The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board is cautioning residents about the heightened risk of scams, fraud, and price gouging related to storm cleanup, repair, and rebuilding as Hurricane Isaias poses a threat to the Gulf Coast and central Alabama. Homeowners are strongly advised to exercise caution when engaging contractors for storm damage repairs or purchasing necessary items.
Governor Kay Ivey took proactive measures on Wednesday, issuing an emergency proclamation that encompasses dozens of counties in anticipation of the hurricane's potential landfall. The counties covered by this declaration include Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox.
This emergency proclamation activates specific consumer protection laws, notably the Aggravated Home Repair Fraud law. Under this law, performing unlicensed homebuilding services becomes a Class C felony when such services are offered following an emergency declaration. Normally, performing or offering unlicensed services is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, taking advantage of homeowners after an emergency weather event elevates this offense to a felony.
A state homebuilders license is required for any job where the cost exceeds $10,000. For the replacement of a storm-damaged roof, a roofer’s license is mandated when the job's cost surpasses $2,500. The Home Builders Licensure Board encourages consumers to prioritize licensed professionals even for work that falls below these monetary thresholds.
Seth Gowan, executive director of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board, issued a stern warning. He stated that with the Governor’s emergency proclamation in effect, any unlicensed individual exploiting Alabamians with storm damage will face prosecution. Gowan affirmed the board’s commitment to collaborating with law enforcement and district attorneys to pursue felony charges for aggravated home repair fraud. He emphasized, "Taking advantage of fellow Alabamians... will not be tolerated."
The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board has outlined crucial steps consumers should follow before hiring anyone to undertake repairs. Residents are encouraged to be cautious and patient, to work closely with their insurance companies, and to diligently verify that contractors hold the appropriate licenses. Furthermore, homeowners should ask many questions and, if they suspect a contractor is not operating legitimately, they are urged to contact law enforcement.
Allegations of fraud or price gouging can be reported directly to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation. Complaints can be submitted online at www.alabamaag.gov through the “consumer complaint” link, or by contacting the Consumer Interest Division toll-free at 1-800-392-5658.
For comprehensive information regarding home repair licensing and how to identify potential fraud, consumers may reach out to the Home Builders Licensure Board. The board's office is located at 445 Herron St., Montgomery, Alabama 36104. They can be contacted by phone at 334-242-2230 or toll-free at 1-800-304-0853. Additional resources are available on their website at www.hblb.alabama.gov.