MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board is warning homeowners about the potential for scams, fraud and price gouging during storm cleanup, repair and rebuilding as Hurricane Isaias threatens the Gulf Coast and central Alabama.

The board is urging residents to be cautious when hiring anyone to repair storm damage or purchase needed items.

Emergency proclamation triggers felony law

Gov. Kay Ivey issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday covering dozens of counties ahead of the potential hurricane landfall, including Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties.

The proclamation triggers consumer protection laws, including the Aggravated Home Repair Fraud law, which makes unlicensed homebuilding a class C felony when services are offered after an emergency declaration.

License requirements

A state homebuilders license is required when the cost of a job exceeds $10,000. The Home Builders Licensure Board encourages consumers to seek licensed professionals even when the cost of work does not exceed that amount.

A roofer’s license is required for replacing a storm-damaged roof when the cost of the job exceeds $2,500. Performing or offering unlicensed services is normally a class A misdemeanor, but becomes a felony when someone takes advantage of homeowners after an emergency weather event.

“With the Governor’s emergency proclamation, anyone unlicensed who takes advantage of Alabamians with storm damage to their homes, the Home Builders Licensure Board will work with law enforcement and district attorneys to charge and prosecute you for the felony crime of aggravated home repair fraud,” said Seth Gowan, executive director of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. “Taking advantage of fellow Alabamians who suffer damage or loss of property will not be tolerated,” Gowan said.

Steps before hiring a contractor

The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board outlined steps consumers should take before hiring anyone to perform repairs:

• Ask if the contractor is licensed with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board and ask to see the license card. Consumers can also verify licensure status by calling 1-800-304-0853 or visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov.
• Ask for and check references, especially if the builder makes unsolicited contact or is from out of town.
• Make sure quotes and contracts are in writing and include the Home Builders Licensure Board license number. Licensed homebuilders must use a written contract that includes the contractor’s full name, address, telephone number, a description of the work to be performed, starting and estimated completion dates, and the total cost of the job.

Gowan encouraged residents “to be cautious and patient. Work with your insurance company, check to make sure contractors are licensed, ask a lot of questions, and if you believe a contractor is not in the area for the right reasons, call law enforcement.”

Reporting fraud

Consumers may report alleged fraud or price gouging to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation. Complaints can be filed online at www.alabamaag.gov under the “consumer complaint” link, or by calling the Consumer Interest Division toll-free at 1-800-392-5658.

For information about home repair licensing and potential fraud, contact the Home Builders Licensure Board at 445 Herron St., Montgomery, Alabama 36104, 334-242-2230 or 1-800-304-0853, or visit www.hblb.alabama.gov.

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