Winnetka Residents Should Exercise Caution When Hiring a Contractor

After the recent storm, the Winnetka Police Department advises residents to exercise caution when hiring contractors to repair their property.

Residents should be aware of uninvited individuals who show up at their homes and offer free inspections or to immediately conduct repairs. These individuals might be con artists who end up charging residents more money than necessary.

The Winnetka Police Department suggests that residents take these precautions when hiring a contractor:

• Always ask if there’s a cost for an estimate before agreeing to an inspection.
• Get multiple estimates for every repair job to compare prices and terms.
• Know the specific salesperson’s name, the company name and the address of the company.
• Check the company on the Better Business Bureau’s website at www.bbb.org and ask the company for references.
• Check the company’s Corporation/LLC/Certificate of Good Standing at the Illinois Secretary of State website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
• Know what the completion date of the project will be, what materials are going to be used, how much the job will cost, if the work will be subcontracted, if a bond will be posted to protect your home, and if the contract includes all oral promises made before signing a contract with the company.
• Don’t pay for home improvement work with cash, and do not pay until the work is completed.
• If you’re uncertain about someone at your door, call the Winnetka Police Department’s non-emergency line at 847-501-6034.
• To report a suspicious person, call 911 immediately.

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