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Caveat

Dear Editor,

While driving around the area, I observed a large number of contractors working on roofs, homes and buildings.

What is unusual is that I cannot find any local ties for some of the unfamiliar names (when the names are displayed).

Do you remember the debacle in New Orleans? After the storm damage, contractors by the thousands came into the area. Some were legitimate, but some were not. Temporary offices were rented, names painted on a window, toll free numbers were given out, etc. When the work was completed, and, in some instances, before it was completed, the “contractors” and the down payment were gone.

So was the “office” and the toll free telephone number.

Where will these individuals be if the work turns out to be short lived and you have problems? Will a contractor from out of the area be willing to return and fix a leaking roof? Does the material being used meet specifications? Did you ask the contractor for local references? I don’t mean recent references. Ask him about jobs he did in this immediate area several years past. If none can be produced, BEWARE.

William Patsche,

St. Clairsville

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