BATON ROUGE, La. —Louisiana flood recovery continues thanks to the work of committed citizens, businesses, government agencies and faith-based, community and volunteer organizations.
Unfortunately, some contractors seeking to exploit survivors often appear in a disaster’s wake. Survivors who hire contractors to repair and rebuild homes should be cautious.
Consumers working with contractors should keep the following tips in mind:
Contractors must be licensed or registered to do work in Louisiana.Down payments for repair work should not exceed 10 percent of the total cost.Contractors should not be paid for work that is not complete. Survivors should never hesitate to ask contractors for identification.Never provide financial information over the phone.Never pay contractors in cash.Verify contractors’ license or registration number with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at www.lacontractor.org or call 800-256-1392.Obtain three written estimates for repair and rebuilding work. Check credentials and contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractor or business.Before repairs begin, make sure to have a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, the costs, a projected completion date and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes.The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors has the authority to place stop-work orders when contractors or subcontractors are found to be unlicensed. For more information, see www.lslbc.louisiana.gov. For complaints, call 800-256-1392 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Before repairs or rebuilding begins, permits from local floodplain management and building officials should be obtained. For more information, see www8.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/community_contacts.aspx.
Louisiana Attorney General’s office offers the following tips:
Take a photo of your contractor, his/her vehicle and its license plate.Take a photo of the contractor’s business card and his/her driver’s license.Photograph or scan his/her contracting license and insurance.Photograph or scan the contract made with him/her.Photograph or scan all checks and money orders made as payments to the contractor.Preserve all these photographs by emailing them to yourself and a trusted companion and/or by saving them in a cloud-based application.If survivors suspect anyone – an inspector, contractor, disaster survivor or someone posing as one of these – of fraudulent activities, call 800-323-8603 or TTY 844-889-4357. You may also contact local law enforcement officials.
Consumers may report fraud or sign up for consumer alerts by calling Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889 or visiting www.ag.state.la.us.
