Choosing The Right Contractor

Over 50% of cases heard in Civil Courts are hammer and nail cases.  These are civil suits between consumers and contractors. As we mentioned earlier in the construction process link, it is very important that you know exactly what you're getting from your contractor before signing any contracts.  It is very important that the relationship between all parties remains in good standing and good faith. We'll discuss this in greater detail later in this section.

Fires cause smoke which is corrosive to metals and must be treated or your home will smell like smoke in the humid summer months. Water used to put out the fire if not treated correctly causes mold and mildew. The first contractor considered should be a smoke and water extrication contractor. The sooner these people are brought in the better. Some are better than others and I would stay clear of franchised services recommended by your insurance adjuster or agent. This is a very important stage and must be done correctly. Get estimates and hire the company you feel the most comfortable with. Know exactly what you're getting because sometimes the best price isn't the best deal.

The contractor you choose to rebuild your home should be experienced in fire restoration. All exposed lumber should be sealed or kiltz sprayed to seal the smell of smoke and all heating ducts cleaned. All water soaked insulation should be discarded and the effected areas should have been treated by the smoke and water expert.  If this is a winter related loss, all wiring should be meg tested, all plumbing fixtures should be drained along with boilers, etc.

In choosing a contractor remember he will have to satisfy your mortgagee or bank. They will be requiring General Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance and Builders Risk Insurance. They will also require several forms be completed. These would include prints, job cost worksheets, and lien waivers for any and all subs. Make certain that you have both your contractors and subcontractors Certificates of Insurance on file. Contact your bank and find out exactly how the funds will be issued to your contractor. Make sure he is aware of how these funds will be issued and how to recover the monies withheld from the insurance company.  Make sure all change orders are signed and in writing.

Know what your building department will be requiring in the way of variances, ordinances, or code issues. Make sure the contractor knows this also.  Do what ever you can to insure there are no surprises for your contractor or yourself. Surprises cause problems. Know what you're getting. What type of cabinets? Is the plumbing Pex or Copper? Is there an ice and water shield on the roof? How high is it?. Keep a good relationship with your contractor. See to it that his money is available when due. The happier he is the better he is to you.

In any new construction job there are several ways of saving money. In the design stage make the plumbing plumber friendly, use the demolition contractor to dig your cellar hole, to back-fill your foundation and spread your loam. Include the roofing in your framing package, include windows and try to buy all your materials in the same place. Get Discounts! Negotiate with any contractors to get the most you can for your money.

Property Adjuster Associates can help you in any of these areas. Having been in the claims business for 30 years, we have dealt with nearly every contractor within the state and know who has the best price with the best product. Because we write and negotiate our own estimates with your insurance company, we are confident that our estimate, once negotiated through the contractor of your choice, will leave you in a better position with our fee being paid. You should expect more from Property Adjuster Associates. We stay with you from foundation to finish.

It should be obvious but if not enough money is recovered from the insurance company and the contractor doesn't have enough to finish the job or keep to deadlines someone will suffer. We make sure that doesn't happen. (see also a claims story to see exactly how our services benefit others).