Resources

Preventative Maintenance

Have you ever walked through your house, noticed some new damage and thought to yourself, “Hmm, that wasn’t there yesterday”. I know, because I’ve done it myself. Regular “walk-throughs with a purpose” as I like to call them are quick, easy and will be time and money savers in the future.

Preventative Maintenance is essential in keeping your home safe, secure and avoiding costly repairs. Once a month, conduct this walk-through. For a family experience, get the kids involved and let them walk through with you and have them grab a flashlight to lead the inspection. For a high-tech approach to the inspection, document any preliminary signs of visual damage with a digital camera and track the damage gradually every month on your computer with a date and time of inspection.

Foster’s recommends the regular inspection of the following areas:

Laundry Room:

• Inspect washing machine hoses for leaks
• Inspect dryer exhaust for leaks/lint build up
• Utility sink cabinet for leaks under plumbing (if available)

Toilets:

• On vinyl floors, look for dark ring forming around base of toilet. This is a sign that the wax ring is leaking
• Check toilet water supply for leaks
• Open toilet tank lid and check for proper flush and re-fill

Tubs/Shower Pan:

• Check for visual cracks to surface – may let water leak to subfloor
• Check caulking for cracks along edge
• Check drain for clogs (hair, hair bands,etc.)

Water Heater:

• Check water supply line for corrosion/leaks
• Check water heater platform/base for water stains
• May be indication that heater is going out
• Check to make sure you have at least (2) straps and the water
• heater is elevated off of the floor (city code enforcement)

Insurance Damage Repair "Bill of Rights"

Fire & Water Damage disrupts the normal pattern of life, and can involve emotional stress. People are often confused and vulnerable after events of this type. It is important, however, to make good decisions because you will live with the results long after the stress and confusion have passed.

As Professional Restoration Contractors we believe that the public interest is best served if people have an understanding of their rights—and the alternatives available to them—when insurance damage and repair work are involved.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. It entitles you to certain rights and imposes certain obligations. As Certified Professional Restoration Contractors, we have prepared this Bill of Rights so you may better understand the policy you have purchased, and how it relates to the repairs you may undertake. The standard homeowner's policy generally contains the same provisions throughout the United States and Canada; here are some of your rights and obligations under its terms:

1. You may take, and be fully compensated for, the cost of emergency steps to safeguard your property from further damage after a loss.
   . . . In fact, you have an obligation to do so under the terms of your policy. The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection.

2. If you have secured adequate coverage, you are entitled to be paid for the fair cost of fully restoring your home to its pre-damaged condition.
   . . . You are not, however, insured for the repair of unrelated problems, code deficiencies, or prior damage.

3. You are entitled to employ and should insist upon a fully licensed and insured repair firm of good reputation.
   . . . If you do not choose to employ such a firm, however, the consequences and liability for any injury, damage, or other action may rest with you.

4. You are entitled to employ a firm with sufficient experience and stability in the community to stand behind its work and warranty responsibilities.
   . . . The repair contract and its performance is strictly between you and the contractor. Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire.

5. You are entitled to materials and workmanship fully equivalent to your existing installation in like kind and quality.
   . . . The insurance company has no obligation to improve your existing installation, of course.

6. You are not required to accept the lowest bidder. Nowhere in your policy do the words "cheapest," "low," or "lowest price" occur.
   . . . Repair rates should, however, correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality.

7. You are entitled to receive a detailed listing of the scope of repairs and quantities of materials to be provided, before work begins.
   . . . Also, provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible.

8. You are entitled to select a firm that can demonstrate skill and experience in insurance damage repair as a full-time professional service.
   . . . Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work.

9. If substantial disagreement arises between you and the insurance company over the amount of the loss, you are entitled to request arbitration ("appraisal") as described under the terms of the policy. Lines 123–140 of the standard homeowner's form spell out these procedures for settling differences without resorting to lawsuit.
   . . . The company is also entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, whether or not you have received advance payment.

10. You are entitled to receive payment from the insurance company within the time specified by the policy and your state insurance regulations, which are designed to prevent insurance companies from using delay and personal hardship to compel a lower settlement.
    . . . The policy, however, also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim. Ask your adjuster or agent about these at the outset, so you can be in compliance.

Because you are the policyholder, only you can demand that your insurance company lived up to its obligations under the policy. As Professional Restoration Contractors, we recommend that you do so, out of a strong conviction that fair dealing, good workmanship, and ethical business practices benefit the insurance industry just as they benefit the public at large.