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If you’re planning a big home improvement project this summer – or if you live in a region of the country recently hit by flooding or tornadoes – you need to know how to improve or rebuild your home without getting scammed by a contractor.

Unfortunately, the official launch of hurricane season on June 1 brings out all manner of contractors, from the reputable ones to the shady operators simply looking to fleece you.

To protect your home and your finances during your home improvement project, here are five ways you can avoid contractor scams.

Know What Your Insurance Policy Covers

Insurance expert Chris Amrhein, president of the Amrhein & Associates insurance agency in Lorton, Va., cautions that in the wake of natural disasters, homeowners need to be especially vigilant.

“For about a week after a disaster,” says Amrhein, “these con artist contractors are descending like vultures” on local neighborhoods. Some sham contractors are known as “storm chasers“; other are called “wood chuckers.” What both have in common is that they prey upon people’s misfortunes in order to push costly repairs. Read the rest of Lynnette Khalfani-Cox‘s article on WalletPop.

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