It’s every homeowner’s fear: being the victim of home flooding. If you ever find your home flooded due to adverse weather, it’s sure to be a stressful and emotional time. It is essential to know in advance the steps you should take to hire a trusted and reputable contractor that will help restore your home.

What should I do before hiring a contractor to restore my home after a flood?

• Call your insurance company: Different insurance policies have different levels of coverage. Your insurance company will be able to help you understand if your damage is covered and assist you with filing a claim. They’ll also help you understand the next steps to take to begin the restoration process.
• Take photos: Before any work is done, take photos of the condition of your home and the damage done by the floodwaters. If it is safe and possible to do so, try to get pictures when the floodwater is at its highest, so the water level is documented. Your insurance company will likely ask for these photos during the claim process.
• Get at least three quotes: Getting multiple quotes will help you understand the average prices in your area for flood restoration. Be wary of any quote that is much lower than average. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

What information should I get from a contractor before hiring them to repair flood damage?

• Verify their license: Your contractor should be licensed by your state to perform construction work. This means they have demonstrated a proven, thorough knowledge of their trade, and the state allows them to perform the work based on that knowledge. Be sure you verify this information as well as any certifications they have.
• Verify their insurance: Ask for the contractor’s insurance certificate and call the company to verify it is valid and active. Do not accept an insurance certificate at face value; always do your due diligence.
• Get a written contract: Do not accept verbal agreements. Always get it in writing. Be sure that the scope of work is detailed out and agreed upon prior to signing. In the event that something is not completed properly, or at all, you need the contract to protect yourself and your home.
• Ask about their experience: Find out where they are located and ask for photos of prior work. It’s best to hire locally, as a local company will be easier to get in touch with if you need assistance down the line. They will also be more likely to do quality work and protect their local reputation. It’s also a good idea to check local reviews and ask for their references as well.
• Ask them about their process: Find out what to expect from start to finish. Unforeseen delays can happen, but you will be able to plan better if you have an understanding of what is happening and when. It will also alleviate any possible misunderstandings during the restoration process.

What should I avoid doing when I need home repairs after a flood?

• Do not give in to high-pressure sales: You will already be under a great deal of stress, and any reputable company will understand this. If the contractor tries to use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign a contract, they are not looking out for your best interest.
• Do not hire door-to-door salespeople: After a flood, contractors will be getting many calls from families that need help restoring their homes. If they have time to go door-to-door soliciting sales, they are likely not a licensed or trusted contractors.

We hope that your family never has to experience the loss of a home flood. If you ever do, Acadian House is ready to help get you back in your home. We know that home is where the heart is, and we will work our hardest to restore it to a place you love. We'll give you a home where you can make memories that last a lifetime.