San Juan County families are confronting the aftermath of severe flooding that has rendered many houses unlivable. Residents such as Zayra Rivera, who returned to find her floors covered in several inches of water, and the Schaefers, whose home was completely submerged, are now searching for trustworthy contractors to repair the damage.

BBB’s consumer‑protection checklist

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is stepping in with practical guidance to help flood‑victims avoid predatory contractors that often appear after disasters. Austin Calabaza, the BBB’s Community Outreach Coordinator, stresses the importance of checking a contractor’s BBB rating, which ranges from A+ (the highest) to F (the lowest). “When you’re looking at business profiles, look at their letter‑grade ratings,” Calabaza said.

Key steps recommended by the BBB include:

• Hire only contractors who are licensed, insured and bonded. This protects homeowners from liability if something goes wrong.
• Request at least three written quotes. Comparing estimates helps ensure a fair price and reveals any outliers.
• Ask for references from recent clients and follow up to verify the quality of work.
• Secure a detailed written contract that outlines the project timeline, payment schedule and any warranties.

How to verify a contractor

Residents can use the BBB’s free online search tool at BBB.org to look up a contractor’s rating, read customer reviews and see any complaints that have been filed. If a contractor has a pattern of unresolved complaints, the BBB advises homeowners to look elsewhere.

Calabaza also reminds people that the BBB accepts reports of suspected scams. “It’s a free resource that allows us to field those reports and then share that information with applicable media and law‑enforcement agencies,” he explained.

Local concerns about scams

Dave Schaefer, who along with his wife Rhonda saw their home flood, warned that “fly‑by‑night companies” often target disaster‑stricken communities. “You just have to be a good consumer,” he said, echoing the BBB’s message that vigilance and due diligence are essential.

Both Rivera and the Schaefers hope that by following the BBB’s recommendations they can find reliable contractors, complete repairs quickly and get back to normal life.

What’s next for the community?

Local officials continue to monitor the recovery effort, and the BBB plans to host a virtual workshop next week to walk residents through the contractor‑selection process step by step. The workshop will be open to anyone affected by the flooding and will provide a live Q&A with consumer‑protection experts.

As San Juan County works toward rebuilding, the BBB’s advice offers a practical roadmap for homeowners to protect their investments and avoid falling prey to unscrupulous operators.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.