BEWARE OF STORM CHASERS!

After a severe storm you see a lot of people show up. Some good, some bad; you will see utility workers, neighbors helping neighbors, legitimate local contractors, restoration specialist, but you will also come across the out-of-town storm chasers and the “fly by night” contractors. We have been out there helping our local communities with their storm damage, and we are seeing a lot of corrupt contractors that are making false promises to homeowners and taking advantage of people in these distressing times.

WHAT ARE STORM CHASERS:

Storm chasers are contractors who follow in the path of severe weather (hailstorms, tornados, strong winds). A lot of times these contractors come from out of town, but you will also come across the local “Tom with a Truck” guys that see the opportunity and pretend to be a contractor with no experience and no longevity.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

OUT OF TOWN STORM CHASERS:

Often times, out of town storm chasers will disguise themselves as local contractor with a PO box, or storefront address. How can you find out? Google the address, or even do a drive by, and avoid contractors using PO boxes as their office address.

MONEY UPFRONT:

Asking for money upfront without a contract. Or asking for full payment in advance. The worst of the worst with take your money and run! This is more common than you think. They will promise to have your house back in order fast but will need the money up front or ask for you to pay your insurance deductible straight to them. DO NOT DO THAT! Honest contractors do need deposits, but make sure you’re in a contract with a LEGITAMATE contractor that you have researched before entering into any contracts or handing over money.

FREE WORK / FALSE PROMISES:

Remember: nothing is free. Storm chasers love to offer free tarping. I can assure you this is not free. Insurance companies typically cover emergency tarps, and you can work with a legitimate company to help you through this. Do not rush into something because you’re in a compromised situation, take your time and do your research. Also, nothing is guaranteed until you have had your insurance adjuster inspect your home and received a scope of loss from your insurance company.

CONTINGENCY CONTRACTS / HIGH PRESSURE: 

Storm chaser scam artist will try to prey on you with a contingency contract. They know you’re in a rush to get your home back in-tact and before you can do your research on the company they have you sign a contract saying if they get on your roof for an inspection or meet your adjuster and get your work covered that they are automatically getting the job from you. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you do your research on the company.

HOW TO FIND A LEGITMATE COMPANY: 

• Find businesses you can trust through your local better business bureau: bbb.org

  • Look for A+ rating

• Google the business

  • Read review

  •  Do they have a website?

• Check the company address and years in business

  • Work with a local company you know will be here for you in the future to warranty their work

  • Look for a company with a brick and mortar office and showroom (not working out of their garage)

Storm chasers will replace your roof as fast as possible with whatever crew they can find and will be nowhere to be found when there is an issue!

You want a company with experience that is an exterior specialist so that you have the comfort of knowing the work is done right!

• Check on liability insurance and permits

• Permits should be posted at your house before starting any work

• Get a written contract with a price and detailed description of work (make sure EVERYTHING is in writing)

• Avoid high pressure sales tactics and signing anything before doing your research on the company

A. CASPERSEN COMPANY INC:

• We are here to help you with all your storm restoration needs! We are exterior specialist and experienced with working with insurance companies

• We have been in business for over 25 years, and have a local showroom in Cuyahoga Falls

• Our business is family owned and operated and we practice Christian business ethics

• We guarantee our work and only use quality products

• Our installation crews are experienced craftsman that have been working for us for many years

BOOK AN INSPECTION