May 27, 2008

Building officials volunteer to provide disaster assistance to City of Hugo

State and local building officials have responded to a request by the City of Hugo to assist in its efforts to provide on-site, damage-assessment assistance after a tornado damaged homes there Sunday.

Staff members from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD), the City of Minneapolis and other municipal inspectors were on-site today to perform assessments of the damaged homes.

"We want to ensure the residents of Hugo get the assistance they need," said Steve Sviggum, DLI commissioner. "Timely response to this disaster is imperative because our goal is to help the city inform its residents about what they must do to repair and reoccupy their homes and businesses."

Because many buildings may have been damaged during a tornado, teams of qualified volunteers -- usually building inspectors from surrounding communities -- often assist municipalities after a disaster. They assist the local building official by assessing damage inflicted on each structure and continue to assist the community through the process of rebuilding.

The staff members place damage-assessment placards on structures and write reports that classify the extent of damage for each property and its suitability for occupancy. They also provide information to the property owners about repairs and available assistance.

Contractors need state license; homeowners cautioned about signing documents

DLI also reminds homeowners to do some homework before hiring a building contractor.

Before hiring a contractor, call DLI at (651) 284-5069 to verify the contractor is licensed and to learn if there is a history of disciplinary action. Homeowners can also visit www.dli.mn.gov/contractor.html and perform a "License Lookup."

Homeowners are cautioned not to sign anything presented by a contractor unless the document is read very carefully and the homeowner has made a firm decision to hire that contractor. Generally speaking, if a homeowner signs a piece of paper, it is a contract, regardless of what the salesperson says, and they are then obligated to its terms.

Before you hire a contractor, DLI suggests homeowners ask:

• for the contractor's license number, then contact the CCLD Enforcement unit at DLI to verify the builder is currently licensed and to determine if the contractor has a disciplinary history;
• the contractor how long and where they have been in business;
• for references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work;
• for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box; and
• for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.

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News media contact:
James Honerman
(651) 284-5313