Check Contractor References

By Millie Diaz

Staff Writer

Finding professional contractors to rebuild houses, and inadvertently, help rebuild the lives of families, can be a tricky road to maneuver, especially after a crisis. Contractors know time is of the essence, and some may use some unorthodox ways of getting one’s business.

First and foremost, local city offices can verify licensed contractors. Kristi Rogers, City of Ganado’s secretary/treasurer, said before a homeowner finds a contractor, there’s one step that needs to be taken first.

“Come to City Hall and get a building permit first, then we can check our licensing on file for any contractor interested,” Rogers said.

“Check if they’re insured, ask if they’re a bonded company. Contractors need to carry insurance,” Rogers said.

During Hurricane Harvey, while the City of Edna Hall closed down Police Chief Clinton Wooldridge was put in charge of asking contractors to register with them, show their identity and directed people who needed a contractor to them.

“We only had a handful of contractors come in, and all were local,” Wooldridge said.

* For the full article, buy a Jackson County Herald Tribune newspaper or purchase an online subscription