Preparing for a major storm is never easy. Cleaning up after one can be even more challenging. Fortunately, there are a number of free resources that homeowners can reach out to for help with answers to your most important concerns. Of the millions of questions you’ll have, we’ve narrowed down some questions and answers you should always consider before you begin rebuilding your home.
1. Where do I start the clean-up process after a hurricane? How should I prioritize my projects?
Safety first. Contain the damage – It is extremely important to use a qualified water remediation/mold prevention expert. Don’t be afraid to contact other qualified local contractors or home remodelers for advice or referrals. Keep in mind that the specialists in remediation might not be the best contact for rebuilding and remodeling your home. In many cases, contractors specialize in either the demolition and mold remediation or in rebuilding and remodeling, but not both. Once it is safe to drive the roadways, your top priority is health and safety.
For example, if water is rising near the outlets you’ll need to turn off the main breaker. If you don’t know how, call your emergency operator for help.
If a portion of the roof has been torn off and water is pouring in, attend to that first. To be well-prepared for a hurricane or high wind storms, you should always have a stockpile of blue tarps in varying sizes and plenty of ropes.
2. What is a reasonable expectation for getting back to normal after a major storm?
Times are extremely challenging but we have to remain realistic and patient. Your home may not be restored for many months in some cases due to demand and skilled labor constraints. Also, suppliers may run out of materials necessary to complete the job or pricing may increase due to tight supply. In this case, working with a local contractor that has a national presence can have an advantage when searching for and obtaining critical supplies.
3. Will My Insurance Cover Everything?
There will be battles with FEMA or other insurance adjusters over blatantly low repair estimates. You need to know that settlements from these claims may not cover the cost of having a qualified remodeler restore your home. You may have to pay out of pocket to get it done right. Look for low-interest loans like the SBA disaster relief fund to help finance your project.
SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. Find out more about SBA Disaster loans here: Do I qualify?
4. Have I found the right contractors to support my specific needs?
Once remediation and mold prevention work is complete, now is the best time to connect with a local remodeling expert to get back to normal or decide now is the time to start the remodel you have been considering. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington specializes in full-service kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Our experts will listen to your specific needs and put together a plan that minimizes stress and disruption to your routine, especially with everything you have going on right now.
If you’re considering updating your kitchen or bath, feel free to give me a call or fill out a form with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington so we can discuss how you envision your new space. I look forward to meeting you!
-Brad Jacobs, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington
– See full article from Qualified Remodeler’s Dan Bawden here: https://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/119442/flood-catastrophe-15-coping-strategies-remodelers/
