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 because of a catastrophic event is an emotional experience. It may be tempting to make big decisions in order to get things back to normal as soon as possible. This is when you are at your most vulnerable. Experts recommend that if there are temporary repairs you can make to get back onto your property, you should strongly consider them. This is one way to avoid the pressure of making quick decisions that have long term effects.
When you are ready to make major repairs, you need to get several estimates instead of going with the first one you receive. You need to check references that are at least a year old and contact the licensing board to make sure the contractors you are talking to have all the licenses and certifications required by the state in which the property is located. If you have a home that was built before 1978, you will need a contractor that is certified to conduct lead based paint renovations.
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.
Never let anyone do any work on your home without a written contract in place. The terms of the contract must include every item you and the contractor have agreed to. Oral agreements aren't worth the paper they are written on.
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 because of a catastrophic event is an emotional experience. It may be tempting to make big decisions in order to get things back to normal as soon as possible. This is when you are at your most vulnerable. Experts recommend that if there are temporary repairs you can make to get back onto your property, you should strongly consider them. This is one way to avoid the pressure of making quick decisions that have long term effects.
When you are ready to make major repairs, you need to get several estimates instead of going with the first one you receive. You need to check references that are at least a year old and contact the licensing board to make sure the contractors you are talking to have all the licenses and certifications required by the state in which the property is located. If you have a home that was built before 1978, you will need a contractor that is certified to conduct lead based paint renovations.
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.
Never let anyone do any work on your home without a written contract in place. The terms of the contract must include every item you and the contractor have agreed to. Oral agreements aren't worth the paper they are written on.
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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