I live in Oklahoma, and houses near mine were badly damaged in last Monday's tornado outbreak. We were lucky--we lost a few shingles, a fence, and a mammoth tree ripped out by its roots. As we were standing outside not half an hour after the tornado, a guy in a pickup truck pulls up saying he could see the tree damage, and would we like to have him remove it. I said no, but my husband said, "What would it cost?" He tells us that for $1200, he will cut it up and drag it to the curb for the city to remove. We tell him we will think about it. He reminded us that he was a neighbor, just living a few streets over. I really wish I had thought to ask the address, as I don't actually believe it. By midweek, we had arranged to have the tree cut up and taken away for $500.
The first offer of "help" was by no means the last, and we were harassed for 48 hours by people we didn't know representing companies we had never heard of. Replace the roof, fix the roof, replace the fence, fix the fence, and my personal favorite--the young kid who showed up in 98 degree weather in black slacks, long-sleeved black shirt, and a black suede vest with a fleur de lis on the back. He offered to act as my "personal representative," and negotiate with the insurance company, the contractors, and even attorneys if necessary. He had asked my husband to sign a blank contract earlier in the day, and my husband said he deferred to me. This old boy was waiting for me on my driveway when I pulled up after work and started talking fast. I told him I understood my insurance policy and didn't need his help. When he pushed, I told him I was a financial planner, and REALLY didn't need his help. I guess I looked like I meant it because he got in his truck and drove away.
Your takeaway from this: Even when there has been a disaster, try to work with people you know. If you don't have a roofer chosen already, then talk to your friends, and use someone that already has a personal tie to someone you know. I'm not saying these guys weren't all honest, but it felt like I had landed at the midway in the carnival. When all I wanted to do was get my life back together, I had to fend them off. I noticed they were especially pushy with older people living on the street. Say no. If they don't leave, say no again, or walk inside. You're not being rude; you're protecting yourself.
Be prosperous!
Peggy
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