication of the 2009-2010
Greater Houston Builders Association
Remodelors Council
Houston Remodeling Guide 2009
An Official Publication of the Greater Houston Builders Assciation RemodelorsTM Council
hurricane ike: don’t be
a victim the next time
Watch for “fly-by-night” contractors
cross the Houston Gulf Coast Region each year many people become victims of
floods and hurricanes. These natural disasters impact the lives of hundreds of
thousands of people and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars annually.
One of the untold costs associated with disasters are those losses due to fraud.
Often
“fly by night” contractors appear and further victimize the
disaster victims by swindling them
out of precious and often limited resources. Heed this warning from the Greater Houston Builders Association, and it may save you from a second disaster —unscrupulous contractors.
disaster victims by swindling them
out of precious and often limited resources. Heed this warning from the Greater Houston Builders Association, and it may save you from a second disaster —unscrupulous contractors.
Consumer Checklist
If you are a victim of Hurricane Ike, don’t become a victim again from an unprincipled contractor.
Some signs that should make you see red:
•You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.”
•You’re asked to pay for the entire job up front, or pay cash to a salesperson
instead of a check or money order to a company.
•You are confronted with scare tactics, intimidation or threats.
•You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price.
•You’re told a “special” low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
•The contractor won’t give you a reference, or references cannot be located.
•You cannot verify the contractor’s business address.
Builders and remodelers (roofers excluded) are registered, as required by state
law, with the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). Registered
builders and remodelers have a TRCC-issued registration certificate and/or
wallet card to verify proof of registration. To be registered, builders and
remodelers must undergo a background check and provide minimum warranties of
their work.
Homeowners can check registration status of builders and remodelers though the
TRCC
’s online searchable database at www.texasrcc.org or by calling 1-877-651-TRCC.
Surviving a natural disaster is a stressful experience, and there is so much
work to be done at the time that everyone must wait for repairs longer
than they would like. But, it is better to be patient and get the job done right
and for a fair price than rush into a situation where you may lose hundreds or
thousands of dollars and still not have your home repaired correctly or at all.
There are a lot of good contractors in our area, and many of them belong to the
Greater Houston Builders Association. Access the directory at
www.ghba.org.
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Fort Bend Publishing Group 2009
