Can I Choose My Own Contractors After Damage To My Home?
After you inform your insurance company about damage to your property, they may send a "preferred contractor" from their network to quickly restore your home to its previous state. This is a way for the insurance company to manage expenses and prevent you from selecting your own contractor.
Suffering damage to your property can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. One of the many decisions you will face during this time is whether or not to choose your own contractors for repairs. While it may seem like a straightforward decision, there are various factors to consider, including insurance policies, legal regulations, and potential risks. As a homeowner, when you incur damage to your home, the immediate thing to do is to contact your insurance company. They're expected to inspect your damage and cover the costs of repair.
With that being said, let's find out if you can use your own contractor after damage to your home.
Can You Use Your Own Contractor On An Insurance Claim?
It depends on the specific terms and conditions of your insurance policy. In some cases, your insurance company may allow you to use your own contractor, while in other cases, they may require you to use one of their preferred contractors or their general contractors.
If your insurance policy allows you to choose your own contractor, it's essential to keep in mind that you'll be responsible for managing the contractor's work and ensuring that it meets the requirements of your insurance policy. You'll also need to make sure that the contractor is licensed, insured, and qualified to perform the necessary work.
If you decide to use your own contractor, you must communicate your decision with your insurance company as soon as possible. They may need to approve the contractor before work can begin, and they may also require documentation of the contractor's qualifications and experience.
Now, as a policyholder, there are factors you must consider before choosing your contractor. Factors To Consider Before Choosing Your Own Contractor
1. Licensing And Insurance
One of the most important factors to consider before choosing a contractor is their licensing and insurance. In most states, contractors must be licensed to carry out specific types of work, such as plumbing or electrical installations. A licensed contractor will have the necessary training and expertise to complete the job safely and to a high standard.
Additionally, you need to ensure that the contractor you choose has liability and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you from any damage caused to your property during the construction process, while workers' compensation insurance covers any injuries sustained by workers on your property. If the contractor you choose doesn't have insurance, you could be held liable for any accidents or damage that occurs.
2. References And Reviews
Before selecting a contractor, it's vital to check their references and reviews. Ask the contractor for references from previous clients and contact them to ask about their experience with the contractor. You can also check online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, or Angie's List to get an idea of the contractor's reputation.
When checking reviews, pay attention to any recurring issues that clients have mentioned. For example, if multiple reviews mention that the contractor was difficult to reach or didn't communicate well, it may be a red flag.
3. Experience And Expertise
The experience and expertise of a contractor are also important factors to consider. A contractor with years of experience in a particular field will have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the job to a high standard. For example, if you're looking to remodel your kitchen, it's best to choose a contractor who specializes in kitchen renovations rather than a general contractor who does a little bit of everything.
Additionally, it's crucial to consider the expertise of the contractor when it comes to the specific materials or products you want to use in your project. For example, if you're looking to install solar panels, it makes sense to choose a contractor who has experience with solar installations rather than a contractor who has never worked with solar panels before.
4. Price And Payment Terms
While it's important to choose a contractor who offers high-quality work, it's also essential to consider the cost. Before choosing a contractor, get multiple quotes and compare them to ensure you're getting a fair price. However, it's paramount to remember that the lowest price doesn't always mean the best value. A higher-priced contractor may offer better-quality work or use higher-quality materials.
On top of that, it's necessary to discuss payment terms with the contractor before starting the work. For example, will you be expected to pay a deposit upfront, or will the contractor be paid in full after the work is complete? Understanding the payment terms can help you budget for the project and avoid any surprises down the line.
5. Communication And Availability
It's crucial to consider the communication and availability of the contractor. A good contractor should be easy to reach and communicate with throughout the project. They should be willing to answer your questions and provide updates on the progress of the work.
Additionally, consider the availability of the contractor. Will they be able to start the work when you need them to, or will you have to wait weeks or months for them to become available? Understanding the contractor's availability can help you plan your project and avoid delays.
6. Contract Terms And Guarantees
Before choosing a contractor, it's essential to review their contract terms and guarantees. Make sure the contract includes all the details of the project, such as the scope of work, materials to be used, and payment terms. It's also essential to review any warranties or guarantees offered by the contractor.
Understanding the contract terms can help you avoid any disputes or misunderstandings down the line. Make sure to read the contract carefully and ask any questions before signing. If there are any changes or additions you would like to make to the contract, make sure to discuss them with the contractor before signing.
7. Timelines And Deadlines
It's vital to discuss timelines and deadlines with your contractor before beginning the project. Make sure to set clear expectations for when the work will begin and end, and any specific deadlines for milestones along the way.
Discuss any potential delays that could arise and how they will be addressed. Will the contractor provide updates on the progress of the project and communicate any changes to the timeline? Understanding the timeline and deadlines can help you plan for the project and avoid any surprises.
Learn How to Get Full Payment for Your Claim
If your insurance provider refuses to honor your claim, the Voss Law Firm can help you get paid for your losses—and potentially more. Call us at (888) 614-7730 or complete our contact form today to get answers to your questions, or start reading your copy of our free book, Tricks of the Trade: How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse, and Refuse.
