If your home was damaged during last week’s tornadoes that moved through the New Orleans area, you’re dealing with enough already. The last thing you need is a dishonest contractor trying to take advantage of the situation.
Unfortunately, storm-related scams show up after nearly every major weather event in Louisiana. Within days, and sometimes hours, out-of-town contractors arrive in damaged neighborhoods looking for quick jobs and fast payouts. They knock on doors, offer inspections, and make promises they never intend to keep.
We’ve seen it happen time and time again.
As a local company that has served New Orleans homeowners for years, we wanted to share a few things every homeowner should know before signing a contract or handing over money.
What Happened
The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought severe weather across southeast Louisiana during the early morning hours of June 18, 2026. Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed in the region, including an EF-1 tornado that traveled more than seven miles from Bridge City through parts of New Orleans and toward the University of New Orleans area.
Neighborhoods across the metro area reported damage. Trees were uprooted, power lines were knocked down, and many homes suffered roof damage. Some of that damage is obvious. Some isn’t visible until leaks begin appearing weeks later.
In Jefferson Parish, multiple homes in Avondale were damaged, while flooding created additional problems throughout the area.
Following the storm, state agencies quickly warned residents about another threat that often follows severe weather: contractor fraud.
The Storm-Chaser Playbook
Most scam contractors follow the same pattern.
They Show Up Uninvited
A contractor you’ve never heard of knocks on your door and says they noticed damage while working nearby. They offer a free inspection and often claim your roof needs immediate attention.
Not surprisingly, they almost always find damage.
They Ask You to Sign Paperwork Immediately
Some contractors ask homeowners to sign documents that give them authority to deal directly with insurance companies.
Many people don’t realize what they’re signing.
In some cases, those documents transfer significant control over the insurance claim and payment process. Once signed, fixing the situation becomes much more difficult.
They Want a Large Deposit
Another common tactic is collecting a substantial upfront payment before any work begins.
Once the money changes hands, communication slows down. Materials are supposedly delayed. Crews are unavailable. Weeks pass without progress.
Sometimes the contractor disappears altogether.
They Offer a Suspiciously Low Price
Everyone likes saving money. Scam contractors know that.
They often submit bids that are far lower than legitimate competitors. After the contract is signed, unexpected charges begin to appear. By the end of the project, homeowners often pay more than they would have if they had hired a reputable contractor from the start.
They Aren’t Properly Licensed in Louisiana
Some contractors present licenses from other states and claim they’re qualified to work in Louisiana.
That’s not enough.
Contractors performing covered work in Louisiana must meet state licensing requirements. Always verify credentials before agreeing to any repairs.
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t Sign Anything at the Door
No matter how urgent the situation may sound, take the time to review the documents and research the company. A reputable contractor won’t pressure you into making an immediate decision.
Verify Licensing
Before hiring anyone, verify their license status through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
If an insurance adjuster is involved, verify their credentials through the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
A few minutes of research can save thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
Get Multiple Written Estimates
Collect at least two or three written estimates before moving forward.
Comparing bids helps you understand the true scope of repairs and makes unusual pricing easier to spot.
Avoid Paying Everything Up Front
A reasonable deposit for materials is normal.
Paying the entire project cost before work begins is not.
If a contractor demands full payment immediately, consider it a warning sign.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos before cleanup begins.
Capture roof damage, fallen trees, water intrusion, damaged siding, and any personal property affected by the storm.
Good documentation strengthens your insurance claim and helps prevent disputes later.
Ask for Local References
Established local contractors should have recent customers willing to share their experiences.
Ask for references from projects completed in the New Orleans area and follow up with those homeowners.
Read Every Document Carefully
Never sign paperwork you don’t fully understand.
If a contractor asks you to sign documents related to your insurance claim, take time to review them carefully. When needed, speak with your insurance agent or an attorney before moving forward.
Watch for Price Gouging
After major storms, demand for repairs increases quickly.
That doesn’t give contractors the right to charge unreasonable prices.
Louisiana law prohibits price gouging during declared emergencies. If you believe someone is taking advantage of storm victims through inflated pricing, report the issue to the appropriate state authorities.
If You’ve Already Been Scammed
Act quickly.
Keep copies of every contract, invoice, receipt, email, and text message related to the project.
Contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and the Louisiana Department of Insurance if the situation involves an insurance claim. You can also file a complaint through the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.
The more documentation you have, the easier it becomes for investigators to review the case.
A Final Word From Mackie One
We’ve lived and worked in New Orleans long enough to know what happens after major storms.
Most homeowners aren’t roof experts. They shouldn’t have to be.
They deserve honest answers, fair pricing, and quality work from contractors who plan to be here long after the cleanup is finished.
Mackie One is licensed, insured, and locally owned. We’re part of this community, and we’re not going anywhere.
If your home was damaged during the June 18 tornadoes, give us a call. We’ll inspect the damage, explain what we’re seeing, and give you a straightforward assessment of what needs to be done.
Sometimes that means a major repair.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
Either way, you’ll get the truth.
Call Mackie One Construction at 504-821-1530 to schedule an inspection.
Mackie One Construction
504-821-1530
Roofing • Gutters • Siding
“If You Don’t Call Mackie One, It’s Your Asphalt℠”