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Don’t Wait to File an Insurance Claim After Hail Damage

dont-wait-to-file-an-insurance-claimDon’t Wait to File an Insurance Claim!

Most homeowners who have recent hail damage on their roofs can file an insurance claim and receive some compensation, yet far too many people fail to do this. Some of them don’t know they even have hail damage on their roofs, while others might not think it’s worth the time and money to have it fixed. However, the most significant reason why so many homeowners don’t file an insurance claim after a storm is that they simply wait too long to act. By the time they realize how severely their roofs have been damaged, it’s too late to receive any compensation from their insurance companies. They must pay for the repairs out of their own pockets, which can get very expensive very quickly.

How Long Can I Wait to File an Insurance Claim for My Damaged Roof After a Hailstorm?

That really depends on your insurance, but most companies allow you up to a year to file a claim. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should wait for several months before taking action. Your best bet is to file a claim as soon as you think your roof has sustained damage in a storm. The damage is still “fresh” at this time, which means it’s unlikely that anything else has caused any further damage. This will make it easier to prove that it was the hail that damaged your roof, and it will be much easier to repair the damage sooner rather than later.

Hail damage can take years to cause roof leaks and many homeowners put off getting an inspection or fixing damages. This is never a good idea. Here’s why:

  •  When hail hits an asphalt shingle it often knocks off the protective granule coating. Once the granules are gone, the protective layer underneath is exposed to the elements.
  • The sun’s ultraviolet light will weaken the exposed spots and make them brittle. These exposed areas are very susceptible to leaks.
  • Once leaks occur, the damage can be extensive due to potential damage from mold, electrical issues, ceiling and wall damage from water, and perhaps even personal property losses. The damage can also come very quickly and often is not initially detected.

Who is Responsible for the Costs of Additional Damage if I Decide to Wait?

While hail damage to your roof is covered by homeowner’s insurance policies, the additional damage caused by waiting to get repairs is not. Most insurance companies believe it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their homes and take action to prevent leaks and subsequent damage. Therefore, if you wait until your roof is leaking to make a claim you could be footing the bill for all the major repairs.

Preventing additional damage to your home is one of the reasons why some (but not all) insurance companies have time limitations to file a claim. In fact, most policies state that claims should be filed “promptly” or “as soon as possible”. We also always recommend having a professional contractor assess the situation to prevent further damage and costs. Don’t forget, that you can always rely on Classic Construction for your roof damage and repair needs. Feel free to reach out to us today for any restorations that need to be done to your damaged roof caused by hail storms.

Annual-inspection-checklist-for-multifamily-properties

Annual Inspection Checklist for Multifamily Properties

Helpful Checklist for Annual Inspection of Multifamily Properties

Annual-inspection-checklist-for-maintaining-multifamily-properties Summer is right around the corner. This means families, especially those with kids, will be out and about ready to enjoy the summer sun while making memories to last a lifetime for multifamily properties. With this new excitement of outdoor play comes dangerous hazards! This can be anything from nuisances (Not sure what that is? We have a blog for that!) or cracked sidewalks that can cause trips and falls (You guessed it we have a blog on that too!). The best thing you can do as a multifamily owner or an HOA president is to get these hazards taken care of before the summer season and stay on top of these potential issues. Being proactive and taking care of potential issues as they arise is always recommended, however, doing an annual inspection is also a great way to find any issues or hazards you might have missed. As always, you can reach out to us if you need help with any maintenance that might come up. Below, we have provided a helpful checklist for annual inspection for multifamily properties below to get you off on the right foot to ensure your property is safe for summer play this year and many more to follow!

Amenities

Pool

Pool deck free of cracks and chips

Pool coping free of cracks and chips

Cracks or leaks inlining

Gate and safety locks in working order

Playground

Equipment is safe

Padding is checked

Fencing and safety locks are secure

Fitness Centers

Check door locks

Wall mirrors are securely attached

Weight and equipment mounts are secure

Courts – Tennis or Basketball

Gates and safety locks

Surface cracks

Fix faded or chipped paint

All lighting is in working order

Dog Park

Check and repair fencing

Gates and locks are working

Water stations or water pads in working order

Grounds

Sidewalks

Cracks within the concrete are filled

Curb ramps are checked

Surfacing and leveling issues are corrected

Landscape nearby is maintained

Parking Lots

Paint is visible/pavement striping

Proper signage is used

Safety gates and locks are working

Retaining Walls

Any stucco issues are repaired

Check for leaks

Check for mold on walls

Inspect for cavities or warps

Fencing

All fencing is stable

All holes or entrances are repaired

Buildings

Interior

Separated window seals

Check for mold around windows

Replace malfunctioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Ensure HVAC systems are in working condition

Exterior

Clean and/or repair gutters

Check for broken or damaged shingles

Replace non-working lightbulbs or fixtures

Recreational Buildings/Clubhouse

Check for outdoor grill stabilization

Deep clean grills or cooking spaces

Check for loose hardware on fitness equipment

Dispose of any broken/damaged fitness equipment

 

We all know that the weather getting warmer can bring on amazing projects to keep your multifamily properties in shape and ready for a beautiful summer. At Classic Construction & Restoration, our full supporting staff is ready to shape up your commercial or residential property so that summer happens for you and not to you. Call us today for a free estimate on any of your property projects.

Make-Energy-Efficient-Improvements-to-a-Property-by-Hiring-the-Right-Contractors

Make Energy-Efficient Improvements to a Property by Hiring the Right Contractors

Make-Energy-Efficient-Improvements-to-a-Property-by-Hiring-the-Right-ContractorsEfficiency Proficiency: The Importance of Hiring the Right Contractors for an Energy-Efficient Property

If you live in Texas you’ve likely seen (and felt) the rising cost of electricity that’s been happening since the “The Big Freeze” of 2021. It’s no secret that everyone has had higher than normal bills and while there are a lot of options to help reduce that with your power company (like free nights) updating your home can help too. Little things like properly venting your attic space to big things like swapping out your windows can all make huge differences to your electric bill each month and improve an energy-inefficient property. The trick here though is having the proper training and knowledge to do it correctly and that’s where Classic Construction comes in. We can spot opportunities to help maximize your savings, read on to learn more on how to make energy-efficient improvements to a property by hiring the right contractors.

Spotting Energy Efficient Opportunities

If your property or building is in need of renovation, you may want to take the time to look for places where you are losing energy. That’s money being thrown away! These days many building materials are made to be extra energy-efficient, from floor to ceiling. Places to spot where you may be losing “bought air” include your baseboards and flooring, around windows and doors, as well as the window material itself, and attics and roofing.

New energy-efficient windows are often double-paned with gas in between the panes as insulation, and many windows now have energy-saving tints, keeping AC in, and reducing heat from outside. It’s important to make sure all the seals are good and not crumbling. As buildings shift, your windows and doors may no longer be squared, so you can lose energy through tiny cracks around them.

Maximize Energy Savings

No matter what time of year it is, it’s smart to try to implement energy-efficient improvements throughout your home. From choosing the right windows that are properly insulated to choosing energy-efficient light bulbs for your home, the options are limitless!

Hiring a professional to help you decide the optimal ways to maximize your energy savings can be a great long-term investment, that will save you money on your electric bill for months and years to come.

Professionals are knowledgeable and can also help improve your property’s insulation to help the temperature stay regulated in your home. We also can easily add or renovate great tools such as a fireplace insert to give you natural warmth ambiance for the colder winter months. Remember, when trying to maximize energy savings, you should always have a professional analyze your home’s weak spots in order to prioritize your upcoming investments in energy efficiency.

An energy-efficient property doesn’t just have to be limited to smart appliances and solar – a well-versed contractor can find huge opportunities on your property that truly maximize the potential of the property itself and save you hundreds and even thousands over the lifetime of the property – well worth the investment.

If you’re restoring or remodeling your property, now is the best time to have the expert team at Classic take care of finding highly energy-efficient ways to improve your property! Reach out today for a free estimate!

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Who is Liable for Tree Damage to a Property After a Storm?

Know Who is Responsible for Tree Damage to a Property Caused by a Storm

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Who is Responsible for Tree Damage to a Property After a Storm?

When a tree falls on your property and causes damage due to a storm, it can be extremely unsettling – but the good news is that as long as you have insurance on your property, you should be able to handle the repair of the damage with ease.

The problem with these scenarios when it isn’t a tree on your own property, however, is that it can cause disputes about who’s responsible for paying for the damages – especially when high deductibles come into the picture. Despite what you might think, just because a tree that damaged your property isn’t your own doesn’t mean you’re not liable to go through your own insurance. Keep reading to learn who is liable for tree damage after a storm.

Acts of Nature and Insurance

When deciding who is liable for tree damage after a storm and what route to take and if your insurance will cover it, will be based on how and why the tree fell. When a tree falls into a neighbor’s property, that neighbor should immediately submit a claim through their insurance. Typically the insurance company will cover it if it was an act of nature. However, there are some cases in that a homeowner can be held liable such as the neighbor chopping the tree down or pushing it down onto your property. Typically when a tree falls from natural causes like storm damage, insurance covers the expenses listed in your insurance plan since that was an act of nature and no one is at fault for the damage.

When a Homeowner is Held Liable For Tree Damage

In some cases, a homeowner might be held liable for a fallen tree. If the tree was in bad condition, such as disease or dying, unstable due to trimming or losing branches and the owner knew about these conditions, they might be liable for all or part of the damage if it were to fall on its own or if a light storm that might otherwise not topple a tree does knock it over. As soon as a property owner learns a tree is in danger of falling over, he or she has a responsibility to remove or trim the tree to prevent damage.

Commercial Properties vs City Landscaping

When it comes to commercial prosperities one of the bigger questions we get asked is who is responsible when it comes to damage, especially from trees and more so after a storm. Typically the owner of the building is responsible for damage that occurs on the property. So if you’re leasing the building then you’ll want to contact your landlord to have the damage resolved. They will likely have insurance coverage on the building to handle these issues. It is advisable though to have insurance on your property within the building to ensure that this property is covered (this is similar to renters insurance on an apartment).

When city landscaping is the reason for the damage things get a bit gray. The law states that landscaped and open space areas in the public right-of-way are considered to be part of the city maintenance. If the landscaping in question came from these public right-of-way areas then the city should be held liable. So the first thing you would need to do is take a look at your property lines to confirm that the trees in question came from outside your property line and are on the public right-of-way areas. Should you find that the trees did come from these areas then you’ll need to contact your local county for repairs. We suggest having a quote on hand first so you are prepared from when they come out to inspect, read our blog on why this is a good idea. Here at Classic Construction, we can assist you with creating that quote, so be sure to contact us next.

Though unsettling and problematic to have a storm cause damage to your property, companies like Classic Construction & Restoration have just the right tools, connections, and recognition to appropriately keep you prepared to handle any unfortunate situations that cause damage to your commercial or residential property. Contact us any time for a free estimate on your storm damage. On Time. On Budget. That’s Classic.

Classic Construction Project in Austin

We’re Coming to San Antonio & Austin!

Classic Construction just announced their expansion to the San Antonio and Austin areas in Texas. Their team of over 40 production managers, estimators, account managers, knowledge experts and leaders are excited to partner with local commercial companies that facilitated the new venture.

How We Can Help

Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc has a long-standing reputation in DFW as a leading contractor for commercial construction, renovations, and restoration after major catastrophes, and we’re looking forward to bringing that reputation to San Antonio and Austin! We work with multifamily communities, shopping centers, restaurants, and all other commercial properties performing maintenance inspections and corrective actions including leak repair, roof repair, concrete pathway and wall restoration, plumbing and electrical. Our experienced team of project managers will oversee your commercial property renovation from beginning to end to make sure all services are performed correctly!

Project In Progress

Our team was recently in Austin performing a leak investigation. Our client was concerned that they may have a construction defect in their stucco, causing potential water intrusion. Our leak detection team used their infrared technology and performed water tests to identify a number of sources where water was entering the building and determined that it was not a construction defect. They repaired the exterior penetrations and replaced the sealant around each of the windows. Follow us on our social media to keep up with our upcoming projects @constructionclassic.

 

Our Construction & Restoration Services for Austin & San Antonio

Take a peek of the wide range of commercial general contractor services that we’re bringing to these vibrant areas – a perfect fit for Property Owners and Managers in the area:

Conclusion – With over 2,000 projects completed in 2020 alone, this family-owned general contractor is pleased to be welcomed and ready to help local businesses and residents with a variety of needs. We can’t wait to share our 90 years of experience with you!

Slate roof

Hiring a GAF SlateCrafter Specialist

Slate roof

Finding a reliable, timely, and trustworthy slate installer can be nearly impossible with so many contractors available, but our SlateCrafter Specialist team at Classic Construction can make it easy. Classic Construction is one of the top 2% of contractors who are GAF Master Elite Certified and now also SlateCrafter Specialists, which helps ensure that only the best quality and installation practices are being used.   

What GAF SlateCrafter Certified means to me

Being GAF Master Elite Certified and GAF SlateCrafter Specialist is more than just a title; it’s a promise and commitment to get the job done On Time and On Budget. Gaining our certification means that you are selecting a safe choice from the top 2% of roofing contractors with hours of training and a warranty to guarantee our workmanship.

Safe Choice

Being a GAF SlateCrafter Specialist is a safe choice for you. When you choose a SlateCrafter Specialist, you are guaranteed the best quality slate; a real hand-split quarried slate. You are also ensured an installation system that requires less slate for every net square. One of the most important promises that our team at Classic Construction can guarantee as a SlateCrafter Specialist is affordability. 

Our Training 

To become GAF Elite Certified and GAF SlateCrafter Specialists, our team has dedicated hours to slate installation training in the classroom and in practice. Aside from training, our crew is also tested to ensure that we can perform premium, high-end slate applications. Because of all the hours dedicated to slate installation, our team has diverse capabilities. 

Warranties 

To guarantee peace of mind, GAF SlateCrafter Specialists offer a lifetime limited warranty with coverage on workmanship and manufacturer defects. 

Why It Matters

Becoming a capable and knowledgeable slate installer can take years. Locating a company that cares about the quality of material, quality of the installation, and affordability is rare. GAF SlateCrafter Specialists have trained, learned, and been reviewed to ensure experienced installation. You will be guaranteed the best quality installation done by a knowledgeable crew member and the best possible quality slate, which will have been tested using the standard American Society of Testing and Materials. If you want a slate roof that will last you years for a reasonable price, choose quality and reliability by selecting a GAF SlateCrafter Certified Specialist. If you want a family that also cares about you and your project, who is On Time and On Budget, choose Classic Construction.

Three roofing contractors removing the old tiles before replacing with new shingles on a home

What to Do When a Resident Has a Problem With Construction

Classic Construction, roof being repaired on two story home with yellow tractor and workers below We’ve all had to deal with that one unreasonable resident.

You know the one I’m talking about. He shows up to every meeting, chimes in on every issue, and takes it upon himself to act as the neighborhood watch. Every Board member knows him by name which means that you as the property manager do too. He probably even has your cell phone number!

It can be hard to know what to do when this resident has a problem with construction, but we here at Classic Construction and Restoration, Inc. have over 80 years of experience handling resident/construction conflict.

We’re here to help.

Complaint #1: Noise

Perhaps the biggest construction-related resident complaint is that of the noise. The number one way to help prevent these complaints before you receive them is to make sure your contractor knows that work is only to be done during business hours. Then inform your residents of when work will begin and approximately how long it is expected to last. Most residents understand that when construction is necessary, there will be some loud noises involved. But they do have a reasonable right to expect a quiet, relaxing community after business hours. Try to assure them that you will do your best to provide them this quite time during the construction process.

construction cones blocking walkwayComplaint #2: Detours/Blockades

The second biggest complaint from residents usually involves the inconvenience of having to change up their morning and afternoon commutes. Humans are creatures of habit and having to add an extra 5 minutes to our morning drive is just excessive. (I mean, really!) To help residents adjust, make sure you know in advance where the detours and blockades will be located. Speak with your contractor before construction so that together, you can come to a solution that allows him to complete the work and you to cause the least inconvenience to your residents. And if there’s no way around the inconvenience, let your residents know well in advance about the detours and remind them why it is necessary or why this temporary inconvenience might even be desirable (ie nicer roads, prettier landscaping, etc).

Complaint #3: Jobsite Cleanliness

This complaint is not unreasonable for any resident to have. Messy jobsites are not only displeasing to the eyes, but can also cause problems in the community. Debris in roads and driveways can cause flat tires. Trash could attract nocturnal critters. Carelessly placed equipment can block roads or access to community amenities….the list goes on and on. When you receive a complaint from your residents about the mess the contractor’s crew is leaving behind, take it seriously. Let your contractor know about the issue and ask him to make sure that his crew is cleaning up after themselves daily. Contractors worth keeping should take this complaint seriously as well and strive to improve the condition of their jobsites.

Complaint #4: Quality of the Work

Again, this complaint is not unreasonable at all. Heck, you might even have the same concerns as your residents! If you notice that the work performed by your construction crew is of inferior quality, don’t be afraid to make him aware of it immediately. This is true at each stage of construction. It is better to ask your contractor about the work as you go along and catch some tiny mistakes now before the project is completed. This will save your contractor lots of money and will shorten the length of time you and your residents must deal with the construction. Before releasing final payment to your contractor, you should also make sure you or your residents are satisfied with the work. Most contractors accept this as a business process; if yours doesn’t, you might seriously consider hiring a professional contractor next time.

Classic Construction condo fire restoration project, new windows, roof and doors have been replaced.

Managing Construction Projects During COVID-19: HOA Tips

Construction project for Classic Construction HOADue to the nature of the Coronavirus quickly changing the world we live in, the way our residential communities are managed has changed drastically. These days, community managers must determine if a service is essential before they can decide whether they and the board want to move forward with it or not. While determining the nature of needed services as either essential or non-essential is not easy, it is important that these decisions be based on official stay-at-home orders and COVID 19 construction guidelines.

At the time of this writing, residential construction is still considered essential. This means that repairs that need to be made to homes, whether they be single or multi-family, can still be scheduled if certain social distancing and PPE protocols are followed. While this process sounds simple enough – keep 6 feet apart, wear face coverings, gloves, etc – it is easier said than done. Some smaller construction companies might not be able to acquire the gear necessary to perform the work according to these guidelines as the demand for these supplies steadily increases. Or on the other hand, some homeowners might not feel comfortable letting workers into their home without being able to supervise from a close distance.

Again, once the board has decided to move forward with a construction project, you might run into issues with scheduling. Many homeowners might be working from home and do not want to be disturbed by the noise construction crews often make while working. Others might be at high risk of contracting the Coronavirus and therefore not give workers consent to enter their home. In either of these circumstances, the board then has to decide if the construction project is urgent or serious enough to override the desires of the homeowner, if this is even within the board’s power to do so.

All in all, scheduling and performing construction projects is no easy feat in these trying times. Some tips to help you determine whether you and your HOA board should press forward are:

  1. Look to your bylaws and guidelines

If your bylaws state that certain projects must be done yearly, monthly, etc, then it’s probably best that you look into whether you can schedule these services or not. In this event, you should just follow the next tip which is to…

  1. Make sure you comply with CDC guidelines and local ordinances

If you or your board believes that a project must get done, then make sure it gets done in accordance with the law. Just be sure your construction workers understand and follow these instructions as well.

  1. Work with your residents

If you have set forth community guidelines and protection protocols for the safety of your residents, then they will better be able to trust that you are doing all you can to protect them while maintaining their home and community. If you find yourself dealing with a particularly difficult homeowner, try gently explaining to the importance of completing the project and the measures you are taking to ensure their safety. If this fails, you might have to start back at tip number one and determine if this really is an essential job or not.

Man repairing wood floor with a hammer his right and a pencil in his hand.

When should I hire a contractor for my construction project? 

person-holding-pencil-1388944If you find yourself with a construction project that needs doing, you might be wondering when you should hire a contractor. This can be difficult to know since different types of projects will have different needs. If you’re a property manager or landlord with an angry or persistent tenant, the answer might be “yesterday.” But if you’re a homeowner looking to make upgrades or non-essential improvements, you’ve got time on your side.

In any of these situations, there are 3 main tasks you will need to add to your to-do list before you hire a contractor.

Determine when the work must be completed

Is this an emergency or a wish list project? Emergencies obviously require repairs today, while wish list items can wait. In any event, determine when the work should be completed. If it’s an emergency, you’ll need to move through these steps quickly. But if it’s a wish list project, determine which season would be best to have this work completed.

You’ll also want to be mindful of the construction industry’s busy seasons. The summer season is when many large projects are typically taking place because the lack of rain makes it easier complete a large amount of work in a short amount of time.

Contractors who can get large jobs scheduled are likely to do so in the summer. Large jobs are more difficult to schedule in the spring, fall and winter seasons, so smaller jobs such as leak investigations or interior repairs are more likely to be scheduled during this time.

Determine your budget and scope of work

This is pretty straightforward advice and probably the single most important item on your to-do list before hiring a contractor.

Before a contractor starts demolition on a property or making repairs, they need to have a plan for the work to be done. This is commonly referred to as a bid or an estimate and is where these two items come into play. A bid clearly outlines the work that the client (you) would like to see completed and lets you know how much the contractor expects to be paid for that work. Without a clearly defined scope of work or a budget on your end, you’re likely to overspend and not get what you thought you paid for.

Do your research


contractor renovation project gray-standard-color-book-near-green-eraser-159045Before starting a job, most contractors will submit a formal bid or estimate based on the scope of work and budget you’ve provided them. A good one will work with you and educate you on the price of materials and type of work you’re asking for to make sure you understand why they can or cannot do a certain type of work for the price you’re asking.

When doing your research, make sure you solicit bids from at least 3 different contractors. This will give you a range of price points to choose from, as well as introduce you to a few of the types of contractors you’re likely to encounter. You’ll learn a lot about the values, attitudes, professionalism and knowledge of the contractors while discussing or negotiating their bids with them.

If you don’t know where to start looking for a professional contractor, try the Better Business Bureau.

If you’ve already accomplished these three to-do items, give Classic Construction a call…we provide free estimates and we can do it all on time and on budget.

That’s Classic!

two GAF Certified quality roofing contractors on the roof taken from arial view of the roof

What does GAF Master Elite™ Certification mean for our customers?

two GAF Certified quality roofing contractors on the roof taken from arial view of the roofHere at Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc. we take pride in being among the top 2% of roofing contractors in North America. How did we achieve this lofty goal? 

We went through the process of becoming GAF Master Elite® certified!

GAF is an acronym for General Aniline & Film, which is the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing materials in America. If you have a roof over your head, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that it was built with GAF’s materials. 

The Master Elite® Certification is GAF’s factory certification program that provides ongoing training to roofing contractors and assurance to you, the homeowner, that the roof will be completed well and professionally. This is a highly prestigious award because only 2% of all roofing contractors in the country have qualified as Master Elite®. 

What does this mean for you as a homeowner?

Choosing a GAF Master Elite® contractor is your assurance that you will be dealing with a quality, dependable and professional contractor. In order for a roofing contractor to qualify for the certification, they must meet the following standards:

  • A+ BBB rating
  • possess an established license for the state they work in
  • be current with distributor partners in receivables
  • have been in business for at least 3 years
  • consistently show ethical contracting in their service area
  • be adequately insured
  • show a commitment to ongoing professional training

two classic construction GAF master elite certified contractors on the roof examining roof material

A certified GAF Master Elite® roofer is the only contractor that can offer 2 of the best warranties in the industry, Silver Pledge and Gold Pledge, both backed by GAF. GAF also covers a Master Elite’s workmanship. Approximately 95% of the issues that arise on a roofing project are related to the installation of the product, not the product itself. With a Master Elite® roofer, you can be sure that they have been trained to install the materials correctly and have the ethical wherewithal to make sure that your home is protected. 

As a full-service general contractor proudly serving North Texas for over 90 years, and one who qualifies as a top 2% roofing contractor, you can rest assured that your roof is in good hands with Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc. 

If you find yourself in need of a new roof, call Classic Construction today for your free quote!

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