Don’t let yourself become a victim twice after disaster strikes your home or business. Contractor fraud is a very real thing, and it is even more prevalent following life-altering events like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, as unlicensed contractors prey on those who are emotionally and financially stressed.  If you are rebuilding your home or business after a hurricane or flood, it is imperative that you do your research and use a Louisiana licensed contractor. It will save you time, money and heartache in the long run. Here are steps you can take to secure a reputable, licensed contractor to help in your restoration:

The first step is to always get the contractor’s name, business address and their license or registration number, then verify their license with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors . Here are three ways you can verify a license in Louisiana:

1. Search online at www.lacontractor.org.
2. Text 1-855-999-7896 to verify toll-free.
3. Use the LSLBC Mobile App.

Keep in mind that your contractor MUST be licensed in the state of Louisiana – if they are traveling in from out-of-state to complete work, a license in their home state does not automatically qualify. In fact, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors can actually place a “stop work” order on your project if you hire a contractor not licensed in Louisiana. This will only elongate the amount of time you will be without your home or business.

In addition to verifying a contractor’s license, it is also recommended to obtain the following:

• Proof of liability insurance
• Proof of worker’s compensation
• A signed, written contract that outlines a description of services to be performed, an estimated start and finish date and the agreed-upon total dollar amount to be paid

Beyond verifying a license and receiving proof of the above materials, here are some other practical ways you can ensure you enlist the help of a trustworthy contractor:

• Get 2-3 estimates to compare not only overall cost, but also materials, timelines, etc.
• Ask for 3 references from a potential contractor so that you can contact previous customers to verify a job well-done
• Don’t make a large down payment upfront – make installments along the way as work is completed, and don’t hand over your final paycheck until the work is finished to your satisfaction

We know that when it comes to rebuilding after a disaster, you want to move as quickly as possible. But, you’ll want to make sure to do your due diligence before hiring a contractor to verify they are licensed and have an excellent track record. For more information on specific types of licenses required to complete a job or to file a fraudulent complaint, please visit www.lacontractor.org. If you are searching for a local, licensed and insured contractor to help you rebuild, contact us today. We are here to help.