Hurricane Isaias is still offshore, but Alabama officials are already bracing for the second wave that follows every storm: unlicensed contractors, fake estimates, and price gouging. Gov. Kay Ivey’s emergency proclamation covering dozens of counties triggers the state’s Aggravated Home Repair Fraud law, which upgrades unlicensed homebuilding from a class A misdemeanor to a class C felony when the work is offered after an emergency declaration.
The numbers matter. Alabama requires a state homebuilders license for any job over $10,000 and a roofer’s license for roof work over $2,500. Before you sign anything, verify a contractor’s license by calling 1-800-304-0853 or visiting hblb.alabama.gov. Seth Gowan, executive director of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board, said his office will work with law enforcement and district attorneys to prosecute anyone who takes advantage of storm victims. Suspected fraud or price gouging can be reported to the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-392-5658 or alabamaag.gov.
Suncoast homeowners know this routine well. Every named storm that brushes the Gulf brings a parade of out-of-state trucks and cash-up-front offers. The protections are simple: verify the license, check references, get a written contract, and never pay the full amount before the work is done. Have you ever had a close call with a storm-chasing contractor? Tell us in the comments.
