With hurricane season upon us and heavy rain causing flooding in parts of Florida, many homeowners have to deal with flood damage. Quick action can minimize disastrous effects on businesses and homes.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 1 inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage.
Flooding is the single-most common weather-related natural disaster and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges all homeowners to take care when choosing businesses and contractors to help with the cleanup work.
Water damage restoration: What to do when your house is flooded
To help property owners navigate the recovery and restoration process, BBB offers these tips:
- Check your insurance policy. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Home and business owners in some high-risk flood areas may be required by law to carry flood insurance. Check with your state’s insurance commissioner on requirements.
- Repairing the damage. Don’t make any permanent changes to your property until you get approval from your insurance provider, who may not fully reimburse you for repairs made without permission. Take photos of the storm damage to show the insurance company.
- Get multiple opinions. Get at least three different estimates before deciding on a contractor and make sure the estimates are broken down in the same way. Be aware of high-pressure sales tactics and less-than-trustworthy businesses. Research company profiles at BBB.org.
- Ask for proof of liability, workers compensation and licensing. Verify the contractor has the correct license to do work in the state, to protect yourself in case something happens while working on your property.
- Get everything in writing. Demand a clearly written, detailed proposal contract broken down into separate line items, including but not limited to: the type of material being used; scope of work to be done; approximate start and finish dates; payment procedures; warranty; responsibility of repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the work; and more.
- Beware of scams. Look out for door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials; a contractor who shows up unannounced; a request for payment in full before repairs are done; and businesses without local addresses. Visit https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.
Flood preparedness: How to prepare for a flood disaster
- Take pictures/video of your home or business.
- Back up critical digital files.
- Properly anchor fuel and propane tanks.
- Have copies of insurance policies.
- Collect family photos or other mementos.
- Keep medicines together.
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Discuss an emergency plan with family.
For more tips about before and after flooding online at BBB.org/flood.
Published June 26, 2024
