How To Select The Right Miami Fire Damage Contractor

Selecting the right fire damage contractor after you’ve suffered a loss to your Miami home or office building isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

The unfortunate fact is that you’re dealing with this decision while going through the emotional turmoil a fire causes.

Personal belongings have disappeared and your home’s walls are smoke damaged. It’s the same when you’ve experienced a commercial property loss. You might be concerned with how your fire-ravaged property will be restored so business can continue.

The first item to understand is that you have time. You don’t want to unnecessarily delay your decision about which fire damage contractor to hire, of course. But you do have time to sort things out.

One of the most effective ways to lessen the stress and more effectively deal with your insurance claim, immediate board-up needs at your property and the eventual repair process is to get the assistance of a Florida public adjuster.

Be Very Careful…

After the fire you’re going to be approached by several contractors and restoration companies.

Make sure you don’t allow yourself to get pressured into signing paperwork immediately. You’ll need to especially be careful about dealing with some unscrupulous contractors who might tell you they can help “adjust” the loss…this means to provide you an estimate of damages and help you deal with the insurance company.

This is illegal in most cases because they don’t own a public adjusters license. Others will try to get you to sign paperwork stipulating that your insurance settlement payout will go to the contractor first. Avoid that at all costs! Stay in control of your situation.

So those are the folks to stay away from. However, know that there are extremely credible contractors available.

Selecting a Qualified Fire Damage Contractor

As with any business relationship, you want to work with a fire damage contractor you get along with and feel comfortable with.

Beyond that, here are some basic tips:

• Get references. A solid contractor will have others that came before you that can vouch for how well they perform the required restoration work.
  
  
• It’s OK to hire a contractor immediately for the sole purpose of mitigating your loss, such as boarding up your property, covering the roof, etc in order to meet your policy’s requirement that you ensure the property is safe from future damage or theft
  
  
• The above point is a temporary contract. Don’t sign any long-term contracts yet! Find out how much your settlement will be first
  
  
• When you do sign with a contractor, make sure the contract stipulates that you’ll receive what’s called a “lien release” for all labor/materials upon final completion
  
  
• A reputable licensed contractor won’t ask for full payment upfront
  
  
• If the contractor finds damage not included in the original estimate and settlement, contact your insurance company before any work is performed

Get Help If You’re Concerned

While we’ve done our best to give you general tips there’s much more to the entire process of fire damage insurance claims and re-construction.

We encourage you to make contact with us. As Miami public adjusters we can help with any Florida loss. Please keep in mind that your company’s independent adjuster is not working for you. Their job is to mitigate how much their employer (the insurance co) pays out to you.

On the other hand, we represent you. We’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly by the insurance company. Our job is to maximize your settlement in the most fair, legal manner.

We’ll also help you with any issues you’re facing regarding contractors. We know the reputable firms and will be able to keep you away from those you don’t want to do business with.

Call us today or fill out the form below. We’ll schedule a free consultation to explain the entire process, your insurance policy, help you deal with the company adjuster, etc.

Off: 855-777-CLAIMS (2524)
Fax: 786-717-6487

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Miami Insurance Adjuster > Fire Damage Contractor