Chapter 3:  Making Repairs that Prevent Future Moisture Damage

Prompt, Proper Repair is the Prime Tool for Prevention

You’ve already made an initial damage assessment, taken notes, and alerted your insurance adjuster.   The very next steps to avoiding further moisture damage involve getting the proper repairs underway without delay.  Correct, timely repairs now will help prevent problems in the future.

In some cases your insurer will make contractor hiring recommendations, or will hire the contractor for you. 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. 

Be more cautious than ever 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.

Types of Contracting Companies

Depending on the extent of the damage to your home you may need to hire one or more of the following types of contracting firms to make the necessary repairs:

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. 

Some will hire subcontractors to perform additional minor repairs. 

Before hiring, confirm that they are members of one of the following professional trade groups:  the National Institute for Restoration (NIR); the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration ASCR); or, the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC).

Specialty Contractors and Tradespeople

Roofers, plumbers, electricians, heating/ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors each specialize in specific aspects of home repair. 

Most of these types of trades and companies are required to be licensed by the state.  Ask the contractor you are hiring if they are licensed.

In some areas local jurisdictions also issue licenses.

Home Improvement Contractors

The best of these companies, while often small, are experienced at remodeling and retrofitting existing residences.

Since they work exclusively with existing homes, these professionals are familiar with the sorts of damage, oversights and mishaps that can occur. 

A good one will be able to spot problems you may not have noticed yet. 

Most, but not all states require home improvement contractors to be licensed.  Some states require bonding, as well.  Check with your state contractor licensing board to make sure you know your state’s laws regarding license and bonding before hiring a home improvement contractor.  This is one of the high-risk categories for consumer complaint. 

Be sure that the company’s license is in the name of the owner and not someone else.

Do not hire an uninsured contractor.  General liability is essential.  A company with employees must also carry worker’s compensation insurance.  Ask the contractor to see a copy of their current general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

General Contractors

Some of these types of firms only handle new or commercial construction.  But, many also have separate residential remodeling divisions, specializing in large-scale repair or improvements. 

If your home has sustained extensive damage, this could turn out to be a one-stop-shop suited for your needs. 

Some general contractors hire restoration companies for water damage repair jobs.

Most states require these firms to be licensed, and many also require them to be bonded. 

Be sure to ask to see the licenses of any subcontractors they plan to use on your job.

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. 

Don’t hire a company that has had complaints lodged against them through the Better Business Bureau.  To determine if the company has a positive reputation with the Better Business Bureau, visit www.bbb.org or contact the local Better Business Bureau in your area. 

Big down payment demands are a red flag. Do not hire a company that demands hefty deposits to initiate work.  A reputable company requires no deposit because it is fiscally stable and has good credit with its suppliers. 

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 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’ve hired a reputable, qualified contracting company.  The tools and resources are available to today’s homeowner to make that possible.