Chapter 3: Making Repairs that Prevent Future Moisture Damage
Proper Repair is the Tool for Prevention
You have already made an initial damage assessment, taken notes, and contacted your insurance adjuster. The very next steps to stopping further moisture damage involves getting the proper repairs underway as soon as possible. Done correctly, timely repairs will help prevent future problems. All too often we see property owners that do not take the correct action, or act quick enough and the result is often very sad and expensive because there is ever more damage now.
In some cases your insurer will make contractor hiring recommendations, or will hire the contractor for you. It is important to remeber that you have the right to choose who ever you want to do the work.In other situations you may be advised to hire a contractor of your choosing. Either way, the contractor’s quality of workmanship and attention to detail will determine whether your home is properly restored or if it will remain vulnerable to additional damage over time.
Protect Your Home Before Hiring
Although you want to get repairs started as quickly as possible, you should not hire the first person who pulls up in front of your house offering assistance. Widespread disasters typically lead to acute shortages of qualified contractors. During the aftermath of a regional disaster, it is not unusual for local authorities to soften or suspend the rules and requirements for out-of-state contractors. By contacting us instead you will know that your contractor has the proper requirements and training.
Be cautious when selecting a contractor.
In case repairs must be delayed while you locate a qualified repair company, be certain you have protected the most vulnerable parts of your house, including a damaged roof, walls, or windows, to prevent additional moisture entry. Use plastic and/or plywood to protect any vulnerable openings to your home. If you hire anyone immediately, get short-term help to protect your house against the elements.
Restoration Contractors/Emergency Service Providers
Listed in the telephone directory variously under the headings “Water Removal Specialists”, “Fire and Flood Restoration” or “Restoration Contractors.”
These firms specialize in disaster clean up so they tend to respond quickly and have plenty of fans, dehumidifiers and, in some cases, drying and cleaning facilities for water damaged clothing and belongings.
Their specialty is securing the damaged building and hauling away debris.
Is is a good idea to hire one of these companies right away at least for the clean up aspect of the project, not cleaning up and removing the water right away can have serious repercussions.
Smart Hiring Tips:
Ask your insurance carrier if it has a list of reputable contractors in your area. Insurance companies deal with qualified contractors every day and are happy to provide you with this information.
The more time you spend now, to check prospective contractor backgrounds and references, and to create a strong contract that protects your interests – not just the contractor’s - the more likely it will be that the repair goes smoothly and that the job will be done right, without call-backs.
Do not sign a contract that demands final payment “on substantial completion”. This means the contractor has not fully completed the job but is looking for final payment.
If there will be subcontractors on your job, insist that you be given proof, in writing, that they have been paid, prior to making your final payment to the individual contractor, franchisee or general contractor. This is often called a release of liens.
Do not sign a contract that doesn't’t spell out each step of the job, including what materials will be removed and what will be replaced. Also ensure that safe disposal of all items being removed from the home is included in the contract.
Be sure to do a thorough background check and talk to all of the customer references provided by the repair company.
Well-written contracts, entered into with reputable contractors, make for good relations and positive outcomes. It is essential - for the well-being of your home and family - that you and your contractor thoroughly understand each other, and the job at hand, before beginning a contractual relationship.
Homeowners can become active partners in the process of overseeing their home repair, without suspicion or distrust, when they know they’have hired a reputable, qualified contracting company. The tools and resources are available to today’s homeowner to make that possible.
Water Damage Recovery Guide
Chapter 1: The Importance of Home Maintenance | Chapter 2: How to Handle a Water-Related Catastrophe | Chapter 3: Making Repairs that Prevent Future Moisture Damage | Chapter 4: What to Do if You Discover Moisture Damage | In Conclusion…
