When hiring contractors for storm repairs, beware “fly by nights”

New Albany Code Enforcement Officer, Eric Thomas, has asked NAnewsweb.com to help with informing local property owners about some storm repairs issues when hiring contractors.

Storm damage on Apple St.

Local home owners seeking contractors to repair damage from the powerful weekend storm need to know the following information:

• Beware of “con artists and fly by night contractors” who descend upon areas with heavy damages from storms, floods, etc.
• Home owners should check out any person claiming to be a contractor or otherwise contracting to make storm repairs.
• City regulations require that contractors be licensed and bonded by the City of New Albany, in addition to being licensed by the state.
  • Being licensed by the city requires the contractor to post a bond that will give $10,000 of protection to homeowners who receive shoddy or substandard work from their contractor.
• Homeowners with questions about contractors, etc. can contact Eric Thomas at the Code Enforcement Office at 662-538-4108.
• Homeowners can check contractors by name at the Mississippi Board of Contractors link below. The Board’s site lists state licensed contractors by name, and also has a list of contractors with board violations.

MS State Board of Contractors: http://www.msboc.us/?page_id=38