COLUMBUS, OH – June 10, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and the Toledo-area Better Business Bureau (BBB) are offering an information center in Wood County this week to assist Ohioans who are looking to repair and rebuild in the aftermath of the recent tornados.
“This storm has already had devastating effects on Northwest Ohio, and we want to protect homeowners from any further harm,” said Cordray. “When disaster strikes, fly-by-night contractors try to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. They take money for services that they do not provide and make promises that they do not keep. As homeowners begin to repair and rebuild, they need to be vigilant against these predators.”
The information center opened today and is located at:
Millbury Fireman’s Recreation Hall
28410 Oak St.
Millbury, OH 43447
The information center will be open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours have not yet been determined.
Cordray offers the following tips for homeowners who are looking for contractors:
- Check out the contractor before signing any contract. Obtain the name, address and phone number of any contractor agreeing to do work for you. Ask for identification from the company’s representative. Check out consumer complaints with the Attorney General and the BBB.
- Be cautious. Do not accept services from any contractor who refuses to provide proper identification, does not have a permanent place of business, cannot provide references or insists on a large payment before work begins.
- Get written estimates. Do some shopping and get estimates from more than one contractor. Refuse to do business with a company that does not provide a written estimate.
- Never sign over your insurance check to a contractor. If you are financing the transaction, arrange for a certificate of completion with your bank. The bank will pay the contractor for each completed state of the job only after you give your permission.
- Get a sworn statement. Insist that the contractor provide you with a sworn statement that all materials have been paid for and all subcontractors have been paid. This will protect you from liens which may be placed on your property if the contractor fails to pay all suppliers and subcontractors.
Ohioans who feel that they have been scammed by a contractor should contact Attorney General Cordray’s office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
Media Contacts:
Kim Kowalski: (614) 728-9692
cell: (614) 893-6018
Ted Hart: (614) 728-4127
cell: (614) 743-2286
