Business & Tech

Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon, Local Leaders Urge Residents to Use Local Contractors

Right after a natural disaster can be one of the most vulnerable times for a homeowner. Local leaders are urging residents to do their homework and work with reputable companies to rebuild.

The road to rebuilding is going to be a long one for the cities of Hazelwood and Florissant, as residents finish clean up and begin looking for reputable contractors.

Do Your Homework

"Don't be a victim twice," St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley warned residents, as did Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

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"I always recommend that you work with locals when it comes to rebuilding," Nixon said. "There's plenty of great contractors in the area, (and) there's plenty of great folks who can help you.

"Don't fall prey to putting cash down on somebody too quick."

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Hazelwood fire chief Dave Radel said the storm caused significant damage to just about 80 single-family homes in city limits. Nine buildings at Teson Gardens Apartments also sustained significant damage. Those buildings contain eight per unit. Radel said Hazelwood code inspectors have gone through the area and declared 18 dwellings uninhabitable.

Signs Popping Up Everywhere

Drive through Hazelwood and parts of Florissant right now and you'll already see where various contractors have posted signs near impacted homes, as well as parked vans and trucks advertising contractors on vacant parking lots.

Hazelwood Mayor Matthew Robinson said all out-of-town contractors looking to set up shop in city limits need to know they have go through proper permitting.

"We are trying to get the word out about what they can do and what they need to do as far as contractors, and warnings about fly-by-night-contractors.

"They need to come and get a permit in the city first."

And experts like the St. Louis Better Business Bureau urge residents to be cautious.

Some BBB tips for hiring a trustworthy contractor include:

  • Ask at least three companies for bids based on the same requirements. Discuss the bids in detail with each contractor and ask them about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced bid may not be the best.
    Ask about the company’s insurance. Does it carry worker’s compensation, property damage and liability insurance?
  • Ask for proof of insurance or for the name of an insurance agent you can call to verify the coverage.
  • Ask whether the contractor is licensed for the type of work you need. Does the firm meet the bonding requirements of your town, county or state.

Read more about BBB tips for hiring contractors here. Residents should also make sure the contractor is registered with the secretary of state’s office.

Bad Experiences Happen with Local and Out Of Town Companies

Although there is an emphasis on not allowing traveling contractors to victimize people, local contractors take advantage also. There are a few local companies in the St. Louis area the BBB reports as bad business partners.

The BBB urges homeowners to use caution when dealing with the Metro St. Louis Construction or with Benjamin Lee Gaddy, 36, of Washington, Mo., a company official.

In December, BBB said St. Louis County prosecutors charged Gaddy with felony stealing after a St. Ann homeowner alleged Gaddy took more than $6,200 in insurance money in 2012 to replace her roof, siding and awnings. St. Ann police said Metro St. Louis Construction never did the work. This was not the only instance of customer complaint. Read more customer complaints reported to the BBB here.

Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO, said contractors have to realize homeowners are putting a lot of trust in them. 

“In most cases, a home is a family’s most important possession,” Corey said. “Contractors should treat customers’ homes as if they were their own.

"There is no room for sloppy or poor quality workmanship.”

Another local company with multiple complaints is All Seasons Contracting. In this case, homeowners complain of lengthy delays in getting repair work completed BBB warns.

Several All Seasons customers told the BBB the Creve Coeur-based business took down payments for roofing and other repair work more than five months ago, including one Hazelwood woman. Those who asked for refunds said they were told they would have to pay a cancellation penalty of 25 percent of the total contract price.

The BBB said it has logged more than 60 complaints and reports involving All Seasons Contracting in 2011 and 2012, immediately following the Good Friday Tornado that rocked North County in 2011. More than 20 of those complaints have been filed since October 1, 2012. Corey said its normal that customers may experience delays of several weeks for repair work after a major storm.


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