There’s a good possibility that if you have suffered a house fire and are thinking of selling a fire-damaged house, you’ll need to employ contractors for repairs at some point.
Hiring a contractor to repair fire damage to a house can be a good option if the contractor is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. However, it’s important to carefully assess the contractor’s credentials, insurance policies, and references, and to make sure that the contract clearly outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms. Additionally, it’s often a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to compare prices and services offered. If the fire damage is extensive, it may be necessary to involve an insurance company, in which case the company may have specific requirements or recommendations for contractors.
Overall, it’s essential to take the time to carefully consider your options and choose the best solution for your specific needs and budget. Unfortunately, there are risks involved when hiring a contractor or handyman to work on your fire-damaged house which is why many homeowners would opt to sell a fire-damaged house instead.
Hiring a Contractor Tips
If your house suffers fire damage, make sure you are protected and the repairs proceed smoothly. Wisely choose a contractor, but prioritize taking essential precautions. Here are nine things you should consider before employing a contractor for fire damage repair.
Request referrals from friends and family
Ask your friends, relatives, and neighbors if they recently hired a contractor, handyman, plumber, heating/air company, or electrician and, if so, if they would hire that individual or business once more. Check with your friends and family to see if the project was finished on schedule and budget. Identify the accuracy of the contractor’s estimates.
Look the contractor up online
Investigate prospective contractors using a search engine. Online customer reviews – whether positive or negative – can reveal a lot about a potential contractor. Review several rating websites to discover what other people have said about the contractors you are considering. Additionally, see whether any complaints have been made about possible contractors with the Better Business Bureau.
Rear More: Finding A Contractor Online For Your House Fire Repair Project
Ask for references
Ask for the names and contact information of a few recent clients of the contractors you are considering. Then consult the references provided by the contractors to learn if they were pleased with the results. Inquire about any issues that have arisen since the job was finished and whether the contractor dealt with them. Find out if the task was finished on time and if the final cost was consistent with the contractor’s estimate.
Get proof of insurance and the licensing status of your contractor
Most states require contractors to be licensed to work on projects. So you should check to see if the contractors you are considering have the proper building permit. Another thing to check is if your prospective contractors are adequately insured. Make sure the contractors have worker’s compensation insurance and property damage insurance in particular.
If something goes wrong with your project or someone gets hurt, these insurance coverages will safeguard you. Remember, in many states, contractors employing fewer than three people are not required to have worker’s compensation insurance. To verify that the insurance is in effect, ask for certificates of insurance or declaration sheets.
Obtain multiple estimates
Obtain two to four quotes from various contractors. Keep in mind the saying, “You get what you pay for.” This doesn’t necessarily imply that you must choose the priciest contractor, but it may be a warning if one estimate is much lower than all of the others. The contractor may have plans to use subpar materials or take shortcuts. To win your business, the contractor might have purposefully underbid the project, just to later raise the price.
Have documented contract
Never pay a contractor before receiving a written contract stating all the work they will be performing on your property. The more specific the work is explained, the better. Additionally, the contract should specify the start and end dates, along with the cost of all materials used.
Find out if the contract price is a final estimate or may vary as the project progresses. Ensure the contract specifies a maximum cost for the job if the price is an estimate.
Include a clause in the contract stating that only revisions made in writing are permitted. Also, make sure that the contractor is offering a labor and material guarantee and that it is detailed in your contract, including who to contact to submit a claim under the warranty, any limitations on the warranty’s scope, and the warranty’s duration.
All of the contractor’s obligations should be clearly outlined in the contract. For instance, the contract must state if the contractor will move and put the furniture back after finishing the flooring work.
You should also clarify if the contractor is responsible for cleanup and disposal of construction waste after project completion. Finally, under most state laws, the contractor is generally not obligated by any commitments made to you before signing the contract that is not spelled out in writing. So, make sure those pledges are written into the contract if you want to ensure that the contractor keeps all of their commitments.
Specify a timetable for payments in the contract
Never give a contractor more than 50% of the total cost upfront. Your initial payment should depend on the scope of the project, and not exceed about 30% of the whole expense. The contract should require payments only upon completing designated project phases and establish deadlines for each phase.
Make sure you have the authority to approve each disbursement if a bank will be giving a construction loan. You can withhold payment until the contractor finishes the phase you’ve already paid for, especially if the next payment deadline approaches or the contractor requests future payment.
Always use a traceable method of payment for your contractor, such as a check, credit card, or debit card. Ensure all work meets standards before making the final payment to your contractor.
Find out how much additional repair work cost
Be aware that you must pay for any improvements or additional work that you request. It is frequently tempting to request enhanced materials or additional work once a project has begun. If your contractor agrees, find out the cost of additional labor or material and get a written estimate before completing the job.
Always keep accurate records
You should keep a copy of your contract, every payment you’ve made, any changes or modifications, and any communications with your contractor on file. Even if you spoke with them on the phone or in person, be sure to write them a letter or email to remember the encounter.
If you want to skip hiring a contractor and the repair process, sell your home to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses. To see if your home qualifies for a free quote, fill out the short form below.
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