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5 42 p Rebuild and Floodproof you may be liabte for acci- dents on your property o Ask for references. Con- tractors should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Cali some of the customers and ask if they would hire the contractor again. o Ask for a written estimate_ Check it to make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do. Some contractors charge a fee for an estimate, which is understandable because they have plenty of work to do after a flood. o Ask for a contract. The con- tract should be complete and clearly state all the work, the costs, and the payment sched- ute. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. If a lot of money is involved, it may be worth your while to have a lawyer look at the contract before you sign. o Ask for any guarantees in writing. If the contractor pro- vides guarantees, they should be written into the contract, clearly stating what is guaran- teed, who is responsible for the guarantee (the dealer, the contractor, or the manufactur- er), and how long the guarantee is valid. ::J Get a copy of the final signed contract. Once signed, it is binding on both you and the Contractor. o Don't sign off before the job is finished. Don't sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your sat- isfaction. A reputable contrac- tor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly. Areas recovering from floods are often prime targets for less- than-honest business activi- ties. Building codes often require that work be done only by licensed contractors. Some building departments and trade associations keep lists of con- tractors who work in the community. Here are some points to remember, . Be cautious when contractors you don't know offer "special deals" after a disaster or want to use your house as a "model home," . Ask for complete financial details in writing and for an explanation of any difference between what you are paying and regular prices, Sales are worthwhile and they do exist, but be sure you are getting the services and products you are paying for. . Do not sign a contract if a salesperson has pressured you. Federal law requires a 3- day cooling-off period for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25. If you want to cancel such a contract with- in 3 business days of signing it, send your cancellation by registered mail. Other types of sales may have contracis with different cancellation clauses. Read your contract carefully. . Beware if you are asked to pay cash on the spot instead