GREENSBORO, N.C. — From kitchen upgrades to landscaping and fixing roof damage. There are no shortages of projects you could hire someone for.
Just recently, the Triad got hammered with a hail storm. No doubt, there were homes damaged by that hail. Every time there is a storm like that, you can be sure roofers begin making the rounds looking for business. Beware of any company that is going door to door and offering a "today only" price.
Reputable companies don't usually go door to door. So if you're thinking of hiring someone who is "just in the neighborhood", the Better Business Bureau has recommendations for you.
"Contracts are very important. everything has to be in writing. everything down to a text message. no verbal promises. no blanks left in the contract that can be filled in later by another party. detailed work has to be written out," said Jason Mezza of the BBB.
Three things to know when it comes to paying for work done in your home:
Never pay in cash
Never pay all up-front.
The best way to pay is with a credit card that way if someone you hire doesn't come back to finish the work, the charge can be reversed.
The hail we had recently is a reason you might see folks in your neighborhood. If you think you have roof damage due to the hail, you need to call your insurance company.
Does my car insurance pay to fix hail damage?
"Comprehensive coverage is really for acts of nature things like hail damage hitting an animal, lightning, flood, a limb falling on your car, yes, insurance covers it," said Christopher Cook of Alliance Insurance Services.
That's IF you have comprehensive coverage on your car. New cars with loans automatically have comprehensive coverage on them. But for used cars, and cars that have been paid off, comprehensive coverage is an option. If you didn't pay for that option-- the fix comes out of your pocket.
