Local Home Builders Warn Stillwater Residents About Post-Disaster Scams

The North Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association (NCOHBA) is warning Stillwater residents to be vigilant about potential contractor scams as the community begins recovery efforts after recent devastating wildfires and damaging winds.

"Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors show up after disasters, like these recent wildfires and damaging winds, and try to take advantage of homeowners to get them to pay for below average work or worse, they may not ever show up," Will Allen, President of the North Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association said.

The organization emphasizes that disaster recovery periods often attract opportunistic individuals posing as legitimate contractors, putting vulnerable homeowners at risk of financial loss and substandard repairs.

"Before you hire a contractor, please make sure to do your homework," Allen advises residents facing the daunting task of rebuilding or repairing their homes.

Finding reputable contractors

To protect homeowners during this critical recovery phase, the NCOHBA has released comprehensive guidelines for hiring reputable contractors. These recommendations aim to help residents make informed decisions while avoiding potential scams.

The association urges homeowners to verify a contractor's legitimacy by requesting proof of current licensing and insurance coverage. A reputable contractor should readily provide documentation of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

"A reputable contractor should be able to show you an insurance certificate and expect you to ask for it," the NCOHBA states in its guidance. While the association would typically recommend contacting the insurance carrier directly, they acknowledge this may not be practical during disaster recovery.

Keep tabs on permitting and inspections

Proper permitting and inspections remain essential despite the urgency of repairs. The NCOHBA reminds residents that all jobs in Stillwater and surrounding communities require appropriate permits and inspections.

"You should check with the inspection department in your area for complete information or fees that are currently required. Ask your contractor if they have requested and secured the proper permits," the guidance explains.

Reference checking is another critical step in the vetting process. The association recommends asking potential contractors for references from previous clients and following through by contacting those references.

Homeowners should also verify the contractor's business presence in the area. The NCOHBA specifically cautions against hiring out-of-state contractors who may lack local connections and accountability.

"Verify the company's permanent business address is in this area and not from out of state," the association advises.

For residents obtaining multiple bids, the NCOHBA stresses the importance of careful comparison. Homeowners should thoroughly review estimates to ensure they compare similar scopes of work with comparable materials and labor.

The association specifically warns against automatically selecting the lowest bid. "Be wary of low bids - lowest bid is not always the best," the guidance states, suggesting that unusually low estimates may indicate potential quality or reliability issues.

Clear, comprehensive contracts are essential for protecting homeowners' interests. The NCOHBA recommends that contracts clearly outline the scope of work, price, and payment schedule tied to completion milestones.

"You should understand your contract and warranties that the builder will provide for the work performed," the association advises.

🚩 Red Flags: High-pressure sales, demanding full payment or cash upfront

Red flags that should alert homeowners to potential scams include contractors demanding full payment or cash upfront before beginning work, and those using high-pressure sales tactics to secure signed contracts.

The NCOHBA remains committed to supporting Stillwater's recovery efforts by serving as a trusted resource for connecting homeowners with reputable contractors.

"During times of recovery, the North Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association remains committed to guiding our community. We are here as a trusted resource for homeowners seeking reputable contractors and sound advice," the association states.

The association emphasizes that taking these precautionary steps will help ensure that recovery and rebuilding efforts proceed safely and effectively, protecting homeowners from potential fraud while supporting legitimate local businesses.

"Together, we will rebuild stronger and safer," the NCOHBA affirms, highlighting the community's resilience in the face of these natural disasters.

For immediate assistance or questions regarding contractor verification, residents can visit ncohba.org or send an email to ncohba@gmail.com.