Tips to deal with the after effects of flooding and water damage

 

CHICAGO, IL – Although May has beautiful flowers, one must first weather the stormy showers of April. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) advises both renters and homeowners to prepare for April showers so they are not caught off guard if they have to deal with water damage or flooding.

 

If your home is damaged by water, the BBB recommends three things to successfully hire a contractor to fix this damage:

• Request bids from two or three different companies.
• Don’t automatically pick the lowest bid.
• Base all bids on the same criteria.

“Shop around to get estimates from different companies, and do not just choose the lowest estimate,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “It is important to trust the company and make sure that they are ethical and have good reviews from past customers.”

 

Typically, a down payment of one-third the total contract price is made with additional payments due after completion of each phase of work. Final payment should not be made until the job is completed and you have inspected the work.

 

Before signing a home improvement contract consider the following tips from the BBB:

• Research details and free information on contractors you can trust at www.bbb.org and consider using the BBB’s FREE online service, eQuote to obtain estimates, proposals or general information from BBB Accredited contractors.
• Get all estimates in writing.
• Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one you do not fully understand.
• Homeowners should check with local and county units of government to determine if permits or inspections are required.
• Determine whether the contractor has the proper insurance.

 

The BBB also makes these recommendations to property owners and renters looking to obtain flood insurance: 

• Call your insurance agent or company to inquire about the availability of flood insurance in the area. Keep in mind that flood insurance becomes effective 30 days after it is purchased.
• Standard flood coverage does not typically cover damage resulting from sewer backups or sump pump issues. Ask your insurance agent or company if such additional coverage is appropriate to add to your policy.
• Homeowners or renters should take an inventory of their personal property and make photocopies of their insurance policies, keeping important papers in a secure location away from home. Taking pictures of various rooms and their contents is also a great way to document the contents.

For more information on contractors and finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org