Categories
Disaster Recovery

How to Hire a Home Restoration Contractor

 

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.

 

Categories
Disaster Recovery

Survival Tips After a Home Disaster

 

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Reach out to restoration and home construction contractors for repairs.
  4. Contact your insurance agent to know what your claims can carry.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.