RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2002

For information: Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson, OII, 614-228-1593
After hours: Mary – 614-443-0400; Mitch – 614-868-0575

Insurance industry offers home contractor repair tips

The following tips are provided by the Ohio Insurance Institute to help Ohioans with repairs following the November 10 storms and tornadoes.

1. As soon as possible, contact your insurance company representative or agent about policy coverage and how to file your claim.

2. If you need to make temporary repairs to your home to prevent additional damages (such as covering a hole in your roof with plastic), keep your receipts. Most insurers will reimburse you for these repairs.

3. If you're not familiar with a home contractor in your area, there are plenty of resources out there. Call your local home builders organization, and ask your friends and family for recommendations. Your insurance agent may have a few suggestions to offer as well.

4. Consider checking on the local contractor through the Better Business Bureau.

5. Secure bids from two or three companies. Ask the contractor for customer references and follow up with at least two or three of them.

6. Beware of repair businesses soliciting work in unmarked trucks, pressuring you to sign repair contracts or asking for large deposits for repair work. Don't succumb to any pressure tactics. Two typical ones are:

• That roof is about to cave in.
• The price is good today only.

7. Repair deposits should be about one-third of the total repair cost. Never pay the whole amount in advance. Don't use cash, instead use a check or credit card.

8. To protect against property liens if a primary contractor does not pay his subcontractors, add a "release-of-lien" clause to the contract or place payments in an escrow account until the work is completed.

9. Roofing and home repair contracts should include:

• The name, address and phone number of the contractor
• A written description of the work to be done
• Cost of labor and materials
• Start up and completion dates
• Have any oral promises also put in writing and include any warranties on
  materials and labor

10. Make sure roofers and contractors carry their own damage and liability insurance.

11. Contact your local building permit office to determine if your repairs require a building permit or inspection. If they do and you don't obtain the necessary permits, you may find yourself having to undo the repairs and then redo them using the necessary permits.

12. When replacing shake shingles, make sure the products are approved by nationally recognized model building codes.

13. Never sign a completion certificate until you are satisfied that the repairs have been done to your satisfaction.