Home Town Quotes

"I should have known better," Colman said. "I'm not one to be taken in, but he took me in. ... We live and learn -- no matter how long we live."

Colman is not alleging that the first contractor wouldn't have done the work. But she regrets signing the deal, and she is now writing to the Better Business Bureau in the contractor's home state.

Her story is a cautionary tale for any homeowner hiring a contractor, local or out of state. Think about it -- preferably overnight -- before you sign your name.

In August, the Black Hills area, especially the Hermosa and Piedmont areas, was hit with serious hailstorms. The storms left behind mangled cars, battered roofs and damaged houses. It's also the kind of event that can attract so-called "storm chasers," traveling repairmen who go from town to town. Many are legitimate, but some are not.

Sara Rabern of the South Dakota Attorney General's Office said the Consumer Protection Office deals with a lot of transient contractor issues statewide, especially in the spring.

"We get a ton of calls in April and May," Rabern said. "We have people selling everything from asphalt to lighting rods to paint jobs. You name it, there are a lot of things people try to sell by coming to your door."

Under state law, if you sign a contract with any door-to-door salesperson, you have three days in which you can cancel the contract, Rabern said.

Builder Chad Lewis, president of the Black Hills Home Builders Association, said a door-to-door roofing salesman recently knocked on his door, too.

Being from out-of-state doesn't disqualify a contractor, Lewis emphasized. But he encourages homeowners to work with local builders, because they have community ties and will be around if problems arise.

And regardless of whom you hire, Lewis advised, it is a good idea to ask for references, and then check those references. Also ask to see the contractor's license and insurance certificates, Lewis said.

The South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation offers the following advice for dealing with contractors:

* Ask for a price quote, in advance and in writing.

* Be sure the contractor gives you a permanent address and telephone number. Don't assume that if the information they provide is local, they're a local business. Often, transient vendors will have business cards printed with a local mailing service or motel address and telephone number.

* Ask if the contractor has workman's compensation and general liability insurance. If they're not properly insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. You can contact the department at (800) 829-9188 to see if they are licensed.

* Make sure you're completely satisfied with the work before paying the bill, and don't pay more for the job than originally quoted unless you've given written approval for the additional work or cost.

* Be careful about paying for work in advance. Before making final payment, make sure the transient vendors have paid their local suppliers. You could end up with a lien on your house.

It is legitimate for a contractor to ask for a down payment, Rabern and Lewis agree. Lewis compared it to earnest money on a real-estate deal. But if the contractor asks for a large amount, be careful.

You can also find out if the contractor belongs to the Black Hills Home Builders Association (348-7850). Although a contractor doesn't have to belong to the association, membership at least gives you an idea that the contractor is here to stay, Lewis said.

He said the home-builders association recently adopted rules that require contractor members to be licensed in their field, be insured, maintain workers compensation insurance and have at least two references. The references must be updated once a year. Lewis said the new rules take effect Jan. 1.

The idea, he said, is to let consumers know that any contractor who belongs to the Black Hills Home Builders Association has been pre-screened by the association.

Home town Quotes Comments

" I've contracted in SD for 15 years and find that the complaints come from either the cheapos who reject an honest bid and squeal at the poor work they get or the about-half-rich that refuse to pay the last billing because their attorneys are better than mine. I have learned to never offer to work for anyone that drinks every day, or for the helpless widow that will sue at the drop of a hat or for transplants from east of the mississippi. I have gone to work for agreed on hourly charges only to be told that the client fired a guy that was making the same as me because he was too expensive and I need to renegotiate. I wish there were a register of deadbeat clients as well as good contractors. If you feel like you are getting 'taken' by every contractor you hire, the problem is probably with you. Do you feel duped because you didn't cheat the contractor out of his living? Do you obsess with how much he is charging perhour but forget the hours at the Lumber yard, or dump or working with the city or working up a bid? DOn't be too quick to yell' con job" "

" Im trying to figure out from the article what the first contractor did wrong. Trying to figure out how Ms Coleman was "taken in" Was his price to fix the roof more than the local?? Why report him to the BBB?? "

" even some of the local contractors are bad and do horrible work. i had a local builder (mike)fix mine and he did a terrible job, it still leaks. be carefull and check the referances "

" I agree with most every thing Rabern and Lewis said in this article. Perhaps the most important is the references of prior clients. I might also suggest that someone who is concerned about the credibility of their contractor of choice spend 15 dollars at the courthouse to find out how many times the contractor has been in the courtroom either being sued or trying to get paid. Talk to those people prior to thinking 'low bid' is the best deal. In my thirty plus years of construction experience I see the quality of craftsmanship going by the wayside in exchange for the 'bargain price'. Ask your builder of choice about the 'Builder's Warranty' they offer. If you want to put them to the real test ask them about the statute of limitations that exists in virtually every state (including South Dakota) which is ten years. I have seen many new home buyers with serious issues with the homes they are now married to. I have yet to hear one of them say that their builder told them about this ten year statute. There are many issues that can be latent-IE: compaction around the foundation or concrete driveways and sidewalks, etc.. These are expensive items to remidy and will probably require the advice of a Lawyer. Oh yeah one other piece of invaluable advice...take lots of pictures. Many seasoned builders have honed their 'skills' at duping new clients. Good contractors exist and they probably will not be the cheapest. "

" I got news for you people, beware of local "con-tractors" also! South Dakota with all its conservative thinking has no state contractor liciense registrar! In most state s it is illegal to ask for more than 10% cash up front, that would be your first clue of a bad contractor. If they are not credit worthy to begin with they are not quality contractors! There are no bond requirements in South Dakota so no-one is holding a contractors feet to the fire! Buyer beware in South Dakota! "

Home Town Quotes A better way to Shop for insurance

Homeowner: Buyer beware when hiring contractors

By Dan Daly, Journal staff Friday, October 26, 2007

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