Tips for after the storm

In the wake of the Tropical Storm Fay, homeowners are often faced with another potential disaster: Unscrupulous storm-chasing contractors with promises to help consumers quickly repair the damage for cash up-front. More often than not, these contractors pocket the money, perform shoddy, little, or no work and disappear.

Angie’s List (http://www.angieslist.com), an online provider of local service company rating has tips to help homeowners find the reliable, quality help they need.

“The last thing consumers affected by a tropical storm need is another thing to worry about,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. “If a person you don’t know comes to your door promising to help if you’ll just pay in cash, just say ‘no.’ With just a little research, you can find a reliable person who will get you back on the feet and keep you there.”

To avoid shady storm chasers:

• What not to do: If a stranger comes to your storm-ravaged yard offering to repair your roof, remove trees or do other major repair work for cash upfront, just say no. Chances are, he or she will take your money and disappear, leaving you with little or no recourse.

• Do your research: Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage. Remember that you have few options if the job goes awry or the provider disappears.

• Quality is worth the wait: When massive storms hit, tree services, plumbers, roofers and hauling companies are in high demand and the best performers are generally the busiest. Beware the company with time on its hands when every other similar company can’t even answer the phones.

• Get estimates: Though your situation might seem to be one of desperation, avoid settling on the first contractor who comes along and offers to do the job. Take enough time to get at least a few different estimates on the job.

• Document important information: The same holds true for the old adage to “get it in writing,” including the price, materials to be used and the timeline for completing the job. This is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

For homeowners with water damage, cleaning up the mud and water-soaked belongings can seem like the biggest task at hand. But drying out that area is equally important because if left damp too long, dangerous mold can grow.

If the mold growth is small, you can clean and kill it with these steps.

Damp wipe: Mold can generally be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry the surface quickly.

Wear protective gear: Protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.

Discard: Remove damaged materials and seal in plastic bags.

Follow up: Revisit the site. It should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.

Wide spread mold growth may require professional assistance. Angie advises following these tips when choosing a professional for remediation projects:

Testing for mold: To ensure you’ve taken care of any mold issue or to determine if you have unseen mold, hire a professional remediator. If you’re hiring out the cleanup, test the area both before and after clean up.

Understand the process: Know what the company plans for the remediation. Ask what is going to happen, when it will happen and how it may affect you. Ask about containment. How will they prevent the movement of mold spores from one area of the home to another? How long will it take?

Check references & get estimates: Ask your provider for references and call those people.

Certification: Mold remediators should follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mold remediation guidelines. You can also check the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP).

Check your insurance: Not all mold damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check your policy because coverage and limitations vary.

Copyright © 2008 Beaches Leader and Ponte Vedra Leader

For a free report on Mold Remediation by the EPA: www.safe-homes.com