STORM DAMAGE VICTIMS

Following any catastrophic event, consumers are faced with some of the most important decisions of their lives, at a time when they are understandably unable to think clearly. This makes them prime targets for the scam and con artists who will be flocking to the area. After experiencing an event like a hurricane or tornado, it is only natural to want to get things put back to normal as quickly as possible, but no matter how bad things appear, please know that if you are not careful, you can make things much worse. NOTE:  Local news agencies are reporting scam artists are working the area and folks are being ripped off in large numbers.  Please be careful.

Here is a guideline to help get the process started:

Before touching anything - TAKE PICTURES! You should take digital pictures if possible so they can be sent electronically if needed.

If you are unsure whether your utilities are unsafe, have the appropriate company inspect and turn off any questionable service.

Call your insurance agent for instructions on filing your claim.  Some agents will assist you, while others will give a number to call directly.  In either case, pay close attention to the conversation.  Storm deductibles may be higher than your standard deductible.  Do not be surprised.  If you are in an area being assisted by FEMA, contact them for additional assistance.  In some cases, FEMA will reimburse your deductible.

If you have damage that allows water penetration, ask your insurance company for the name of a contractor who performs emergency cover-ups in your area. Most contractors will perform some type of service like this, and most insurance companies authorize quick payments for this service. Under normal circumstances, you are under no further obligation to this contractor. You may select another contractor to perform the actual repairs to your home. That said, always read ALL paperwork before signing anything!

If you have wet carpet, get it pulled up and out of the house as quickly as possible.  That goes for wet sheetrock and insulation, too.  These items are a leading cause of mold and mildew.

NEVER give your insurance check to anyone. Contractors all over the country can tell stories of people who were conned into giving someone their insurance settlement check on the assumption their house would be fixed. Only then did they find themselves with no contractor and no money to fix their home. Treat the repair of your home as you would any improvement project. Please make sure you check out your repair company, reach an agreement for the repairs, get that agreement in writing, and make the necessary arrangements to have the work performed in a timely manner. At the same time, please be a little considerate of your contractor, too. If the damage to your area is widespread, materials will be difficult to get. Some delays may well be beyond your contractors control.  

Speaking of contractors, remember that your contractor must now be registered with the state to pull a permit with the City of Houston.  While not all repairs need to be permitted, most do.  And don't forget, if your home is outside a municipal area without its own inspectors, major repairs will need to be inspected by a third party in accordance with the new state laws.  Don't rush into a problem!

When negotiating your repair agreement, do not get caught up in the half down/half on completion, or the third and a third and a third scenario.  After all, what is a third of the work?  Who decides?  Agree to progress payments that allow you to see the work performed as you pay for it.  No reputable contractor should argue with the plan.

Finally, since this work is considered a repair and not an improvement, no retainage is allowed to be withheld from your contractor at the end of the job.  With this in mind, please be sure all work is complete before issuing the final check.  Your contractor may be the best guy on the planet, but he is very busy.  If you both missed something, please show a little patience when asking him to come back.  Under normal conditions, he might be able to drop everything and run back over for a day.  Under catastrophic conditions, he may not be able to get back several days or weeks.  After all, you wanted his full attention, and now so does the next family.

If you have specific questions regarding your situation, please feel free to contact us.  We will do our best to help you find the answers you need.  Best of luck in getting your lives back to normal as quickly as possible.  The coming days will not be easy for any of us, but together we will get through them.