Things to Consider Before Hiring a Storm Shelter Company
Hurricane season is already approaching, and this is the perfect time you would want to install a storm shelter. A plethora of storm shelter companies can be found online. But how do you get in touch with them? Who can you rely on? It's a good idea to do some research before falling victim to one of the many scams that take place in our state, especially after a storm. If you're looking for a storm shelter company, here's what you need to know and look for.
How Much Insurance Do They Have?
Companies that are fully insured have a variety of insurance policies that protect both you and the company. Damage to your property is covered by General Liability insurance. An insurance policy for any contractor working on your property is essential because heavy machinery and moving storm shelters that weigh 15,000 to 30,000 pounds could result in an accident.
You need to double check with the company that whether they provide their employees with Commercial Auto Insurance and/or Inland Marine Insurance policies to insure equipment and vehicles that are transported to and from various locations. Uninsured equipment and company vehicles put the property owner at risk of financial loss in the event of an accident.
Worker's Compensation must be in place for any employees working on your property on behalf of any company. On-the-job injuries are covered under this policy.
Reading Reviews and Doing Your Due Diligence
Do a search on Google. Look for customer feedback on social media platforms like Facebook, Google, the BBB, Yelp, and Angi. Businesses can opt out of Facebook's review section. The reason why Facebook reviews aren't visible to the general public is probably because they've been hidden. Don't pay attention to those 5 stars with no accompanying written review, they don't mean anything. Take a look at the company's official website. Take a look at some of their previous work. Look up the company on the BBB.com. Determine if they have had any legal issues by checking their local court records.
It's Vital to Pay Attention to Small Document
Are their products in accordance with FEMA standards? The Texas Tech Wind Institute conducted the testing and certification for these products, correct? The Wind Institute conducts tests on shelters to ensure that they can withstand a direct strike from a tornado.
Do they perform the work themselves or do they outsource it to others? To be clear, this isn't a deal-breaker, but it's always a good idea to check out the company or contractor doing the actual work. The use of subcontractors is sometimes advantageous.
Inquiring minds want to know: If the business is new, the owner may still have years of experience under their belt. Ask!
Make a phone call to the company and inquire about their services. Let's face it: We've all been there. If a company has a bad vibe, no matter how good the work is, you won't be happy with it. Choose a business with which you feel at ease. Go with your instincts and trust your intuition.
How Much Money Do You Have to Spend?
Don't let a product's price influence your purchase decision. The importance of qualifications trumps that of cost. For storm shelters (and contractors in general), less expensive does not always equate to better. Cut corners, inferior materials, and/or shoddy workmanship are all RED FLAGS when it comes to products sold at rock-bottom prices. It's not uncommon for storm shelter providers to offer reasonable prices.
Paying large sums of money or paying in full in advance is an automatic red flag. During storm season, a small deposit is acceptable. ‘The final payment should only be accepted when the job is done, and not before.
Is there any additional charge for taxes or fees? Get a sense of what to expect from the beginning! When you buy a storm shelter from a big box store, these fees can add up quickly! Is it included in the price to have it installed? Yes, it is. Do your homework before agreeing to work with a contractor or service provider! Talk to storm shelter companies like EF5 Storm Shelters in OKC.