Post-hurricane repairs are tricky business for homeowners

With damage widespread following Hurricane Dolly, homeowners face difficult choices when repairing their homes.

Most of the Rio Grande Valley's contractors and specialists are swamped with requests for help, while officials with the state of Texas and the insurance industry warn that scammers and unqualified workers often prey on hurried homeowners.

Al Hernandez, a San Benito insurance manager, said he tried to hire a man he saw on the street to take down a leaning tree that was threatening his home. But when the contractor asked for $1,000, Hernandez opted to wait.

Then he asked his wife to call a plumber to work on their severed water line.

"She called five plumbers and not one has called back yet," he said.

Realizing that good help would be hard to find soon, he decided to tackle the tree himself, using his son-in-law's chainsaw to take it down.

It's a huge risk. As far as his homeowners insurance is concerned, "if the tree falls on my house, that's not a wind thing - that's a me thing." He wouldn't receive compensation for the damage.

Jonas Saenz, a McAllen insurance agent, said he advises homeowners to wait for trusted contractors if they can, making small temporary fixes and keeping photographs and receipts for their insurance claims.

"You need to be sure that the people you're dealing with are people you've had experience with," Saenz said. "Otherwise, it's really just the luck of the draw."

If you just need minor carpentry work done or a temporary patch, smaller, independent workers will likely be able to help at low cost and much sooner than the larger contractors.

But if you need to rebuild your roof, don't settle, Saenz said. And "be hesitant with fly-by-night out-of-towners."

Homeowners in Cameron, Willacy and other Texas Gulf Coast counties are subject to the Texas Windstorm Building Code, and repairs to exterior siding and roofing must comply with that code. If you need more information on the state requirements, call the Texas Department of Insurance at (800) 248-6032.

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Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.

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Avoid being scammed after Hurricane Dolly

Residents recovering from Hurricane Dolly shouldn't let their guards down. Follow these time-tested tips to protect your property from unscrupulous contractors and ensure you are working with true professionals who can repair your homes and partner with you to get you back on your feet.

>> Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home.

>> Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.

>> Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.

>> Inspect contractors' licenses and proof of liability insurance.

>> Get a contract in writing.

>> Avoid paying large sums of money up front. Some reputable contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldn't exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.

>> Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.

>> If anyone performs unauthorized work on your house or property and demands payment, consider contacting local authorities.

>> Don't sign over an insurance settlement check to the contractor.

>> Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriff's office or the Texas Department of Insurance.

Source: Allstate Corp.