Western Pennsylvania’s Higher Enterprise Bureau Advises Warning When Hiring Wind Injury Help – CBS Pittsburgh

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Yesterday, significant winds blew through our area, crashing power lines, trees and even damaging some homes.

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The resulting damage can cause some homeowners to seek help to restore their property. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​in western Pennsylvania advises caution when considering hiring someone.

“Spring is typically home improvement season, but property damage from an unexpected storm can cause homeowners to turn to unregistered and unqualified contractors for quick fixes,” said Caitlin Driscoll, public relations director for Better Business Bureau of Western PA. “Reject pure cash transactions, high prepayments and handshake transactions without a contract. Always do your research first to use a reputable, local contractor when it comes to storm repairs. “

The BBB recommends that homeowners looking to perform repairs:

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• Contact your insurance company
• Research contractor
• Wait before committing to high pressure sales and handshake deals
• Be wary of door-to-door advertising and cash deals

When you go to your insurance company, the BBB says that you need to bring photo and video documentation of the damage with you at the start of the application process.

The BBB suggests checking their website for contractors to identify themselves when a contractor contacts you, get a written contract, read the fine print, and pay for services with a credit card to better protect you from fraud.

They also recommend providing only a third of the requested payment upfront and making sure your insurance company has approved all repairs before referring the final payment to a contractor.

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If you’ve been a victim of home improvement fraud, you can report it online according to BBB or by calling 877-267-5222.