Things to Consider If You Need a Restoration Service

When you find yourself the victim of a natural disaster or fire and water damage, it is only natural to feel as if you have lost everything. Don't despair and lose hope. When disaster strikes, don't assume that all is lost. Simply contact a restoration service and let them take care of everything. Keep in mind that at first, you may be shocked about what has happened to your home, but with the right team of professionals on your side, you can and will get through this ordeal.

You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.

There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.

Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.

You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.

Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.

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Why Do Breakers Trip? | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about why and how breakers trip.

Why is Prep Important Before Painting? | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House painting contractor Mauro Henrique tells us why prep work is important before painting, how he prepares for a paint job, and why we shouldn’t try skipping this critical step if we want a great finish.

This Old House

How to Keep Your Basement From Flooding | This Old House

Avoiding a soggy disaster with damage-prevention specialist Michael Milligan.

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How Do You Decide Whether To Clean It Or Destroy It?

Deciding to clean something or not on a restoration job can be tricky. subscribe:    / @firehouseeducation  

Steps To Help Recover Immediately After A Home Fire

Watch and learn four steps from the American Red Cross to help recover immediately after a home fire. For more information on home fire recovery, please visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prep... . For more information on the American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign, please visit: http://www.redcross.org/fire . To make a financial donation, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/donate/home-...

Categories of Water Damage Explained

Water can enter a building in many ways. Local flooding, leaking roofs and broken plumbing are all potential water sources that can cause damage to belongings and possible structural damage as well as create potential indoor environmental and indoor air quality concerns.

It’s important for people to understand what type of water has entered a structure so that it can be properly remediated and appropriate measures can be taken to protect workers and building occupants from any potential hazards.

Depending on the water source and possibly the length of time it remains in a building, it may contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, protozoa and even parasites. There are three categories of water that are typically used when classifying a water damage or flooding event. These include:

Category 1 Water, also known as Clean Water, does not typically result in an immediate health threat to building occupants. This type of water is considered clean at its point of release. Examples include broken water supply lines and the overflow of a sink or tub. Even in properties with this type of initial water damage, mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 hours. It may also become increasingly contaminated over time and as it interacts with materials in the property.

Category 2 Water, also known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidentally consumed. Examples include water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, that is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant for some time, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water.

These are just a few things to know about categories of water in water damaged buildings, to learn more about this, please contact the professionals at Jimmy Garza Emergency Water Removal today.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. Alltek Restoration specializes in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well-executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

We serve the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus

https://alltekrestoration.net

CSLB's Senior Scam Stopper Seminar

CSLB's "Senior Scam Stopper" Seminar covers tips for seniors on how to hire a licensed contractor and how to avoid being scammed. For more resources and information, you can visit cslb.ca.gov/seniors

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This Old House | House Fire Reclamation

The back porches are brought to code. Ice blasting is used to get rid of the fire odor. New vinyl siding gets installed. Homeowner Carol considers new accent colors to match. Framing begins inside.

A lingering smell is one of the biggest problems faced by victims of a house fire. Kevin finds our demo expert Ron Peik addressing that problem with a unique solution—ice. The old siding dates to the early 80’s and finding a match has been difficult. Carol has decided to put new vinyl siding on the entire house and change the color. Tom works with Charlie and siding installer Diogenes Porto on the side of the house that received most of the damage. The new siding color gives Carol a chance to change accent colors on the exterior. She meets with Mauro Henrique to pick new colors for the columns in front. In the second floor apartment framing has begun. Kevin finds Russ and his crew erecting a new wet wall between the kitchen and bathroom and moving a bathroom wall to make space for a laundry room.

Flooded Home: Make Sure Everything is Dry Before Rebuilding

NDSU Extension Educator Carl Pedersen shows what to look for and check out in your home before rebuilding after the flood.

For more flood information check out http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood

Getting Your House Ready to Sell - Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first impression potential home buyers have of your house. If the outside of the home looks good, people will more than likely want to see what the inside is like. Following are tips for ensuring the outside of your home is attractive for potential home buyers.

Landscaping

Make sure your landscaping is at least average in comparison to other homes in the neighborhood. If it isn't, buy a few bushes and plant them. Don't worry about investing in trees or expensive landscaping propositions. Planting immature trees does not add much to the value of a home and you are not likely to get your investment back. Consider planting some flowers to add color (no bulbs or seeds since they won't grow in time to show the house).

Keep your lawn evenly cut and edged, well-watered and free of brown spots. Fix any problem areas before working on the inside of your house to allow these areas some time to grow. Rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

Home Exterior

To paint or not to paint? Take a look at your house from across the street. Does it look tired or faded? If so, it may be wise to paint and spruce up the appearance of the house. You are likely to receive your investment back. If you opt to paint, be sure to pick a color that fits well within the neighborhood. If you opt not to paint, consider washing the exterior of the house. Clean the windows inside and out and remember to check the gutters and chimney.

Roof

If you know your roof leaks, repair it. If you don't repair it, you will have to disclose this information to the buyer who will want a new roof. Roof issues may potentially come up during the inspection as well.

Backyard

Make sure your backyard is tidy. Keep the kids toys cleaned up. If the lot size is small, you may consider removing swing sets or forts to give it the appearance of being more spacious. If you have pets, be sure the lawn is constantly clear of "debris." If you have a pool or spa, keep is well-maintained and constantly clean.

Front Door

The front door is the entryway into the home. Refinish or repaint the door as needed and ensure the door fixture stays polished.

Driveway

Keep your driveway clean and clear. Store RVs or old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market. Consider re-sealing an asphalt driveway.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at [http://www.myguidesusa.com], you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find tips and resources for buying and selling a home at [http://buyingandsellingahome.myguidesusa.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hilary_Basile/78760

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Disaster Preparation Tips for Your Home

With many people at home more often now, prepping your home is a perfect task to do that you may have not had time for before.

3 Insurance Rules After Disaster Hits Your Home

I. Avoiding Insurance Disaster.

It seems like whenever catastrophe strikes, insurance problems rear their ugly head. It might be your home isn't sufficiently covered to pay for repairing the damage. Or, you might be the victim of unfair adjusting practices, such as a carrier that would rather fight than pay its fair share.

In a disaster such as fire, flood or earthquake, you might not even know who your insurance company is, since your policies and other important documents may well be cold ash or soggy trash.

If you suffer a disaster and have to make a claim on your insurance, keep these three principles in mind:

II. Get a Copy of Your Policy and read It.

Insurance always begins with a written contract. So, the first thing that needs to be done when getting ready to make a claim is to get a copy of every policy that might possibly provide coverage for your damaged property and read them all from front to back.

If you don't have the policy forms because they were lost, destroyed or are otherwise unavailable, you'll have to get policy reconstructions from the insurance company. Requests can be made to your agent or directly to the insurance company's policy services department. If you don't remember who your insurance company is, you'll need to do a little detective work. Start with your checking account. A review of your banking records may well lead you to every insurer that might provide coverage for the damaged property.

III. Check your coverages.

Your insurance policy provides coverage for certain types of loss and excludes coverage for others. That's why it's important to get a copy of the contract right at the beginning.

One issue that frequently arises following a catastrophic loss is the damaged property was not adequately insured in the first place. Where an agent or broker provided you with professional advice on the appropriate coverage or bound coverage based upon their own professional expertise, there may be a claim for professional negligence where the property isn't properly protected.

IV. Watch out for Time Limits

Property insurance contracts generally have their own time limits, called "statute of limitations," built in, and the period in which to file suit to enforce the contract is generally less than the period that applies to a plain vanilla written contract.

When in doubt, consult a legal professional about what time limits will apply to your claim. Be proactive. Once you have a loss, there is a clock ticking somewhere that might limit your ability to recover policy benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/586228

This Old House | Finish Work Begins

Tom and Kevin reinstall cabinets that survived the fire. Tom teaches apprentices to trim a window. HVAC contractor James shows Richard the plan for hot water. Carol and her sister shop for appliances.

Have questions about mold inspection? We invited NJM Solutions Inc to discuss its mold inspection tactics with the United Water Restoration Group team and audience. Learn more about home mold inspections by watching our video now.

https://www.youtube.com/@restorationtalks4887

What Are the Steps Involved in Water or Flood Damage Restoration Work?

When it comes to water damage, the major issue is that you usually can't see the full extent of the problem with the naked eye. This is where a professional water or flood disaster restoration team comes in. With their specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge, these experts will be able to properly assess the situation, fully dry and restore your home, and check in afterward to make sure the restoration is complete. That means that you don't have to worry about lingering dampness, mold, or bacteria growth. Instead, you can get back to enjoying your home in comfort.

If you've experienced water damage in your home and you call on a water and flood restoration service for assistance, the first thing they will do is to perform a moisture assessment. Your restoration company will determine the location or source of the moisture and the extent of the area affected. This part of the process ensures that all the damage is taken into account--even the parts not visible--before the restoration process begins. Once the assessment has been made, your restoration professionals will use specialized equipment to remove standing water, complete drying with air movement, and clean any carpeting thoroughly. With these different steps, your restoration professionals will be able to totally dry your home and sanitize the area.

After the core drying out work comes the most important part of the water damage restoration process: the follow-up. Water damage is a very difficult problem to deal with because it can be so hidden. Even if you get the most thorough flood or water damage remediation company in to take care of the problem, it's possible that there will be a lingering issue or dampness somewhere. However, most restoration professionals offer follow-up services because they know of this potential. After completing the restoration and drying work, and depending on the severity of the damage, they will either come back for a post-job assessment, or you can call them if you notice any issues. This crucial stage in the restoration process should not be skipped. If there's any chance that some dampness may have gone untreated, get it taken care of immediately so that it doesn't lead to more serious issues down the line.

Experiencing flood or water damage in your home is unpleasant, but it does not have to be an impossible situation. With assessment, restoration, and follow-up services provided by a professional water restoration company, you can get your home back to normal in no time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Maria_Allen/914516

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How to Paint like a Pro | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House expert painter Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor the tips and tricks to painting like a pro. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Kevin O'Connor meets expert painter Mauro Henrique to discuss painting techniques. Mauro begins by showing Kevin how a professional painter holds a paintbrush. Then, Mauro loads the brush with paint and shows Kevin how to properly paint a piece of baseboard. After purposely dabbing the wall with paint, Mauro shows Kevin how to wipe it up before discussing the merits of painter’s tape. It Starts With the Grip To paint like a pro, you have to hold the brush like a pro. Lay the handle of the brush flat over the back of your thumb while holding the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles together) between your index and middle finger. The point of a slanted brush should be on the finger side, not the thumb side. The Two-Finger Rule Next, you need to know how much paint to load the brush with. Mauro suggests dipping the brush into the paint can just far enough so there is two fingers’ width of paint on the end of the brush. Too much paint and the ferrule will become loaded, affecting the way the brush paints. Too little, and the paint job will take forever. Once loaded, wipe a bit of the excess paint off in the bucket. Start Low and Work Your Way to the Edge When painting baseboards, you don’t have to take the brush directly to the seam between the wall and molding. Instead, start lower on the baseboard until the paint is flowing. Then, slowly work toward the seam, dragging paint up to the joint. This prevents puddling at the seam, resulting in much sharper lines. If the paint pooled where you started, smooth it out with the brush. Clean Up Mistakes While They’re Wet If an errant brushstroke should touch down on the wall, don’t worry—wet paint is pretty easy to clean. If you keep a damp cloth nearby, you can stretch the fabric over a finger and wipe the wet paint off the wall. Just be sure to wad the excess cloth up in your palm to prevent it from touching the wet baseboard. Even Pros Use Painter’s Tape [https://amzn.to/30TA0ja]—Sometimes There are times when even the pros use painter’s tape. When they’re painting against finished surfaces like flooring and woodwork, they’ll often stretch tape across the surface to protect it. However, when it comes to painting walls and trim, they typically forego the tape in lieu of their skills and steady hands. Where to find it? Mauro demonstrated cutting techniques using a Picasso 2-½” angle cut brush [https://amzn.to/3nC7SK5], which is manufactured by Proform Technologies [https://www.proformtech.com/], and a Wooster [https://www.woosterbrush.com/] 3” flat brush [https://amzn.to/3DH2XNF]. Both of these brushes, among others, can be found at most home centers and paint supply stores. The paint Mauro used on the trim was Ultra Pure White [https://bit.ly/32qzpGk]—which is manufactured by Behr [https://www.behr.com/consumer/]. Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st... About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

This Old House

This Old House

This Old House | Engineered for Accessibility

Great progress is being made on the project house. The primary addition is being framed and the rooms are starting to take shape. A sound deadening wall is built. A lally column is removed and a larger ridge beam is installed to create an open kitchen and dining area. The homeowners choose hardscape finishes based on 3D renderings. An accessible designed bathroom is toured.

SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Where to find it? Contractor: TJ Berky Builders  [https://berkybuilders.com/Home_Page.php] Landscape designer: SiteOne Landscape Supply [https://www.siteone.com/en/] Accessibility consultant: Solutions for Accessibility [http://www.solutionsforaccessibility....] Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. https://bit.ly/32CLaGe Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew? Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/ne... Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st... About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG

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Top 10 Sherwin Williams Colors for EVERY Room in Your Home

Custom Color Palettes: https://shop.thepaintpeople.com/produ... Custom Color Palettes: https://shop.thepaintpeople.com/produ... Discover the perfect palette for your home with our guide to the top 10 Sherwin-Williams colors that will breathe life into every corner. From serene bedrooms to vibrant living spaces, we've curated a list of the most stunning hues to elevate your interior design. Join us as we explore the versatility, trends, and timeless appeal of these Sherwin-Williams shades, helping you create a personalized haven that reflects your style and personality.

The Paint People

How to Salvage Your Valuables After Serious Flooding

                      Saving family keepsakes after a storm can be painstaking, but it's worth it

Heavy rain and severe weather can upend your life. And if you're faced with mucking out your house and tearing out saturated drywall, recovering keepsakes and family treasures might seem like a task for a later day.

But saving your valuables can be a race against the clock—mold can form within 48 hours. To help, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, cosponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, has developed guidelines for how to salvage what you want and dispose of what can’t be saved.

The first step is to determine what type of water you’re dealing with—salty, dirty, or contaminated by sewage or chemicals. If your valuables have come in contact with toxic water during flooding, you might have to call a professional conservator because trying to clean them yourself can be a health risk. If the water was untainted, then take steps to reduce the humidity around your items as you work to clean and dry them. Here’s how from FEMA’s checklist:

Save Your Valuables

Prioritize. You may not be able to save everything after flooding, so focus on what’s most important to you, whether for sentimental or monetary reasons.

"We always hear about dollar-amount damages, but often the losses that affect us the most are the ones to which a dollar amount cannot be assigned," says Lori Foley, administrator of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force. "What do you own that you’d miss terribly if you lost it? Photographs of loved ones in frames, albums, or shoeboxes? Books and paintings passed down through generations? Grandma’s recipe box?"

Air-dry. Gentle air-drying indoors is best. Weather permitting, open your windows to increase indoor airflow. If it’s too hot and humid, use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Avoid using hair dryers, irons, ovens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can do irreversible damage.

Handle with care. Delicate items can be especially fragile when wet, so be careful when you handle them. Separate sodden materials by removing photographs from damp albums and taking paintings and prints out of their frames. Place white paper towels between every few pages of wet books.

Clean gently. Loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects carefully with soft cloths and brushes. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.

Salvage photos. Clean photographs by rinsing them carefully in clean water. Air-dry photos on a plastic screen or paper towel, or by hanging them by the corners with plastic clothespins. Don’t let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.

Cold storage. Damp objects and items that cannot be dealt with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes or bags. If you can’t attend to items within 48 hours, you can put photos, papers, books, and textiles in the freezer and clean them later.

"In general, you can freeze many items that cannot be dried out in 48 hours – photos, books, documents, textiles," says Foley. "Freezing stops mold from growing, ink from running, and dyes from transferring. Freezing items allows you to buy some time to devote to other activities. When you are able, you can return to the frozen items and recover them on your own time."

Dispose of the Debris

Once the waters recede, residents will be able to go back into their homes and start cleaning up, and piles of ruined household belongings will be put on the curb. Cleanup can take months if not years.

Because mold creates a serious health risk, it’s important to remove wet items from your home as soon as possible. FEMA recommends not waiting for your insurance adjuster before cleaning up. Instead, document the flooding damage on your cell phone or camera. Before dragging debris to the curb, check with your municipality on how it wants you to separate items for the garbage haulers. FEMA recommends sorting items into the following six categories:

• Bagged household garbage such as food, packaging, and paper.
• Building materials and furniture, including drywall, carpeting, and mattresses.
• Vegetation debris such as tree branches, plants, and leaves.
• Hazardous household waste, including batteries, paints, and cleaning supplies.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, and air conditioners.
• Electronics such as TVs, computers, and stereo equipment.

For more information and resources, see FEMA’s After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures.

Article Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/how-to-salvage-valuables-after-flooding/

Tips on Hiring a Contractor After a Flood Disaster

What type of contractor do I need to repair my flooded home?

If your home has been damaged by a flood, you may need to hire the services of professionals to mitigate the damages, handle any damaged personal property, or perform repairs. Typically, contractors who specialize in flood mitigation and repair are most familiar with the techniques and processes that this type of work requires. Contractors who specialize in flood damage remediation or "flood restoration contractors" understand the proper procedures necessary to restore and/or dry out a home or building and its contents. Some of the specialized equipment they may include: truck mounted and portable vacuums or water extractors, high-velocity air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to monitor the drying process.

Residential home re-modelers or custom home builders may not have the experience that flood restoration contractors have in this field and may not have the expertise to properly mitigate the damage and/or prevent increased levels of microbial growth (mold). If mold becomes a concern, you may need to hire a certified industrial hygienist to test for mold and provide a restoration protocol or guidelines to mitigate any mold issues. Keep in mind that if you have insurance, your homeowners' insurance policy may have very little or no coverage for mold remediation, so contact your insurance company to find out if you have coverage and what your limits are. Mold remediation can be very expensive!

Usually, after a flood, the restoration process will have three main components:

1. The first is the structural drying phase. This is where the water and moisture are removed along with any materials that cannot be saved such as warped or damaged flooring, baseboard, wet drywall, etc.
2. The second component is the handling of any personal property. This may entail packing up all of the contents of the home including clothing, furniture, or other items and storing and/or restoring them offsite until the structural repairs are completed. This phase also may require the creation of an inventory to document or list any personal property that may have been damaged beyond repair and that needs to be replaced.
3. The third phase in the restoration project is the structural repair. This entails the restoration of building elements that need to be repaired or replaced, including insulation, drywall, baseboards, cabinetry, flooring, painting, etc. In some cases, a single restoration contractor may offer to perform all three phases or you may want to choose one company to handle the drying while other companies handle the contents and structural repair.

Before you sign a contract for flood remediation services, consider the following:
 

• Read every word of the contract and be sure you understand the terms and conditions.
• Review any fee schedule that details what the charges will be for labor and equipment.
• Get an estimate of what the drying process may cost before any work begins. Any costs or charges that your insurance company does not cover or pay for, you may be held personally responsible to pay.
• Obtain copies of certificates of general liability and workers compensation insurance and be sure the policies are current and in force.
• Obtain copies of any Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if the contractor intends to use any chemicals, anti-microbial agents, or other substances in your home that could cause adverse health effects.
• Check references and affiliations with trade organizations and the Better Business Bureau.
• Photograph and document your home, its contents, and the extent of any damages prior to anything being done or moved.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sean_Monroe_Scott/1290184