Hundreds of homes were damaged as a result of the multiple rounds of severe weather that impacted the state of Mississippi this week. As cleanup efforts begin, keep in mind that if a home sustained damage and the cost of repair is $10,000 or more, a contractor’s license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors is required by law.
The MSBOC issued the reminder in a PSA along with a warning that scammers may try to take advantage of the opportunity following the severe storms and the board urges you to be wary of unsolicited or door-to-door offers for repairs.
“If you’ve already been a victim of the storm, we don’t want you to be victimized a second time by a fraudulent contractor,” MSBOC Executive Director Stephanie Lee said.
Lee encourages consumers to ask for a copy of the contractor’s license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and verify the license is current by using the SEARCH CONTRACTOR feature on the agency’s website at www.msboc.us. Consumers should avoid rushing into repairs, always check references, and never give cash payments upfront.
MSBOC offers the following suggestions before hiring a contractor to make repairs:
- Use a MSBOC licensed contractor.
- Ask for references.
- Ask for a written estimate.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- Get a written contract.
- Ask for guarantees in writing (if separate from the contract).
- Do not sign off before the job is finished.
- Do not pay cash up front.
Consumers can find more information about hiring a contractor or roofer at www.msboc.us or calling MSBOC at 1 (800) 880-6161.
