MCIPE Constructors Tips for Disaster Victims - How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Scam

Online, July 29, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Disaster victims must frequently face thousands of dollars worth of necessary repairs to make their homes habitable again. Homeowners can protect themselves from dishonest home repair contractors by heeding the following tips:

1. Shop around and obtain at least three written estimates. Ask the contractors if they have liability insurance (as required by law) and whether they will be using subcontractors on the project.

2. Ask your contractor about his or her professional affiliations.

3. Obtain a written contract. Home improvement contracts must disclose the legal name and business address of the contractor as well as a start date and completion date, a description of the work to be done, and the total price. Make sure the brand names of principal products and materials to be used or installed are listed on the contract.

4. Make sure all warranties and guarantees are in writing.

5. Do not pay for the entire job up front. The customary arrangement is one-third in advance, one-third halfway through the job, and one-third upon completion.

6. Look for red flags. Be wary if a contractor tells you that he or she needs a large payment before the home repair work can begin, insists that you pay cash, or tells you a written contract is not necessary - that a verbal agreement is enough. Contracts for home improvement projects costing $500 or more must be in writing.

7. Avoid transient home repair contractors. All home improvement contractors must be registered with Consumer Affairs. If you hire a contractor, make sure you get names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. If a problem does occur, this information will help law enforcement locate the contractor.

8. When you sign a contract, ask the contractor for a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a receipt that states that the workers and material suppliers will not ask you for money once you have paid the contractor. Beware of any request by a contractor to have you sign a statement that says you will cover the costs of materials and labor if the contractor does not pay.

9. Before you let in anyone who claims to have been sent by a utility company to inspect your home, ask for identification. Representatives of utilities and reputable businesses will have proper identification. When in doubt, call the company to verify the identity of the worker.

PRICE GOUGING

Under the Consumer Fraud Act, it is unlawful during a State of Emergency or within 30 days of the termination of a State of Emergency to charge excessive prices - or a price that is 10 percent more than the original price - for any goods and services needed as a direct result of an emergency or to "sustain the life, health, safety or comfort" of individuals or their property.

About MCIPE Constructors and Professional Engineers

MCIPE Constructors and Professional Engineers is a leading civil and building construction company offering diversified general contracting and design/build services to private clients and public agencies throughout the world. We have provided construction services for decades and have established a strong reputation within our markets by executing large complex projects on time and within budget while adhering to strict quality control measures.

We offer general contracting, pre-construction planning and comprehensive project management services, including the planning and scheduling of the manpower, equipment, materials and subcontractors required for a project. We also offer self-performed construction services including excavation, concrete forming and placement, steel erection, electrical and mechanical services, plumbing and HVAC. We are known for our major complex building project commitments as well as our capacity to perform large and complex transportation and heavy civil construction for government agencies and private clients throughout the world.

Contacts
MCIPE
Jennifer Ross, 866-556-2360 x112
MCIPE Constructors and Professional Engineers
Public Relations
[email protected]