Hurricane Damage Recovery? Know Your Legal Rights Before Hiring a Contractor

Anna Rue
Anna Rue

I personally guarantee that we will honestly and decently do our job!

Share:

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, like Hurricane Helene, thousands of homeowners are left grappling with damage to their homes and property. As you begin the process of rebuilding, it’s vital to understand your rights when working with contractors. This article will help you navigate this critical time, helping you avoid fraud, receive quality work, and resolve disputes.When you’re dealing with storm damage, you may be eager to begin repairs as quickly as possible. However, it’s essential to know your rights before signing any contract with a contractor.As a homeowner, you have the right to receive a detailed, written contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, total cost, payment schedule, and timeline for completion. Avoid verbal contracts, they can lead to misunderstandings or disputes down the line.For instance, if you hire a contractor to repair your roof and the contractor fails to provide a detailed contract, you could be left managing unfinished repairs and a legal dispute.Before signing, you have the right to have an attorney review the contract. If changes are needed, they should be made before signing. If anything seems unclear or unfair, you are within your rights to ask for clarification or modifications. This is especially important after a storm, when the urgency of repairs can make homeowners more vulnerable to signing agreements without fully understanding all terms.You should seek assistance from an attorney prior to signing a contract. It is important to know as a homeowner if you have the …

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, like Hurricane Helene, thousands of homeowners are left grappling with damage to their homes and property. As you begin the process of rebuilding, it’s vital to understand your rights when working with contractors. This article will help you navigate this critical time, helping you avoid fraud, receive quality work, and resolve disputes.
When you’re dealing with storm damage, you may be eager to begin repairs as quickly as possible. However, it’s essential to know your rights before signing any contract with a contractor.
As a homeowner, you have the right to receive a detailed, written contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, total cost, payment schedule, and timeline for completion. Avoid verbal contracts, they can lead to misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
For instance, if you hire a contractor to repair your roof and the contractor fails to provide a detailed contract, you could be left managing unfinished repairs and a legal dispute.
Before signing, you have the right to have an attorney review the contract. If changes are needed, they should be made before signing. If anything seems unclear or unfair, you are within your rights to ask for clarification or modifications. This is especially important after a storm, when the urgency of repairs can make homeowners more vulnerable to signing agreements without fully understanding all terms.
You should seek assistance from an attorney prior to signing a contract. It is important to know as a homeowner if you have the right to cancel a home repair contract within three business days or other deadline after the initial signing, without penalty.
After a natural disaster, it’s common for unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors to target vulnerable homeowners. To protect yourself, it’s important to verify a contractor’s credentials before agreeing to any repairs.
You have the right to demand proof of licensing from any contractor you hire. A legitimate contractor should be able to provide a copy of their state-issued license, insurance
documentation, and bonding information. Verify their credentials by contacting your state or local licensing authority.
Always ensure that the contractor is properly insured. They should at minimum have both general liability insurance, that can help protect you and your property, and workers’ compensation insurance, which covers employees injured while working on your property. This can help protect you if accidents or damages occur during repairs.
Beware of contractors who demand large upfront payments before any work is done. You have the right to refuse such requests. Most reputable contractors will request a reasonable deposit, usually around 10-20%, with the remainder due after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Never agree to pay in full before the job is finished. The contract should be clear on the payment terms.
Use this quick checklist for verifying contractor credentials:
Unfortunately, the chaotic aftermath of a storm often leads to an increase in fraud. Scammers may pose as contractors, offering quick fixes or discounted services, but they often disappear after taking your money. Here’s how to protect yourself:
You have the right to vet any contractor you are considering hiring. Ask for references and follow up with past clients. Check online reviews and ratings through sites like the Better Business Bureau or other trusted sources. Verify that the contractor has a legitimate business address and phone number.
Fraudulent contractors may use high-pressure sales tactics, pushing you to sign a contract immediately or claiming that they’re the only ones available to fix the damage. You have the right to take your time, seek multiple estimates, and not be pressured into deciding on the spot.
While pricing may vary depending on the extent of storm damage, you have the right to fair and transparent pricing. Get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure that the price being offered is reasonable for the work being done. Be cautious of contractors who offer prices significantly lower than others, as this could be a red flag for poor quality work or fraud.
These common red flags can help you spot contractor scams after a storm:
Even with careful vetting and clear contracts, disputes can still arise. If you are unhappy with the contractor’s work, or they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, it’s important to understand your legal options.
If a dispute arises, many contracts include clauses requiring mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue. This process involves a neutral third party helping you and the contractor reach a resolution without going to court. You have the right to pursue this option if it’s outlined in your contract.
You can file a complaint with your state’s regulator or the Better Business Bureau if a contractor fails to meet their obligations. This could help the matter to be addressed without further action being necessary.
When necessary, you have the right to take legal action. A LegalShield membership can provide you with access to legal advice and assistance, helping you determine the best course of action if you need to sue for breach of contract or damages.
While navigating legal disputes with contractors can feel overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. With the right legal support, you can protect your rights and make informed decisions throughout the recovery process. If you’re unsure of where to start, the following resources can help you set direction with confidence.
If your contractor doesn’t complete the job as agreed, you may be able to file a complaint with your state’s regulator and take legal action for breach of contract.
Yes, if a contractor committed fraud, you could pursue legal action. Find the right legal plan and get guidance on how to proceed.
To verify a contractor’s license, ask for a copy of their credentials and contact your state’s licensing authority or visit their website for verification.
Recovering from storm damage is already a challenging experience, and the last thing you need is to deal with contractor disputes. By understanding your rights as a homeowner and taking steps to vet contractors, you can help to avoid scams and ensure that repairs are completed efficiently and correctly.
If you’ve experienced storm damage and need legal advice related to hiring a contractor, have a contractor dispute, or other home repair legal matters, don’t wait! LegalShield can provide access to assist you during the recovery process. Take advantage of:
 
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to PPLSI members through membership-based participation. Neither PPLSI nor its officers, employees or sales associates directly or indirectly provide legal services, representation, or advice. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide legal advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed professional lawyer in the state or province where your legal issues exist, and you should seek legal counsel for your specific legal matter. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be a third-party paid contributor. All information by authors is accepted in good faith, however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.
Available to answer your questions now
Mon-Fri, 7am – 7pm CT
We’ll respond within 24 hours
Estados Unidos (Español)
Canada (French)
Canada (English)
United States (English)
Download the LegalShield App

This information and information on websites are provided as an overview of products and plans provided by Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (‘PPLSI’). It also applies to products offered through PPL Legal Care of Canada Corporation and other subsidiaries. LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to members and their covered family members. None of the above corporate entities, nor its officers, employees, or sales associates directly or indirectly provide legal services, representation, or advice. Any forms provided are not legal advice and should not be construed as such. You should consult with a lawyer to confirm the form meets your needs. Case studies are actual member experiences. Names and identities have been changed for privacy and privilege requirements. The benefits and prices described are not always available in all states and Canadian provinces or with all plans. See plan details and your member contract for specifics in your state or province of residence. Use of this website and the services is subject to PPLSI’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyLegal© PPLSI 2024

source

Sign Up for Newsletter

Receive offers, product allerts, styling inspiration and more.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Related Posts

17

Oct

Editor’s note: This post was originally published February 23, 2022, and has been updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness and freshness on October 15, 2024. You’ve likely heard the term “Power of Attorney” (POA) many times. But do you really need a Power of Attorney? In a world where unexpected situations can arise at any moment, understanding the …

12

Oct

When severe weather damages your rental property, your landlord may issue an eviction notice if the property becomes uninhabitable or if repairs are too costly. However, tenants should be aware that eviction is a legal process, and landlords must follow specific state regulations.In many cases, landlords are required to provide reasonable notice and follow proper …

12

Oct

When was the last time you had to find a lawyer? Was finding a lawyer for your specific legal need an overwhelming, daunting process?Imagine you recently remodeled your home after years of working hard to afford it. Then one day, you faced unexpected damage, only a few months after the new home construction was completed. …

21

Sep

Severance pay can be complicated to understand, with a lot of emotional and legal issues to work through. However, it’s important for you to know that severance pay is payment that you receive upon termination that is not due to misconduct on your part as the employee. It is usually due to a Reduction in …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *