Des Plaines Alderman: Beware of storm chasers

Des Plaines city officials are warning residents to beware of storm chasers who blow through town after every severe weather event, coaxing residents to get home repairs done that may not be needed.

Several such out-of-town roofing companies have canvassed neighborhoods with signs since the April 5-6 hailstorm and are preying on residents, 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten said.

"They get you to sign a contract for a new roof, new siding," Walsten said. "They massively overstate damages. Tell you, you have only seven days to file a claim. That's not true. You have a year."

Often, these contractors use "shoddy materials" and bill residents for unnecessary work. Many seniors have been bullied into signing such contracts, Walsten said.

Walsten urged residents to use reputable, local contractors who have been doing home repairs in town for years.

"You know where to find them if things don't work out," he said.