The Construction Process

The first step in any major loss should be the permit stage. Several Town offices have code or ordinances which regulate how and if a building can be rebuilt. These are very important to your claim as it may require your building be demolished if it exceeds a certain percentage of it's assessed value.  There are also restrictions on parking spaces, sewer and septic to name but a few.  Start with your building department and see what theywill require. A visit to your Town Hall will go a long way here.  Also notify the Towns Tax office that your building has been destroyed and inquiry about a tax rebate or abatement.

If there are questions regarding where the building will be rebuilt from (the deck or from the foundation it is a good idea to hire the services of a structural engineer. Heat and water can do significant damage to foundations and supporting framing members.

If your home or business is declared a Total or Limit Loss you are entitled to more than just limits listed on your policy! There are several additional coverage's that extend limits under your policy. Lets examine one of those and how this would make a difference to your claim.

If your home is declared a Total Loss the first contracting company will be a demolition contractor.  There are several located in your telephone book and the prices vary greatly between each. Example the limit on your Building (Coverage A) is $200,000.00. You receive a bid to take your building down for $14,000.00.  That leaves you with $186,000 to rebuild your $200,000.00 home.  (limit loss)  Your policy carries an additional coverage up to 10% of (Coverage A) Building limit ($20,000.00) for debris removal in the event of a Total Loss. This would be the $10,000.00 you were advised of as a gift for visiting our web site. We use this to illustrate that you were perhaps told you don't need a Public Adjuster on your loss because it's a limit loss. Remember you are responsible for preparing your claim, were you told about this additional coverage? Why not. Now instead of the $186,000 you would have had to rebuild your home you have what you need or $214,000.00.

Now comes the negotiations with your demolition contractor. First concern is the price. (how much) As we've said before this price varies greatly and should be considered on tonnage and other factors power lines, security, and access to the property.  Know exactly  what your getting from the contractor. Is capping of the sewer and water covered in the price? How is the basement to be filled? Will the foundation be collapsed and what difference will that make? Here is just one example of how Property Adjuster Associates can benefit you besides the information we gave you above. We sit with your contractors to negotiate contracts. In 30 years we have dealt with nearly every contractor in the state and know we can get the best price possible. Does it make sense at this point if we're rebuilding to have the demo contractor dig for your basement instead of the cost to move heavy equipment? Of course it does. This saves you money and helps towards our fee. How about backfilling the foundation, spreading loom and hazardous waste. Those are all coverage issues you must also know coverage.

Now you have the hole do you have prints? are architect fees covered? Your about a month in at this point. How many parking spaces do I need can I rebuild? Do I need a variance. Handle these items before this point!

Get temporary electricity out at the site as soon as practical. Now it's time to choose a contractor. (see choosing a contractor link)