Resources

Consumer Information

Don't Get Scammed: Find a Qualified Contractor

We can be proud that neighbors in our area have pulled together to help each other after our recent flooding disaster. Now, it’s time to pull together again as we try to rebuild our lives and our homes. On behalf of the Home Builders Association of WV, we’d like to warn you about another potential disaster: unscrupulous contractors.

Beware of these warning signs:

You’re told that on this job, a contract won’t be necessary.
You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front”—or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.
You are confronted with scare tactics.
You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price.
You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located.
You can’t verify the contractor’s business address.

If a contractor you feel is not being upfront has contacted you, please contact the Home Builders Association of WV for a list of reliable contractors. We can be reached at 304-342-5176 or [email protected].

Disaster Websites

These websites provide additional resources to help you prepare for – and recover from –natural and man-made disasters.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross website provides useful information on how to recover from a natural disaster.

FEMA Disaster Resources

Access resources on FEMA’s website to plan, prepare and mitigate the impact of a natural disaster.

HUD Disaster Recovery Toolkit

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides a toolkit with downloadable resources, reports and guides to aid in the disaster recovery process.

Ready.gov Website

This government website provides resources on how to prepare, plan and stay informed about natural and man-made disasters.

Consumer Protection information

West Virginia Attorney General Office

Contractor License Search

West Virginia Division of Labor/Contractor License Search

The WV Division of Labor is involved in many facets of daily life, both from a business and personal perspective. Responsible for Contractor Licensing, job site safety and more, WV Division of Labor is a useful resource.

Builder Resources

Building Permits

Before purchasing a building lot or land parcel, it is important to research local codes and ordinances pertaining to land use and development. HBAWV provides the following useful external links for informational purposes only.

The Home Builders Association of West Virginia is a trade association and has no legal jurisdiction to intervene in matters of dispute, act as arbitrator or in any other capacity, in a consumer’s efforts to resolve any disagreements. The association does not recommend individual members for services or products. We will refer you to our member list and encourage you to do business with a member, but it is a consumer’s responsibility to ensure that the one you choose will meet your needs.

Links subject to change. If you find a broken link, please let us know.

Building Codes

The West Virginia Code Officials association is committed to the protection of the safety, health and well being of all persons who live in, work in, or visit the State of West Virginia by requiring safe construction standards. On our website you’ll find information about the West Virginia Code Officials Association and its Events, Resources for prospective Code Inspectors, a Members Directory and Resource Page, Important Contacts in the Association, and Links to other Building Code and Safe Construction related websites.