Your insurance will help you repair your home after a disaster, but there are potential problems lurking around and they are not easy to spot.

While Georgians have seen the fury of Mother Nature with considerable flooding and devastating killer tornadoes, people want to rebuild, repair their homes if they can or rebuild, and get on with their lives.  

The problem that many people don't discover until it's too late is rip-offs by dishonest contractors. That's why the Georgia Insurance Information Service and the Federal Trade Commission reminds you to think about the following tips to help select a reputable contractor.

• Be wary of builders or contractors who go door-to-door selling their services, especially those who are not known in your community.
• Deal only with licenses and insured contractors. Investigate the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor you may hire. Get a list of recent satisfied customers from all prospective contractors.
• Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance agents or claims adjusters for recommendations. Also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been lodged against any contractor you're considering.
• Don't let anyone rush you into signing a contract. Get written estimates from at least three firms. Ask contractors if there's any charge for an estimate before allowing them in your home. Ask for explanations of price variations. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. Get a copy of the final, signed contract.
• Beware of contractors who ask you to pay for the entire job up-front. Never give a deposit until you've researched the contractor you're considering. When you make a down payment, it should not be more than one-third of the total price. Pay only by check or credit card -- and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don't pay cash.
• Be skeptical of contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs since they are part of your total insurance settlement. If you pay a contractor a large sum for a temporary repair job, you may not have enough money left to complete permanent repairs.
• Be cautious about using your home as security for a home improvement loan. If you fail to repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home.
• Have a knowledgeable friend, relative or your attorney review the contract before you sign. If you get a loan to pay for the work, consider having that document reviewed as well.

GIIS reminds all Georgians that home repair rip-off artists overcharge, perform shoddy work and often leave without finishing the job. Some even leave with the down payment money and don't even start the work. Your home repair should be well done, completed quickly and with high quality work.