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It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, but this may not be possible. In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.
Information about selecting contractors based primarily on bids received from the contractors to do the work.
Provided is a sample punch list of items that homeowners may want to use as part of developing a project punch list. If you and your contractor disagree about an item on the punch list, a good reference guide to help with your negotiations is National Association of Home Builders’ “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines”.
In this section we talk about drafting a bid specification that potential contractors can use to make offers to perform the work you need done.
View this sample contract to get an idea of the language your contract may include. Source: LouisianaRebuilds, which has transferred to GNO, Inc. (www.gnoinfo.com/housing/contractor-guide/)
There are risks and requirements involved in self-contracting. Building your own home almost never ends up costing less than you anticipated. There almost always will be extra costs associated with something that happens as a result of mistakes made, or unforeseen situations that require additional work. The risk can cost you more than what it is worth.
Portal page for section of the web that deals with contracts for construction work and change orders used to change what the contract says.
Portal Page for information on knowing when and how to pay contractors for homebuilding and home restoration work.
This fact sheet summarizes National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements concerning coastal construction and provides recommendations for exceeding those requirements. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499 - 2010 edition): Fact Sheet G 1.2.
The best time to buy flood insurance is now. Coverage usually doesn't begin until 30 days after the purchase date.
Thie following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for disaster damage to your home.
If you need furnishings and appliances but cannot afford the full purchase price up front, you can rent the item, rent with the intent to purchase, or purchase on a monthly installment plan. If your intent is to own the item, compare the cost of purchase when choosing one of these options.
After a disaster such as a hurricane, flood or fire, important papers may be destroyed, lost or damaged. Agencies, Web sites and procedures that can help you replace important papers are included in this fact sheet.
If you have decided to restore your storm-damaged home, you’ve already determined that your neighbors are probably coming back, that public utilities will be restored (or you will provide your own), that you will have police, fire and medical services and that there will be jobs and schools. Other things to consider include new building regulations, cost estimates, debris removal, opportunities to upgrade systems and add space.
One of the hardest determinations you'll have to make when you decide to restore a damaged home is how much work needs to be done - and how much help you'll need.
Almost 70% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck, courting disaster if their income is suddenly reduced or stopped. Katrina and Rita took homes and jobs, leaving many with a need to save for rebuilding. Here are some strategies for saving for recovery.
There are many different types of mortgages a person can get when buying or building a home. Some people decide for themselves what type of mortgage best suits their needs. But, if you’d rather have a professional’s advice, you should consult a mortgage counselor. This article lists a few types of mortgages you may consider.
The residential building inspector examines residential projects under construction to ensure they are being built according to the building codes adopted by the state and/or local municipality. In so doing, the building inspector helps protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Residential inspectors are typically employees of the local jurisdiction, but may be third-party providers.
The role of a residential landscape architect is varied and can be complex. In very broad terms, a residential landscape architect generally develops and provides design plans for a homeowner’s property that utilizes both landscape and hardscape (built structures or constructed elements such as patios or arbors) elements to provide beauty and function for the homeowner, as well as to solve any related issues.
An energy rater assesses a house to determine the home’s level of energy efficiency. This audit , called a rating.
A home inspector inspects the visible exterior and interior systems and components of a residential structure for condition, safety issues, and evidence of potential problems. It is important to note that a home inspection is different from an appraisal that determines market value, from a code-compliance inspection, and from a warranty evaluation.
