Flood damage: Should you hire a contractor?

There’s no question about it:  Floods can cause a lot of damage.  When it happens to you, you can find yourself wondering how to proceed.  You could tackle the repairs yourself, but unless you are a pretty savvy DIYer, it may be too big of a job for you to handle. Instead, consider hiring a contractor to deal with your flood damage.

A contractor who specializes in dealing with flood damage will know exactly where to start and how to proceed.  They will be able to assess the extent of the damage and determine what needs to be done.  Does the carpet need to be replaced?  Is there mold present?  Are their electrical concerns?  All of these things are important considerations and should be handled by a professional who can get the job done safely.  The trick is finding a good contractor who knows how to handle flood damage.

One of the most important things to consider when hiring a contractor to help with flood damage is their response them.  Flood damage can be a very time sensitive matter, particularly if there are electrical concerns.  If the contractor you call doesn’t offer 1- to 2-hour emergency response, they do not understand the urgency of the matter.  Choose another contractor.

When they arrive at your home, they should immediately check for any serious immediate threats and then asses the rest of the damage.  They should give you a written rough estimate for the rest of the job, including removal of any damaged furniture, carpet, flooring, drywall, etc. as well as the cost of drying services.  And remember:  An estimate for a job like this isn’t just about the cost.  Make sure they outline exactly what they will do, how long they expect the job to take, and when they can start.

When contacting a flood damage contractor, be sure you know exactly what services they offer.  Not all companies offer the same thing.  For example, some flood damage specialists only offer emergency services, meaning you’ll have to hire someone else to take care of the restoration phase.  Always ensure that your contractor takes the time to explain to you exactly what needs to be replaced, what should be immediately discarded, whether any mold is present, etc.  Be sure that they outline exactly what needs to be done and how they intend to proceed.  You don’t want to get stuck in a situation where the emergency contractor comes in, assesses the situation and makes the area safe, and then expects you to hire someone else to actually do the rest of the restoration.

It’s important to note that if you make a claim with your insurance company following a flood, your insurance company will likely have a list of approved contractors from which they will expect you to choose.  Even in that case, however, you have the final word on who does work on your home and you should never hire anyone who doesn’t give you the feeling that they know what they are doing and they can take care of your home in a reasonable time frame and with a high degree of expertise.  When it comes to flood damage Pompano Beach residents should always have the last word on who does the repairs on their homes.

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