Rebuilding After Disaster Strikes

What victims of Hurricane Sandy and Others Should Keep in Mind When Repairing Homes and Businesses

It is estimated that Hurricane Sandy caused up to $50 billion in estimated losses from property damage, lost business and additional living costs. As victims return to their homes and businesses, they are confronted with the process of rebuilding. 

Aerial views of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast taken during a search and rescue mission by 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released)

With this surge in construction needs, there are a few things people should take into account in order to avoid costly mistakes. However, these tips can be used in any natural disaster, emergency situation, or even when just preparing for a remodeling project!

1. Understand your insurance policy. In states where natural disasters are more prominent, deductibles tend to be higher. However, some states you might not expect to have higher insurance deductibles in reference to natural disasters will as well. It is important to note that if you do have Hurricane coverage, this does not necessarily mean your house is covered for flooding. If it falls from the sky, you are covered. If it rises from the ground (even if it is caused by what is coming from the sky) you may not be covered unless you have flood insurance. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand your insurance policy and what your coverage entails. This can also save you time filing your claim and save you money in the long run.
2.  Protect your home or business from further damage. It is your responsibility to ensure further damage does not occur while waiting for your insurance company to process your claim. Therefore, you may need to complete some initial “damage control” repairs in order to avoid further issues. It is most important to get any standing water removed from your property as soon as possible to avoid water damage and mold. It is also important to board up any windows or doors, and seal off any roof damages in order to protect the inside of the property from further damage. Many of these repairs you can complete yourself with an extra set or two of hands. Home Improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, could usually point you in the right direction for needed materials and equipment. 
3. Find community assistance when dealing with a shortage of liquid funds. Many banks and businesses understand that a natural disaster is not always something you can prepare for. Therefore, many businesses and banks work with customers to cover their purchases for necessary items. Look in your area for businesses offering help and call your bank to discuss your options.
4. Research General Contractors in Your Area. Natural disasters affect everyone in that area. Therefore, the good general contractors tend to be snatched up quickly. This also tends to be when those “not so experienced” and “not so honest” contractors come out of the woodwork. Do your research!!! Ensure you are following the guidelines from your insurance company, if they have specifications. Begin your research while your claim is being reviewed and processed in order to expedite repairs once approved. 
5. Choose a General Contractor. When making your decision, ensure they are licensed and insured. Ask for a copy of their business license, contractor’s license, and insurance as well as a copy of their contract terms and conditions. Also, ask if they offer any sort of warranty on repairs. If not, ask if they will. Most contractors will provide some sort of limited warranty. They should be more than willing to provide you with all of this information. If not, on to the next one! In most “normal” remodeling cases, you may have the option of requesting multiple bids from multiple contractors. When possible, do so to compare pricing. However, with the possibility of having a shortage of options after a natural disaster, conducting your own research is important! There are a variety of reference sites that contain information and reviews of contractors, such as Angie’s List or Home Advisor. Regardless, in any remodeling situation, always go with someone who is licensed and insured!
6. Always get copies of signed contracts and deposits. Once you choose a general contractor and the work contracts are signed, always request a copy. Prior to releasing the deposit check, make a copy of it. NEVER pay for the entire contract amount up front. If the contractor requests this, do NOT allow them to complete work. As a general contractor ourselves, it is a very, VERY rare case that we will ever request full payment upfront. Sort of common sense I guess! Once that contract is signed, if additional repairs are needed, ask the contractor to create a separate estimate and contract. NEVER allow the contractor to complete repairs without prior authorization from you. This protects both you and the contractor.
7. Never release final payment until you have completed the final walk through with the contractor. This is standard practice for most contractors. However, as owner of the property, it is important to know you are entitled to a walk through to ensure the contracted repairs are completed and of quality. Once satisfied, you can release final payment. However, make a copy of this and ask for a receipt.
8. When releasing final payment, ask for a copy of the warranty information if applicable. This may be a short statement from the contractor or be included in the contract terms. Either way, ensure you have some sort of documentation of warranty of repairs if applicable.
9. Document, document, document! Whether dealing with the insurance company or the general contractor, ensure you are documenting all conversations. It is easiest to do so by communicating through email (got to love modern day technology!). But if not, be sure to write down the date, time, and person you spoke with and what the conversation was entailing. In times of natural disasters, life can be chaotic. But having all of your information documented will protect you in the long run. 



An American flag stands in a yard of a flood damaged area of Queens, NY.

10.  Stay calm, friendly, and understanding. Any remodeling or repair situation can be stressful. But when a natural disaster is causing everyone around you to be in the same position, tensions tend to get high and customers tend to become demanding. Contractors will become extremely busy as people begin to rebuild in the aftermath. But being that customer that is calm, friendly, and understanding of the pressure they are under, will stand out and most contractors are willing to go above and beyond for these types of clients.

Analysts say the rebuilding process will most likely begin in early 2013, as insurance claims begin to be approved. Although many industry experts are saying this will be beneficial to the construction industry, adding jobs opportunities, it doesn’t diminish all that was lost in Hurricane Sandy. Although we can’t stop the occurrence of natural disasters, we can prepare for them to the best of our ability! 

The Shore Store, as seen in MTV's Jersey Shore, damaged by Hurricane Sandy.