Antigo Times

Top Menu

  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Video
  • Best of 2022
  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

logo

Antigo Times

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Video
  • Best of 2022
NewsReal Estate
Home›News›Reminder to Use Trusted Contractors for Property Repairs after Storm Damage

Reminder to Use Trusted Contractors for Property Repairs after Storm Damage

By Antigo Times
August 6, 2021
887
0

FROM THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE & CONSUMER PROTECTION

Last week’s severe weather in Wisconsin resulted in significant damage to homes and businesses throughout the state. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds property owners to use trusted contractors for repairs and to be leery of storm chasers that come knocking with aggressive sales tactics.

Always use caution when interacting with traveling crews who show up in the aftermath of a storm. Do not let them into your home, and do not give in to high-pressure pitches. Instead, use trusted sources such as your friends, neighbors, and insurance agent for contractor referrals. You can also contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 to check for complaints against a business before you sign a contract.

Homeowners with storm damage should:

  • Be wary of any contractor who knocks at your door. If your municipality has a door-to-door sales ordinance, call municipal officials to find out if the contractor holds the proper permits.
  • Get lien waivers from anyone you pay for home repairs. If the person collecting your money does not pay their supplier or worker, a lien could be put on your property.
  • Get a written contract with exactly what work will be done, what materials will be used, a start and completion date, and warranty information.
  • Check with your local building inspector to see if the work requires a permit and make sure an inspector visits the job site before you provide final payment.
  • Request a copy of the contractor’s certificate of liability insurance.
  • Keep all receipts that document the cost of repairs or the replacement of damaged items.

In addition, Wisconsin’s  storm chaser law aims to protect consumers and businesses, and prevent insurance fraud through the following:

  • Contractors cannot promise to pay all or some of a property insurance deductible.
  • Contractors cannot negotiate with a homeowner’s insurer on behalf of the customer. They can only discuss damages and costs with the insurer with the customer’s permission.
  • Before entering into a contract with a customer, the contractor must inquire if the work requested is related to an insurance claim.
  • Customers have a right to cancel the contract within three business days of being notified that their insurer has denied all or any part of the claim for work. Contractors must notify customers of this right.

For more information, or to file a complaint, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/FileConsumerComplaint.aspx, email [email protected], or call (800) 422-7128.

Find more DATCP news in our newsroom, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Previous Article

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S® TEAMS UP WITH ...

Next Article

Langlade County Board of Adjustment Notice for ...

Related articles More from author

  • News

    Mattoon Market Stocking Giveaway a Success

    December 12, 2014
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • BusinessNews

    2014 North Woods Women in Business Week Winner Announced

    December 16, 2014
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • News

    Langlade County Board Welcomes New Veterans Service Officer

    December 18, 2014
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • News

    Famous Saved by the Bell actor arrested in Wisconsin

    December 26, 2014
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • NewsSports

    Northern Snowmobile Trails to open in Langlade County on 12/31

    December 30, 2014
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • BusinessHealth

    Health Insurance Coverage: A Message from the USDA

    January 5, 2015
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×