Say NO to Solicitors.

Hail is falling in East Texas again, with the weather always comes the solicitors. Particularly this year, because it’s been so long since a severe weather event, neighborhoods will soon be littered with yard signs.

You might not have reason to think of it, but many industries rely heavily on severe weather. Roofers, Gutter Installers, Auto Body Shops, Windshield Repairmen, Tree Removers, and many other trades are largely supported by the seasonal effects, particularly the damage caused by severe weather. These seasonal influxes of business are the ‘bread-and-butter’ of many smaller, and occasionally larger companies. East Texas is a infamous for the regularity of bad weather, as such it draws a large amount of out-of-town or out-of-state contractors the industry calls ‘storm-chasers’. These companies come in right as the weather is happening, advertise heavily, do a bunch of work and then disappear. Fortunately for us residents, it’s been a rather quiet few years with almost no hail, wind, tornadoes or snow.. That’s certainly good for us but it makes for hungry contractors, and they’ll jump at the first BB-sized hailstorm with full force.

It’s important to understand that side of the market as a consumer as you do your brand research and ask a lot of questions when getting estimates and quotes.

Here are a few things worth remembering if your home or business has just been affected by some bad weather:

1. Breathe. Take your time. It’s not the end of the world.

2. Avoid storm-chaser solicitors. These companies often disappear as fast as they arrive. If you have, or suspect you have damage, you should be the one contacting a trusted local company... NOT the other way around.

3. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. “Free tarping” and similar offers sometimes come with strings attached.

4. Do not let anyone rush you. Even with an active leak, there are usually safe and affordable temporary ways to protect your home while you decide on the right company for your permanent repair.

5. Roofing and Gutters are NOT the same trades. If both are damaged, call each trade separately. Just because a company says they do both doesn't make them expert at either.

6. Check reviews. It is one of the simplest and best ways to compare companies.

7. If a replacement is needed, shop your options. You may have the chance to upgrade materials, change colors, or improve the look and function of your home instead of simply replacing what was there before.

8. Ask a lot of questions.

9. Get everything in writing.

10. Save all documents, texts, quotes, warranty pamphlets in a Project Folder.

These suggestions are far from exhaustive, but will serve you well as a starting point and hopefully avoid some bad situations.

“..you should be the one contacting a trusted local company... NOT the other way around.”