Floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even devastating fires can happen to anybody. If you have been the victim of one of these events, you know that there are a lot of great individuals willing to go out of their way, and sometimes risk their lives, to help you. There are also plenty of unscrupulous individuals just waiting to take advantage of the crisis. The Better Business Bureau, and government agencies, warn victims to be very careful when hiring a service advertising natural disaster repair.
One of the first things you have to do, after gathering your family and getting to a safe place, is making a call to your insurance agent. You should always keep your policies in a safe place and bring them with you if you are displaced. Until you can meet with the adjuster, you have to keep all of your receipts for the expenses you incur. This includes housing, food, and any medical receipts.
Being displaced in the middle of a disaster is an emotional experience. It is tempting to make hasty decisions just so you can get a feeling of normalcy back. Families are particularly vulnerable at this time. The experts suggest that you okay some temporary repair work, if possible, in order to return to your property. This removes the pressure of having to make big decisions that will affect you and your family for a long time.
When you are able to make major renovations, you need to obtain three or four estimates from reputable contractors. You should always check out the references given as long as they are a year old or older. It's a good idea to contact the state licensing board to see if the contractor you are considering has all the necessary licenses and certificates. You must have a contractor with lead based paint certifications, if your home was built prior to 1978.
It is possible that strangers will come to your house unannounced and promise to fix your damage quickly and cheaply. You must be very skeptical about anyone who does this, especially if they do not have permanent business locations. You should also be wary of anyone soliciting business who tells you your home isn't safe to live in. If you suspect structural damage, you need an inspection made by an engineer or an architect.
You have to insist on a written contract before any work is begun. The contract must include all the terms of the agreement between you and the contractor. You can't depend on any oral agreements.
The written contract should include the time frame for the work to be completed, It should have a materials and labor cost breakdown, and all of the contractor's contact information. You should never sign a blank contract.
Keep a signed copy of the contract for your own records. Don't pay for the job up front, or in cash. A deposit of thirty percent is the most you should agree to.
One of the first things you have to do, after gathering your family and getting to a safe place, is making a call to your insurance agent. You should always keep your policies in a safe place and bring them with you if you are displaced. Until you can meet with the adjuster, you have to keep all of your receipts for the expenses you incur. This includes housing, food, and any medical receipts.
Being displaced in the middle of a disaster is an emotional experience. It is tempting to make hasty decisions just so you can get a feeling of normalcy back. Families are particularly vulnerable at this time. The experts suggest that you okay some temporary repair work, if possible, in order to return to your property. This removes the pressure of having to make big decisions that will affect you and your family for a long time.
When you are able to make major renovations, you need to obtain three or four estimates from reputable contractors. You should always check out the references given as long as they are a year old or older. It's a good idea to contact the state licensing board to see if the contractor you are considering has all the necessary licenses and certificates. You must have a contractor with lead based paint certifications, if your home was built prior to 1978.
It is possible that strangers will come to your house unannounced and promise to fix your damage quickly and cheaply. You must be very skeptical about anyone who does this, especially if they do not have permanent business locations. You should also be wary of anyone soliciting business who tells you your home isn't safe to live in. If you suspect structural damage, you need an inspection made by an engineer or an architect.
You have to insist on a written contract before any work is begun. The contract must include all the terms of the agreement between you and the contractor. You can't depend on any oral agreements.
The written contract should include the time frame for the work to be completed, It should have a materials and labor cost breakdown, and all of the contractor's contact information. You should never sign a blank contract.
Keep a signed copy of the contract for your own records. Don't pay for the job up front, or in cash. A deposit of thirty percent is the most you should agree to.
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