Claims against home repair contractors are subject to contract interpretation and contract law.90 In addition, state licensing regulations may require home repair companies to remain in good standing when offering or providing services, and state law may establish prescribed disclosures and information that must be included in home repair contracts.91 After a Disaster, people whose homes are damaged start quickly with the search for home repair companies that can bring the house back to normal. Due to trauma and shocks, homeowners are particularly vulnerable to contractors who speak softly and promise unrealistic deadlines to complete the work at an unrealistic cost. Even if a homeowner is fortunate enough to hire a reputable and ethical contractor, stressors for underfunded contractors can lead to problems with timely completion and quality of repairs.89 Depending on the nature of the disaster, if the homeowner has suffered flood damage, they may be required to erect their homes during reconstruction in accordance with municipal or FEMA requirements. Home elevation contractors are licensed separately in many states.92 91 For example, New Jersey state regulations impose requirements for DIYers and home upgrade contractors with N.J. Admin. Code ยงยง 13:45A-16.1 to 17A.14. 89 Kaya Laterman, “After the Hurricane Came the Con,” N.Y. Times (October 26, 2018), available on www.nytimes.com. . .
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