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for the work done not you. If an unlicensed contractor improperly carries out emergency board up services and someone gets hurt as a result, you will be held legally accountable.

Do not be satisfied with a simple statement by the contractor that he / she "have a license". Verify the contractor's credentials and make sure that his or her license is up to date by calling your state's contractor licensing board. You can also do this online using the contractor's license number.

Request references; reputable contractors should be able to give you the names and numbers of customers they have done emergency board up services for. Contact them. You should also contact local or state agencies or the Better Business Bureau to check whether any complaints are, or have ever been, filed against the prospective contractor.

Time permitting, it is best not to sign contracts for emergency board up services before your insurance company representative has determined the extent of the damage and the amount the insurance will pay. Alternatively, you can forward the estimate provided by your contractor to your insurance company for review before you make any payments.

Handle payment arrangements with your contractor wisely. The written agreement, or contract, between you and the contractor should specify payment modalities in detail. Disregard any contractor who requires more than 30% of the total cost up front.

Do not automatically select the contractor offering the lowest bid; a very low cost estimate often means that the contractor intends to use low quality material and / or provide poor workmanship. It is also a good idea to contact a contractor's suppliers and subcontractors to enquire whether the contractor pays his bills on time.

Make sure the contractor you hire is covered by General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance. This will protect your property and ensure that you will not be personally liable should an accident occur while emergency board up services are being done. Ask to see the contractor's insurance certificate, write down the agent's phone number and call to check that the insurance policy is still in effect.

Once you have selected a contractor, make sure to get a written, dated agreement that includes: name of contractor, a (valid) business address, a telephone number (not a beeper), license number, start date and estimated end date, complete inventory of emergency board up services to be done and materials to be used, itemized and total costs and payment modalities. Informal letters of agreement are acceptable if the work is estimated at $1000 or less. For more expensive projects, insist on a formal contract.

Finally, never pay in cash. Use a credit card or pay by check (made out to the contracting firm or company, not to an individual), and always get a receipt.

Learn more about this author, Sawsan Elzayyat.
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