PEORIA, Ill. – You might still need help rebuilding or cleaning up if you’re a Fulton County resident dealing with damage from Tuesday’s tornado activity.
But, the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois says don’t let a sense of panic or despair cloud your business dealings.
CEO Jessica Tharp says there might be a bit of “buyer beware” when it comes to repairing storm damage.
“We want to encourage you to get three estimates,” said Tharp. “That’s going to give you a really good scope of what services are being offered by these different companies, to make sure that you’re getting a complete review of what repair or replacement looks like.”
Tharp warns of so-called “storm chasers” that go door to door after situations like this who may not be reputable — and law enforcement warns against visiting with anyone who doesn’t have the proper soliciting permit.
But above all else, get the work that will be done, and costs, in writing.
“We want to know every little thing that company is going to do for you,” said Tharp. “You want to get that on a piece of paper. You want to get the payment arrangements outlined — how much of a down payment is expected, when are you supposed to pay the rest of it.”
Tharp says many times her office receives complaints about businesses that do shoddy work, but none of it is put in writing.
And, you can review any business that offers to do work for you at the BBB website.