Three Mid-Missouri companies took money from storm damage victims

Three Mid-Missouri companies have allegedly taken large sums of money from consumers and did not complete jobs as promised or did substandard work.

The Missouri Attorney General is taking action against these three companies, as well as 13 more across the state. For a list of these companies and allegations, please visit the Missouri Attorney General’s website here.

In light of this, the Mid Missouri BBB has several tips for finding a reputable contractor.
Do your homework and take your time. Try and find a local business with a reliable history. Know the specifics of what you want done.

Obtain at least three different bids. Discuss in detail with the contractor to make sure you both know the scope of work that needs to be done, including projected start and end dates, materials used, warranties, etc.

Ask for referrals. Be very thorough in asking questions to see what type of experience they had with a company.

Ask for a written contract. It needs to include everything discussed in the bid, as well as any verbal agreements.

Do not pay everything in advance. Use the rules of 1/3’s. Pay a small portion when you sign the contract, another portion when the project is underway, and a final payment when the project is complete.

Use caution with door to door companies. Typically they arrive in unmarked vehicles, use high pressure sales tactics, want you to pay cash and either do substandard work or they take your money and never complete the job.

If you have a complaint, contact the Mid-Missouri BBB at 573-886-8965 or the Missouri Attorney General at 800-392-8222.