After Storm, Beware Of Door-To-Door 'Woodchuck' Contractors

ROCKVILLE, MD — Last week's wind storm felled trees and littered branches throughout Montgomery County neighborhoods, and scam artists are sure to follow them, say county officials. They're warning residents about "woodchucks," or unlicensed home improvement contractors.

These companies go door-to-door, promising to trim trees, pick up debris, or do other chores, says the county's Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). "While working on your trees, they will undoubtedly find wind damage to your roof, your siding and gutters," the OCP said in a statement. "They may talk you into discussing home improvement projects inside your home."

The woodchucks provide false names and false or temporary contact information on the work orders. They will take a homeowner's deposit, and if they return at all, they will do an incomplete or shoddy job on the project.

The OCP announced that it has joined forces with local law enforcement from Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia to stop these con artists. The OCP, with the help of police and the State’s Attorney's Office, regularly prosecutes unlicensed contractors who steal deposits or do criminally shoddy work.

Tips To Follow

Before you sign any contract, make sure you have done your homework. The OCP has a guide to Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor. Please make sure that your contract has the correct license:

• If your tree is 20 feet or taller, an arborist license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be needed.
• If you are having electrical, plumbing, HVACR or gas fitting work, a license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission is not enough. They will need an Occupational license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can check a contractor’s licensing status online.
• Check online to make sure the license number they give you actually belongs to them. The OCP regularly handles complaints where contractors use someone else’s MHIC or Occupational license.

The Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act was recently amended for home improvement contracts signed in your home. Now, instead of three (3) days, you have five (5) days to cancel the contract; seven (7) days if you are a senior.

Image: Shutterstock