Heavy rain and high winds moved through the Southern Piedmont area of N.C. and S.C. on Wednesday, causing damage to roofs, trees, fences, storage buildings and more. If you have storm damage, BBB urges you to hire a local contractor with a history of doing business in the Southern Piedmont of N.C. and S.C.. BBB also warns you to watch out for “storm chasers.”

“One of the worst mistakes is to hire a storm chaser, a contractor who is working out of his pickup truck, and going door-to-door soliciting business in storm-damaged areas,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy.

“There are hundreds of local contractors in the Southern Piedmont area who specialize in storm damage repairs who will deliver quality work, on time and within budget,” Bartholomy added. 

BBB checklist: 10 tips for hiring a home repair contractor:

1. Track record – Check out a company’s BBB rating and complaint history at www.bbb.org. It’s fast, easy and free. You can also call the BBB at 704-927-8611 or 1-877-317-7236, toll-free in N.C. and S.C. Customer service operators are available, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding 12-1 p.m. for lunch).
2. Cost comparisons – Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.
3. Licensing – Check to see if the company you plan to hire has the proper licensing with your state’s contractor’s licensing board.
4. Insurance – Verify the company’s liability insurance to protect you against damage. You can also check with the department of insurance in your state.
5. References – Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract.
6. Written contract – Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
7. Deposit required and payment – Do not pay more than 25 to 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Final payment should not be due until the job is completed. Do not pay in cash; pay by check or credit card.
8. Warranty – Get warranty information in writing on products and installation. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
9. Bonding – Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft or additional damage.
10. BBB Accredited Business – Find a contractor you can trust at http://www.bbb.org/charlotte/accredited-business-directory.

For more information, please visit BBB.