Our thoughts are with you.
CreekStone Homes, along with the entire Colorado Springs community, watched the devastation of the Waldo Canyon fire with heavy hearts. We cannot begin to imagine how you and your family feel as you begin to move forward, and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Throughout the entirety of this tragedy, we have been so proud of the way that our community has come together offering food, shelter, resources and hope. We would like to offer our overwhelming gratitude to the fire fighters, community leaders and charitable organizations for their hard work and steadfast support. Our community’s strength and faith have inspired us to do our part, and we would like to offer ourselves as a resource of information as you take the first steps towards rebuilding your life.
An important thing that you should know before you begin repairs or rebuilding is that, sadly, there are people out there that are willing to take advantage of a community healing from a natural disaster. We would like to pass along a list of things that you and your family should look for in order to avoid a contractor scam. It is a warning sign if a contractor:
- Doesn’t have license and insurance. All professional contractors should be insured and able to show their certificate proving such insurance. Although all states do not require licensing, contractors in states requiring licenses should have it and be able to provide a copy.
- Doesn’t write contracts. Professionals have clear contracts that outline the job, process, the cost and help to clarify how problems will be managed. If you don’t have a contract, you are not protected when something goes wrong. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”
- Requires cash or payment in full before starting a job. Shady contractors demand cash and then run with the money. Many homeowners have been stranded by paying in full up front. A deposit towards materials is common, but only pay it once you have a contract signed by both you and the contractor. It’s also suspect if you’re asked to pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.
- Vastly underbids all other contractors. They may have the best price, but that doesn’t guarantee the best work. Such contractors may cut costs on quality, which can end up costing you more when you have to have substandard work redone.
- Offers “special pricing.” Be weary if you’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project as a special, low price, or you’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
- Cannot provide customer references. Professional contractors should have current references that they can provide from current and past clients – and you should be able to reach those references, not just an answering machine.
- Is difficult to contact. Professionals have a physical office, mailing address, phone and email. They should respond to your inquiries in a timely manner. Make sure you can verify the contractor’s business address. Source: Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs
We have many reputable companies in Colorado Springs that can handle repairs or, if you choose, your rebuilding process in a trustworthy, professional manner. Please visit www.cshba.com to see a list of Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs approved contractors. While we hope that you will consider using CreekStone Homes, we really just want you to choose a contractor that will get you and your family back to normalcy as quickly as possible. And please keep in mind that CreekStone can build your old home using photos and plans, or your family could have a fresh start with a new design. Whatever you choose, please know that CreekStone Homes and the community of Colorado Springs are here for you as you go through this difficult time.
We wish your family good luck in your recovery process.
Respectfully,
The CreekStone Homes Family
Trusted Builder Since 1995
Semi-Custom Homes // Custom Homes // Build on Your Lot
