Author: fourstargenllc

How to Hire a Home Restoration Contractor

Post author By fourstargenllc
Post date December 28, 2020

Home restoration after a disaster can be an overwhelming activity. You might have several things to deal with and finding the right contractor might add to your burdens. This too can put you at risk of making the wrong choice and falling for scam restoration contractors. But with the right steps, you can learn how to hire a home restoration contractor that can repair the damage of a disaster quickly.

Look out for expertise

A home restoration after a disaster is not the same as regular home remodeling projects. The contractor you choose needs to have expertise in home restoration. He will need the right tools and skills to assess your home and repair the damage done. A lot of specialized work will also be part of your home restoration project to prevent things like mold and mildew growth.

Check for experience with insurance-related repairs

If your home gets damaged by a home disaster, chances are you will need several things covered by your insurance. Your contractor must have experience with insurance-related repairs to know what can be covered and help you get the most from your claim.

See all the right certifications

A reputable home restoration contractor will have the right certifications to prove their experience and accountability. Documents like licenses and insurance help you avoid scams that prey on homeowners after a disaster. Verify the credentials once provided before hiring the home restoration contractor.

Ask for help

If you are having trouble finding any restoration contractors, ask for help from neighbors, colleagues, and family. Gather some recommendations from them and vet each one to find your perfect fit. You also want to work with a restoration contractor who is professional in approach and committed to restoring your beloved home.

Skip the hassle of finding the right home restoration contractor by reaching out to us at Four Star. We offer a free estimate, and our experience and credentials are updated/specialized to serve your home restoration needs.

Disaster Recovery

Survival Tips After a Home Disaster

Post author By fourstargenllc
Post date December 21, 2020

A home disaster can leave you devastated and confused about what to do. Sometimes you find your home has been destroyed or is falling apart slowly. When you have survived the disaster, you will need to survive the aftermath. We have gathered some tips to help you out.

If you and your family were separated during the disaster, make sure everyone is accounted for, including pets. If anyone is missing, reach out to first responders for help.
If there is damage to your property, you will need to make repairs. Take pictures of the damage and clear out as much debris as you can. Remove valuable items such as documents and move them to a safe place.
Reach out to restoration and home construction contractors for repairs.
Contact your insurance agent to know what your claims can carry.
In most cases, you will have to leave your home for your safety and for repairs to be completed. See if your insurance can cover a rental for a temporary stay or go to a shelter for those affected by the disaster.
Don’t use your electronics or stay in your home after a disaster without a proper inspection. The home structure can appear unaffected, only to fail later. You may also put your health at risk if the air is still unclean from the disaster.
As repairs go on, be sure to keep every receipt and proof of events and damages to help with insurance claims and tracking your expenses.
When choosing restoration and construction experts, search carefully to avoid scammers that often come up after disasters happen. Ensure that the contractor is licensed, insured, has references, and is reputable before making agreements and trusting them with your repairs.

Water Damage

What to Do About a Flooded Basement

Post author By fourstargenllc
Post date December 14, 2020

Your first thought at seeing your basement flooded might be to panic, run in and save what you can. But experts recommend using a safety-first approach to prevent putting your life in danger or worsening the damage.

When you find a flooded basement, here’s what to do –

Go back and turn off the power.

A flooded basement can be more dangerous than you think, and the first thing you want to do is cut off any electrical power to it. If your electrical panel or controls are not in the basement, turn off the power in the home or in that area. Only use a powerful torchlight to see the room. If your electrical panel is in the basement, call an electrician to handle the electrical hazard. Do not enter the basement.

See what you can do

With the electrical part solved, enter the basement to assess the water level or damage caused. If any property can be saved, take them out, and be sure to take pictures of the situation for your insurance claim. Depending on what caused the flooding, the water level may be high or low. If it’s possible to clean out the basement yourself, do so and call a contractor for basement damage repairs. When it’s not possible, call a plumber or flood clean-up company. If you have windows in the basement, open them up for air.

Call your insurance agent

In case of any repairs or damages, you might need your insurance to cover it. Call your insurance company to know your claims and how you can restore your basement.

With the right professional contractors, you can restore your flooring, remove pollution, and any other damages in your flooded basement. Always hire a contractor that is experienced with insurance-related restoration.

Fire Damage

Home Fire Safety & Prevention Tips

Post author By fourstargenllc
Post date December 7, 2020

Home fires occur more often than you might realize. Statistics show that over 365, 000 fires occur yearly, and U.S fire departments respond to a home fire every 86 seconds. Home fires lead to the loss of lives and property and are better avoided than experienced. If you are looking for effective tips for home fire safety and prevention, we have put all you need right here.

Install fire and smoke detectors in your home to alert you to danger and help increase safety. Test the detectors monthly to make sure they are working perfectly.

Did you know that you have as little as 2 minutes to escape a home fire after the fire alarm sounds? And 50% of home fire occurs when everyone is sleeping?

After installing fire and smoke alarms, establish an escape route for such situations in your home. Practice this escape plan regularly and let everyone on the home practice it too.
Teach kids safety first, like what to do when they hear the alarm. Teach them not to play with lighters, matches, or the stove.
Check that all appliances in the home are in working order and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them. Faulty appliances could be a fire hazard.
Practice safe habits like not smoking in the house, closing bedroom doors, and keeping the home free from dust and debris.
When cooking, never leave the kitchen with the stove on. If you must leave, set a timer to remind you.
Always check all your appliances, stove, and doors before going to bed.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers help to put out small fires. You can learn how to use them from your local fire department.
In case of a fire you can’t avoid, always use your escape plan. You can repair your home with the help of reconstruction experts.

Water Damage

Water Damage Tips and Facts

Post author By fourstargenllc
Post date December 1, 2020

Disaster Recovery Cleanup Interior Residential in NJ, NY , NYC — Disaster Recovery cleanup of fire, smoke, water, flood, and mold remediation of residential homes in NJ , NY , NYC.

Did you know floods are ranked as the #1 natural disaster in the United States? Regardless of if you stay near a water body or not, flooding can still occur for various reasons.

Read on as we explore tips and facts about water damage.

Causes of water damage

Man-made causes

When most people think of floods, they consider only a body of water overflowing and making its way to residential areas. Man-made causes of floods also exist and may even cause more floods than natural causes. These could be from overflowing tubs and sinks, broken pipes, damaged appliances, faulty sprinkler systems, and so on. Whether there’s a large or small pool of water generated, your home could still get damaged.

Natural causes

Snow melting, hurricanes, heavy rains, and severe thunderstorms can cause water levels to rise and flood their surroundings. Natural causes of floods are quite common and can affect mostly homeowners who stay around these bodies of water.

Some water damage facts include;

Two feet of rushing water can carry a car away.
The total flood insurance claims for the last 10 years is over $3.4 billion per year
Houses located in high-risk flood areas suffer more water damage than fire damage.
The average cost of a plumbing system supply failure is $5, 092

Water damage tips for prevention;

Inspect commonly used systems like the toilet, sinks, and showers every 6 months.
Inspect the entire plumbing system every year.
Call on a home contractor to inspect your roofing yearly, too.
When any form of water damage occurs, ensure safety first by turning off the power at the electrical panel, shutting off the main water supply, and avoid using any electrical appliance or tools until you fix the water damage.
When freezing temperatures occur, insulate pipes close to exterior walls and check frequently for leaks.

While water damage will need a plumber to fix your system, any structural damage will require a home restoration contractor.