CITYLife Web Exclusive [CITYSunTimes August 2010]

Monsoon storm

Consumers with home repair needs this monsoon season should keep in mind the following:

Most licensed contractors don’t wander neighborhoods knocking on doors to look for work.

If the person at your door claims they did work for someone else in your neighborhood, don’t just take his or her word for it, ask your neighbor.

Obtain the name and address of the company that person allegedly represents to check the company licensing.

Don’t succumb to high-pressure sale tactics in-person or over the phone with contractors who offer special “monsoon” deals.

Do not pay cash in full before work begins.

Obtain quotes from multiple companies before making a final decision.

CST Logo

Community News for Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Northeast Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek and surrounding areas.

CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives August 2010 | Read the full SECTION

CITYLife

Arizona residents can count on two natural occurrences continuing this summer – excessive heat and monsoons.

According to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, “Monsoon thunderstorms not only bring almost one-third of the annual rainfall in Maricopa, they can also cause flash floods, lightning, strong winds, dust storms, and hail.” In years past, monsoon thunderstorms have caused significant property damage destroying fences, roofs, creating power outages and knocking down utility poles.
In years past, monsoon thunderstorms have caused significant property damage destroying fences, roofs, creating power outages and knocking down utility poles.
“Each year around this time, we received calls from residents who received damage to their homes due to monsoon activity. A common factor in these calls is that the resident trusted an unknown “contractor” who knocked on their door offering help with their repair needs,” Better Business Bureau President and CEO Matthew Fehling says. “Unfortunately, the stories all end up with the resident being scammed out of their hard-earned money and left with the repair job incomplete.”
The BBB strongly encourages Arizona residents to first check out a company online with BBB (arizonabbb.org) and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (azroc.gov) before hiring them for monsoon or any other home repair. You can also obtain a free quote from BBB Accredited Businesses in the roofing and repair industry by visiting arizonabbb.org/equote.

CITYLife Web Exclusives | CITYSunTimes August 2010