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At Highland Construction, not a day goes by without us hearing about someone being scammed by an unscrupulous construction company. While the construction industry has evolved dramatically, with certified experts working for reputable businesses, somehow, scammers know when to swoop in to take distressed homeowners for a ride.
When severe storms have blown through cities and towns, many homeowners need restoration services, construction companies, and general contractors to help bring their homes back to livable condition. Whether it is a room that needs to be installed, or a home that’s been flooded, the goal for every homeowner is and quite frankly should be to get quick restoration. While construction and restoration can be expensive, especially after a violent weather episode, most homeowners are insured and, thus, inclined to trust the first company approaching them. That’s where they often make the biggest mistakes of their lives.
Never give in to the door-to-door salespeople that swoop in after a natural disaster offering quick fixes. In most cases, these are empty promises by unregistered, low-skilled, and inexperienced contractors who know they can make fast money by capitalizing on the situation.
In times like these, choosing a well-reputed and reviewed service like Highland Construction is best. But before we go ahead and promote what we do, it is worth examining what to look out for after a calamity to avoid being scammed by often fake restoration companies offering low-quality construction work.
When someone knocks on your door offering water damage restoration, flood damage restoration, roof repair, or anything else for that matter, always verify if they are running a legit business. Now, it is challenging for anyone to impersonate a contractor, even if they show up with brochures and appear to be handymen.
Showing up with a truck full of tools does not mean they are professionals working for a restoration company. So, you need to figure out before deciding if they are qualified to provide the service they offer.
We’ve been hearing about a common scam for years targeting senior citizens aka property owners. Fake contractors will target their homes, offering repair services because their homes are, in their words, in “imminent danger.” All the homeowner needs to do is sign a few forms and pay a deposit for them to start working. A few days later, the check is cashed, but you never hear from them.
The only way to avoid being a victim of this scam is to check the licensing and paperwork available from your local city government and town. The contractor should be able to show you a verifiable business license. Now, if you are unsure where to find this information, you can search online for a prime contractor. Googling should be able to reveal the name and location of the business. Plus, if they have existed long enough, Google Business Profile reviews. If they can be trusted and do a good job, there will be positive reviews, and you can trust them.
You will want to stay away from contractors using PO boxes. That way, if something goes wrong, you know where to call and, if they don’t answer your calls, where you go to visit them in person.
Usually, these are roofing contractors that visit cities in the wake of natural disasters, offering to restore their homes. They will often start with the most damaged homes and then work their way up to ones that have received minimal roof damage. Traditionally, the focus for these companies has been roof repairs, especially after an episode of hail and violent storms. However, now they also target areas with earthquakes, fires, and flooding.
Storm Chasers will offer services far below what an otherwise established contractor will charge. That makes it look like an excellent deal, but it is a high-pressure sales tactic because they want you to commit right then. That way, they can put as much money as you can offer them into their pockets as quickly as possible but then do the work promised but below quality before moving to the next home. In other words, it’s a subpar building process.
We’re not saying every storm chaser is a scammer, but most are, so you should know the telltale signs of one so you don’t get ripped off. Again, research the company before you sign anything. Make sure they are a legitimate business with a physical address, at the very least.
This is a tip to help you avoid all scams and scammers. Time is your friend here because you need it to research the company, and these scammers know it. That’s why they will try to force you into a deal immediately, thus not giving you the time to think and do the required research. to understand the scope of the project.
If anyone ever confronts you at the door or over the phone that pressures you into buying something like roof repair or flood restoration, always tell them you will get back in touch later on. Salespeople want to keep the ball rolling, but it is your job to create distance to do the research needed and thus avoid getting scammed.
At Highland Construction, we have over a decade of experience providing a full range of fire and flood restoration services. Plus, we are one of the most renowned contractors in the US with safety as a priority. We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics or send storm chasers to your home. Instead, if your home has incurred water or flood damage, maybe fire damage, then feel free to get in touch with us for a free no-obligation quote.
We have no associated general contractors because ours is a registered company with a certified team
Highland offices are located at the following addresses:
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If you have damage to your property or are looking for a renovation, Highland Construction and Restoration is here to help.
1409 Clinton Rd
Fayetteville, NC 28312
