Important Information

Things Every Homeowner Needs To Know

1. You as the property owner have complete control of who is on your property and who you would like to be there. To learn more, click here to see a brief video.

2. It’s still your house. You still have 24/7 access to your property and contents.

3. You’re not required to rush into repairs. Give yourself enough time to thoroughly check out prospective contractors and get detailed estimates. You have the right to use any contractor you wish to perform the repairs. This is a specialty industry and someone well-qualified will be able to navigate insurance documentation, procedures and agree on costs. You may choose to have as many or as few estimates as you feel comfortable with.

4. Give yourself time to thoroughly understand and be comfortable with the process. Make sure all your questions are answered before signing up for the repairs. Do not sign anything that does not have a price and detailed description of the repairs. Make sure you understand what you are signing. You have the right to cancel a contract within three days.

5. Make sure you hire only licensed contractors.

6. In the fire restoration/insurance repair industry contractors typically do not require a down payment. In any case, you are not required to pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment on reconstruction work.

7. You are not required to pay in advance for work that hasn’t been completed. Under no circumstances are you required to pay in cash.

8. Do not sign anything that does not have a price and detailed description of the repairs. Make sure you understand what you are signing. Make sure a contract for repairs has a start and completion date.

9. Damage remediation, emergency services and temporary repairs may be performed without contracting for the complete repairs to your property.

10. Keep a list of expenses and receipts for personal property, food and clothing.

11. Often the Building Department may tag the structure as unsafe, even if only part has been damaged. Regional Builders can often provide temporary power and plumbing and isolate undamaged areas to allow families to continue to live in their home during repairs.