| 'Crazy out there': Hailstorm brings 'storm chaser' repairmen
The owner of the Cel-Ana Roofing in Edinburg, Celedon can draw few comparisons to last month's hailstorm that pelted homes and businesses in the county's populous areas, totaling most of the roofs that lay in its path. While homeowners should be alert for out-of-area contractors who arrived looking for work, she said, a number of the ones here have established operations in other parts of Texas. But she said there are steps homeowners can take to protect their investments, such as getting more than one bid, to understanding the contract and guarantee and putting down as little money as is possible. "We understand there are a number of businesses that have come into our area in search of work to help consumers with their repair issues," Salinas said, noting that local roofers alone couldn't take care of the numbers of repairs to be done. Many homeowners who are navigating the insurance claims process also don't understand what damages are covered under their policy or what their own rights are in dealing with insurers. Homeowners "that don't know anything about roofing get caught in the trap," he said. Through this week, the Better Business Bureau had received no complaints from homeowners about fraudulent tactics, said Dolores Salinas, the president of the bureau's South Texas operations. "Not just anybody need to be nailing the shingles out there," said Celedon, whose business is handling about five roofs at a time as speedily and carefully as is possible. The storm also led to an influx of storm chasers, the roofers and handymen who travel to hard-hit areas in search of work. The hailstorm's path hammered homes that line the streets of the Valley's most populous city, putting pressure on insurance adjusters and companies to provide all of the needed quotes, Celedon said. Most of the roofs hit by the golf ball- and baseball-sized hail in March 29's freak storm were damaged so fully they've been totaled by insurance adjusters. But Celedon said homeowners must hire qualified, experienced contractors. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following advice to help you reduce the chances of problems by choosing repair contractors carefully. 'Crazy out there': Hailstorm brings 'storm chaser' repairmen |
Friday, 13 April 2012
'Crazy out there': Hailstorm brings 'storm chaser' repairmen
