Mayor Garnett L. Johnson | City of Atlanta
Mayor Garnett L. Johnson | City of Atlanta
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Augusta's Planning and Development Department is advising residents to exercise caution when choosing contractors for repair work on homes or businesses. The department emphasizes the importance of ensuring that repairs are conducted safely and in compliance with building codes.
The department provides several guidelines for selecting a contractor:
- Verify that the contractor holds a current business license, which expires on December 31, 2024.
- Request proof of insurance, such as a surety bond or ACCORD.
- Ensure the contractor's license covers the services they offer. Information can be verified at https://sos.ga.gov/.
- Hire only licensed and bonded electricians, with verification available at https://sos.ga.gov/.
- For contractors from outside Georgia, check their registration status with their respective Secretary of State offices. Note that some municipalities may not require business licenses.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant against potential scams. For more information on selecting a contractor or to report suspected fraud, individuals can contact Augusta Planning and Development at 706-821-1796.