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.
The first thing you need to do, after making sure everyone is safe and accounted for, is to call your insurance company. You should have a copy of your insurance policies in with the important documents you brought with you. Until an adjuster can get to you, you need to keep every receipt for expenses incurred during this time. That includes receipts for food, housing, and any medical expenses.
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.
You may be solicited by people who just show up at your door with promises of quick fixes for low ball prices. You must be very wary of these people especially if they don't have any permanent place of business. You need to be careful if you talk to someone you don't know, soliciting work, who tells your house is unsafe for habitation. If you think there might be structural damage, you should hire an architect or engineer to inspect the home.
You should not allow any work to be done without a written contract. This contract has to include everything you and the contractor have agreed to. You can not trust 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.
You will need a copy of the contract for your records. Never pay in full for contractor work, or pay in cash. You should not pay more than thirty percent as a deposit.
The first thing you need to do, after making sure everyone is safe and accounted for, is to call your insurance company. You should have a copy of your insurance policies in with the important documents you brought with you. Until an adjuster can get to you, you need to keep every receipt for expenses incurred during this time. That includes receipts for food, housing, and any medical expenses.
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.
You may be solicited by people who just show up at your door with promises of quick fixes for low ball prices. You must be very wary of these people especially if they don't have any permanent place of business. You need to be careful if you talk to someone you don't know, soliciting work, who tells your house is unsafe for habitation. If you think there might be structural damage, you should hire an architect or engineer to inspect the home.
You should not allow any work to be done without a written contract. This contract has to include everything you and the contractor have agreed to. You can not trust 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.
You will need a copy of the contract for your records. Never pay in full for contractor work, or pay in cash. You should not pay more than thirty percent as a deposit.
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Find an overview of the benefits you get when you use professional natural disaster repair services and more info about a reliable fire and water damage restoration contractor at http://www.probiltofsacramento.com/services.html now.
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