651-212-4221
Jul 18, 2019
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Door Knocking Contractors: Buyer Beware

We’ve all heard phrases such as “seize the moment” and “the early bird gets the worm”.  Situations that these terms apply to are the hail storms that frequently sweep through the Twin Cities area.  Naturally, when an occurrence like this happens, it’s one’s first instinct to restore their property as quickly as possible.

Taking advantage of this mentality are contractors from all over the country who packed up their pickup trucks and set their GPS coordinates for Minneapolis/St. Paul, banking on the fact that homeowners are in a stressful situation and may take less precautions than they normally would when screening a potential contractor if the work was something that they’d been saving and planning on for years.

One of the tactics that these storm chasing contractors are using is going door to door in affected neighborhoods promising homeowners everything under the sun to get them to sign on the dotted line.  Now, we’re not saying that someone knocking on your door, offering storm restoration assistance is always a predator.  Not at all, in fact, when our estimators have been out on bids, they’ve oftentimes stopped at a neighbor’s property to check to see if they are in need of a bid as well.

What we are saying is that, storm damage already places stress on a homeowner and it can certainly seem like it’s taking the path of least resistance by signing with the first company that shows up at your door to give you an estimate, but we caution you to use the below screening tools when encountering a contractor knocking on your door soliciting business.

 Hail damage on a roof

How to Hire the Best Storm Damage Contractor For Your Twin Cities Home

Ask “What City Were You Last In”?

Scary but true, many storm chasers go from city to city ripping off homeowners.  While they may not admit that they were recently in neighboring states for their hailstorms earlier this summer and have pending lawsuits, when you ask them for local references for work performed within the last 6 months, they will be unable to produce them.  Asking for identification and being shown a driver’s license from a non-adjoining state should also be a red flag that you are not dealing with someone local.

Insurance Endorsed Contractors

As a homeowner, you have the right to choose the contractor that performs your insurance restoration work.  Some insurance companies have preferred service providers that they strongly recommend and in some cases, even guarantee to back their work, if performed incorrectly.  Sounds great on paper, until you realize that it is to the contractor’s benefit to perform minimal work as cheaply as possible so that the insurance company continues to send them work.  Protect yourself by doing your own homework and going with the first person that knocks on your door.
Vinyl siding with hail damage

Contractors Who Pay Your Deductible, Offer Discounts and/or Rebates on Insurance Restoration Work

In the state of Minnesota, it is illegal for a contractor to pay your insurance deductible.  Additionally, the MN Department of Labor prohibits the discounting of any insurance restoration work on your home.  Kickbacks or rebates from a contractor are also not permissible.  Anyone who offers to do any of this should be reported to the Better Business Bureau or MN Department of Labor.

Every Reputable Contractor Should Be Able to Readily Provide:

  • Local references (Don’t forget to verify reputation on sites such as the Better Business Bureau)
  • Proof of insurance (without this, if one of their workers is injured on the job site, you may be held liable for their injuries.)
  • A local address (not a PO Box)

Roof with hail damage from a recent storm

The Bottom Line

There are three components of every construction job: the time it takes to do, the cost and the quality of workmanship.  It is highly improbable that you will ever get the best of all three (if you’re being offered this, go through the bid with a fine toothed comb to make sure you’re not being duped.)  Good things happen to those who wait, especially when it comes to insurance claims.  Take a deep breath, do some research and allow yourself to make a well-informed and not emotional decision.  Continue to ask questions until you feel completely comfortable with the contractor you’re entrusting your home improvement to.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Storm Damage Restoration:

Contact us today to get started with your storm damage inspection and repairs.

Our Storm Damage Restoration Projects:

Storm Damage Restoration Reviews:

"We had LeafGuard® put on our house 5 years ago and were totally satisfied with the product. With a large hail storm and damage, we called to have it looked at by our insurance company and Lindus. Brandon Larson, the sales representative was excellent - -we didn't have any questions because he took his time and walked us through the insurance and replacement process. Brandon's presentation and explanations were right on. He and Lindus construction have the best service and products. The LeafGuard® product speaks for itself as it is the highest quality. When we tell people that we have it, they are always impressed and so are we!" 

Vicki D.
Hastings, MN
August 14, 2023

"It was good and professional from negotiating with my insurance to the completion of the project. Thanks, Lindus."

Dan H.
Oakdale, MN
July 27, 2023

"They replaced our roof following hail damage last summer. Did a wonderful job! Replaced sheathing in an area around the fireplace chimney where we have had a leak for many years and nobody else has been able to find it. Also replaced our soffits with a continuous vent design which hopefully will lessen our ice dam problems in the future. Excellent workmanship all around!"

Dianne B
Stillwater, MN
July 14, 2023

"Brandon Larson from Lindus came out and inspected my roof only to find it was covered in hail damage and needed to be replaced. He worked directly with my insurance to get it covered 100%.  From a quality perspective, they did a really nice job and did the work quickly to avoid too much disruption to me and my family.  I am pleased with Lindus and would highly recommend them for future projects."

Daniel P.
Menomonie, WI
June 29, 2023

"Excellent work replacing our hail-damaged gutters, which had lasted over 20 years! They communicate well and sent a courteous and efficient crew to our 1 1/2 story home in St. Paul. Definitely can recommend this company!"

Verena V.
St. Paul, MN
June 20, 2023

"My roof & gutters were damaged with hail. Matt was so helpful with the insurance company to get a satisfying settlement. The work crew worked steadily, quietly and efficiently to replace the roofing & LeafGuard® Brand Gutters. The whole team has done a wonderful job!"

Deb J.
St. Paul, MN
April 17, 2023
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