Property Owners Urged to Exercise Care when Hiring Contractors for Repairs

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is advising property owners undertaking hurricane repairs to be vigilant and ensure that terms and conditions for work are clearly outlined to contractors before hiring them.
In an interview with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CAC, Dolsie Allen, said that even in the haste to restore homes to livable conditions, homeowners must exercise care as dishonest persons will take advantage of them. “You need to ensure that you come to some specific agreement (with the contractor). It helps if it (agreement) is in writing so you can hold them to what they put in writing,” she stated.
She also suggested that persons employing repair crew should ensure that they know the contractor, obtain estimates of the job to be done and consult reputable groups for assistance such as the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica, which can provide a list of qualified contractors.
“Senior citizens living alone should seek the assistance of relatives, friends or a trusted individual to assist in hiring contractors,” she pointed out.
Additionally, Mrs. Allen said, mortgagors who have sustained damage to their property must take the necessary photographs and check with the relevant financial institutions to ascertain if loans are being offered.
“A lot of financial institutions are actually assisting mortgagors with loans at this time,” she noted, while also advising persons to get step-by-step instructions on how to file insurance claims.
The CEO further warned persons not to let anyone onto their property and into their home without proper identification. “Be smart at this time,” she cautioned, “and do not allow anyone to take advantage of you in this situation (aftermath of Hurricane Dean).”
For further information, persons are being invited to call 926-1650-2 or visit the CAC’s website at www.consumeraffairsjamaica.gov.jm.