How to Avoid Getting Scammed After Storm Damage: A TrustDALE Guide

How to Avoid Getting Scammed After Storm Damage: A TrustDALE Guide

Severe storms can leave behind significant damage to homes and properties, creating stressful situations for homeowners who are eager to make repairs and return to normal. Unfortunately, this urgency often opens the door for scammers who take advantage of the situation. At TrustDALE, we’ve seen countless examples of homeowners being duped by dishonest contractors after a storm, and we’re here to ensure you don’t become one of them.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best steps to follow after suffering storm damage and give you essential tips on how to avoid scams during the repair process.

1. Assess the Damage Safely

Before anything else, make sure you assess the damage safely. Wait until the storm has completely passed, and it’s safe to inspect your property. Be cautious of hazards like downed power lines, flooding, or structural damage that could pose risks.

When inspecting your home, look for common signs of storm damage:

• Missing or damaged roof shingles
• Water stains or leaks in ceilings or walls
• Broken windows or doors
• Fallen trees or debris
• Damaged siding or gutters

If the damage is severe, consider having a professional inspector assess the situation before entering your home.

2. Document the Damage

Before any cleanup begins, document the damage thoroughly. Take multiple photos and videos of the interior and exterior of your home. Be sure to capture all visible damage, no matter how minor it may seem. This documentation will be critical when filing an insurance claim and can help prevent any disputes later on.

Additionally, keep written records of any initial repairs you may need to make to prevent further damage, such as boarding up broken windows or tarping a roof.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

After documenting the damage, reach out to your insurance company to begin the claims process. They’ll likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what repairs are covered under your policy. Make sure you fully understand the scope of your coverage before agreeing to any repairs.

Your insurance company may recommend contractors, but remember, you’re not obligated to use their suggestions. You have the freedom to choose your own contractor, and this is where doing your homework becomes crucial.

4. Beware of Storm Chasers

One of the most common scams following a storm involves "storm chasers"—unscrupulous contractors who travel from town to town after disasters, offering fast repairs for cheap prices. While it may seem like a convenient option, hiring a storm chaser can often lead to shoddy work, incomplete repairs, or no work at all once payment is made.

To avoid falling victim to storm chasers, watch out for these red flags:

• Unsolicited offers: Be cautious if a contractor shows up at your door uninvited, offering to inspect your home for free or make repairs immediately.
• Pressure to act fast: Scammers often pressure homeowners to sign a contract quickly, claiming that their schedule is limited or your repairs are urgent.
• Upfront payment requests: Never pay the full amount upfront. A small deposit to secure materials is reasonable, but full payment should only occur once the work is complete.

5. Use TrustDALE to Find a Reputable Contractor

Finding a trustworthy contractor after storm damage can feel overwhelming, but this is where TrustDALE can help. We’ve done the hard work of vetting contractors for you, ensuring that only reputable, reliable companies make it onto our platform. Every TrustDALE Certified Partner goes through a comprehensive seven-point investigative process, including checks for licensing, insurance, reputation, and customer satisfaction.

Choosing a TrustDALE Certified Partner means you can rest easy knowing that:

• They meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.
• They carry proper insurance, protecting you in case of accidents or poor workmanship.
• They’ve been thoroughly vetted to ensure positive customer reviews are legitimate, not fake or bought.
• You’re covered by the TrustDALE  $10,000 Make It Right Guarantee—if something goes wrong, TrustDALE will work with both you and the contractor to resolve the issue.

Why take the risk of hiring a contractor with unknown credentials when you can work with a company backed by TrustDALE? Avoid the hassle and uncertainty by using our trusted partners to ensure the job is done right the first time.

6. Get Everything in Writing

Before any work begins, make sure to get a detailed written contract. This contract should clearly outline:

• The scope of the work to be done
• A breakdown of costs for labor, materials, etc.
• The timeline for completion
• Payment terms (including deposit amounts and the schedule for payments)
• Any warranties or guarantees on the work

Carefully review the contract, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. If the contractor refuses to provide a detailed contract or pressures you into signing without reading it, that’s a red flag. Walk away and find a more reliable contractor—preferably through TrustDALE.

7. Monitor the Work

Once the repairs are underway, stay involved. While you don’t need to be on-site every second, check in regularly to make sure the work is progressing as agreed. Keep communication open with the contractor, and if anything doesn’t seem right, address it immediately.

Never pay the full amount until the job is completed to your satisfaction. If the contractor requests additional payments or suggests changes to the original plan without a valid reason, pause the work until you can sort things out.

8. Know Your Rights: Georgia Cancellation Laws

In Georgia, homeowners are protected by specific cancellation rights. Understanding these laws can help you avoid signing anything that you might regret later:

• Right to Cancel in 3 Days: If a contractor approaches you and you sign a contract for repairs in your home, Georgia law gives you the right to cancel the contract within three days of signing.
• Right to Cancel in 5 Days for Insurance Claims: If your storm damage repairs are part of an insurance claim, you have the right to cancel the contract within five days of signing.

If a contractor refuses to acknowledge these rights or pressures you to waive them, that’s a clear sign that they’re not operating ethically. Make sure to always check the contract for your cancellation rights and exercise them if you feel uncomfortable with the agreement.

Conclusion

After storm damage, your priority is to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible, but it’s critical not to rush into decisions that could cost you down the line. By following the steps outlined in this guide—documenting the damage, working with your insurance company, avoiding storm chasers, and using TrustDALE to find reputable contractors—you can protect yourself from scams and ensure quality repairs.

If you’re ever in doubt about a contractor, don’t hesitate to use TrustDALE. With our vetted partners and our Make It Right Guarantee, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.

Visit TrustDALE.com today to find a contractor you can trust and avoid the pitfalls of post-storm scams.