PSA: Protect Yourself When Hiring a Contractor After Disaster Strikes

Oklahoma's Choice Weekly Volume 5 Issue 46

Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Friday’s wildfires changed everything in an instant. Homes were lost, businesses damaged, and lives upended. As our community comes together to rebuild, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone offering to "help" has good intentions.

We’ve seen it before—scammers, storm chasers, and unqualified contractors swooping in, preying on those desperate to put their lives back together. They take deposits and disappear, cut corners, and leave homeowners worse off than before. Don’t let that happen to you.

Before you hire a contractor, take a breath and take these steps to protect yourself, your home, and your money.

1. Only Hire Contractors Who Are BBB Accredited & Bonded

A BBB-accredited contractor has a proven track record of integrity, reliability, and customer service. You can verify their standing at BBB. org before signing anything.

A bonded contractor means your investment is protected. If they walk away from the job or fail to meet their obligations, you have recourse. Ask for proof of bonding and insurance—don’t just take their word for it.

2. Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured

A valid license means they meet state and local regulations for safety and quality. If a contractor hesitates to give you their license number, that’s a red flag. Check it with your state’s licensing board.

They also need general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you from being held responsible for injuries or damage on the job.

3. Get It in Writing. Every Detail, Every Promise

This is your home, your business, your future. Never rely on a handshake deal. A legitimate contractor will provide:

A detailed contract outlining the work, materials, costs, and timeline.

A clear payment schedule—never pay the full amount upfront. If they ask for cash or a huge deposit, walk away.

A warranty on labor and materials. Good contractors stand by their work.

4. Beware of High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Disaster scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll say things like,

“I can get started tomorrow, but I need cash today.”

“If you don’t sign now, you’ll be waiting months for repairs.”

“We have leftover materials from another job, we can cut you a deal.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Real professionals don’t pressure you into rushed decisions.

5. Do Your Homework. Check Reviews & References

A good contractor will have past clients willing to vouch for them. Call and ask:

Did they finish on time?

Did they stay on budget?

Were they responsive and professional?

Check online reviews at BBB, Google, and Yelp. Look for patterns, complaints about unfinished work or disappearing after taking deposits are major red flags.

6. Watch Out for Storm Chasers

After disasters, out-of-state contractors flood into affected areas, promising fast fixes. Some are legitimate, but many are not. If they’re gone in a month, who will you call if something goes wrong?

Stick with local, established contractors who have a reputation in the community and will be here long after the dust settles.

You Deserve to Rebuild Safely

Your home is more than walls and a roof, it’s your life, your memories, your safe place. Take the time to hire someone you can trust.

Your home is more than walls and a roof, it’s your life, your memories, your safe place. Take the time to hire someone you can trust.

If you suspect contractor fraud, report it to the BBB, state attorney general’s office, or local consumer protection agency.

We’re in this together, and we will rebuild the right way. Stay strong, stay informed, and stay safe.