Does-My-Insurance-Company-Cover-Flooding-Damage-in-Dallas-Texas-and-What-To-Look-For

Does My Insurance Company Cover Flooding Damage in Dallas, Texas and What To Look For

Does My Insurance Company Cover Flooding Damage?

Does-My-Insurance-Company-Cover-Flooding-Damage-in-Dallas-Texas-and-What-To-Look-ForDuring this time of year, flooding in Texas is very common due to all the storms that constantly stir up. When it comes to flood damage coverage in Dallas and the Forth Worth area, you might be wondering “will my insurance company cover flooding damage and the repairs needed?” Read on to learn when flood damage is covered, and when it isn’t, and also learn about delayed insurance claims and misallocated funds that may arise.

When Flood Damage Is Covered By Insurance

Flood damage is only covered by insurance in a small percentage of cases and typically this is when the water damage is the direct result of a flood. Additionally, it is more often only when there is a sudden increase of water, which in most cases flooding is a gradual event. So you may find that you do not have the coverage for the damage caused by flooding. It is a great idea to take a look at your insurance policy to see the terms when it comes to water damage specifically. If you do not see the coverage you may want to consider adding on flooding or water damage insurance to your policy before the next downpour happens.

Delayed Insurance Claims & Misallocated Funds

When natural disasters are at play, sometimes it impacts so many individuals that it then creates a situation where many owners are waiting long periods of time for their restoration work to be funded. Keep in mind that even though your insurance company may be paying for the work – it may take longer than expected for the work to begin and for the project to be completed.

Another common and unfortunate scenario to be cautious of when insurance claims are covered is misallocated funds – the owner will receive the funds from the insurance company and secure the restoration project that may have water damage, etc. Although the initial invoices for the DFW general contractor for the project get paid, the following don’t – why? The owner instead used the funds for personal purchases and the project is incomplete.

When Flood Damage Isn’t Covered By Insurance

Your commercial property insurance plan may not include flood insurance; in fact, most policies don’t. If your multifamily property, warehouse, or other commercial property experienced flash flood damage during our record-setting rainfall this August, you may be out of luck as it would be considered an “act of god.” The good news is, that you can purchase a separate flood policy, which might seem like an extra expense, but in the face of flood damage, it may save you money down the road. The SBA or FEMA would possibly be an avenue for getting repayment for flood-related damages, but those payouts can come slowly and with many hoops to jump through before you ever see that payout.

In response to the flood damage coverage in Dallas fort worth, many flash flood residents and businesses continue to battle insurance agencies. Though the battle is hard, it may not be the end-all when it comes to getting covered for the DFW water damage. When the work isn’t covered, FEMA may be able to help support your recovery from the flood. Contact Classic Construction and Restoration for free damage estimates.

College-Students-Working-In-Construction-Building-Your-Future

College Students: Working In Construction & Building Your Future

How To Build Your Future By Working In Construction

College-Students-Working-In-Construction-Building-Your-FutureBuilding a career can sometimes be a frightening thought. How do you actually know that working in construction will be where your future is? At Classic Construction, we make it our priority to close the barrier between curiosity and fear of the future. Creating a career in construction starts with building a team that you grow to call a family as well as building knowledgeable credibility in your field.

Who Classic is

Here at Classic Construction, we are a family-owned business that offers full-service, professional contractor work in the Dallas, Forth-worth area, and Austin and San Antonio. We pride ourselves in being there for our clients 24/7, offering emergency care in the event disaster strikes a commercial or residential property. Our core values are trust, superior service, quality craftsmanship, experienced and properly trained professionals on deck, and of course respect! Not only do we handle insurance claims, but we also offer various payment options and plans making our services readily available for anyone! That’s why our slogan became: “On Time. On Budget. That’s Classic.”

Career Building Titles

We are always growing, both in the DFW metroplex, as well as in Austin and San Antonio! As our teams grow, we’re looking for Estimators, Project Managers, Account Managers, and more! The construction industry is more than just hammers and nails, it’s finance, its organization, its team leading – and every day is different. Our team members use their skillsets to work directly with clients, Classic departments, and outside organizations.

Growth Opportunities

Classic Construction provides opportunities to help you build your career path with jobs that allow plenty of room for growth. With some of the top career-building titles that we’ve mentioned, you can look to build skills in customer service, B2C and B2B sales, project management, and proficiency in a wide variety of software applications.

Functionally, you’ll learn more about construction projects and the industry itself – providing a breadth of information that will allow you to get more insight than in any other field. You’ll even gain more practical skills as you learn different phases of the construction process, how homeowners and commercial builders approach adverse events, and how to build relationships with customers who lean on you to help them throughout their project(s).

As you can see here at Classic there are a plethora of opportunities for your to succeed both while you’re in college and after. We are always accepting applications for all of our positions so don’t hesitate to apply today. Whether you’re looking for something to help with college expenses or a lifelong career we’ve got the right position for you! We’ll train you from the ground up just like we build our biggest projects, with a strong foundation, walls to hold you up, and a roof to protect you but not hold you down. When you’re ready drop a resume by our office!

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Fact or Fiction: DIY Myths and Misconceptions

DIY Myths and Misconceptions About Construction

We all watch HGTV and see people knocking down walls and building their dreams! For those who want to renovate their homes or commercial properties or start flipping houses, but don’t have a ton of start-up cash to hire professionals, DIY might seem like a dream option. What you don’t see is what happens behind the scenes on these shows and the professional crew that supplements TV DIYers. Read on as we dispel some DIY myths and misconceptions.

It’s Cheaper & Faster Fact-or-Fiction-DIY-Myths-and-Misconceptions-4

Two of the most common myths and misconceptions about DIY projects is that they will be cheaper and faster. Which is far from the truth. In fact, more times than not it can take the average person twice as long to complete the task at hand instead of hiring a professional contractor team. Not only are contractors trained for this, but they work together to get the job done with quality and efficiency.

Buying your own materials online to “save time” puts you at a few risks that aren’t worth it. When you buy online you are taking on all the risks to verify everything including every little detail yourself. And unless you do hours and hours of research, the average person might make quite a few mistakes. Thus taking even more time to wait for the right item to come, and try to install it yourself. Contractors know exactly what to look for and take the time to make sure your order is correct and that everything will get to them in a timely manner.

HGTV Makes It Look Easy

Fact-or-Fiction-DIY-Myths-and-Misconceptions
“If you say shiplap on more time…”

After you watch an HGTV remodeling show, you might think “this is something I can do”. What those HGTV shows don’t show you is all the hard work that actually goes into a project such as remodeling, and the endless hours an entire professional crew takes to put into that project. They don’t show the “boring” parts or all the hard labor, only the fun and “easy” side of construction. However, if you want to ensure your project is safely done please always hire a general contractor. Not only can they safely get it done, but can ensure the work will always be top quality.

No Need for Permits Fact-or-Fiction-DIY-Myths-and-Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions about DIY is that you can just simply, do it yourself, and not worry about obtaining a permit for the work. This couldn’t be further from the truth! There are a lot of drawbacks to not going through the proper channels when doing any kind of work on your house. Everything from owing back taxes to having issues selling your house as it hasn’t been properly assessed. The best thing to do is hire a professional who can get through all the red tape for you so you don’t have to.

Demo is Fun! Fact-or-Fiction-DIY-Myths-and-Misconceptions-2

If you’ve watched any show on HGTV you’ve likely seen a “Demo Day” segment and gotten inspired to take your sledgehammer to that annoying wall that blocks the view of your living room from the kitchen. WAIT! Please don’t do that! There are many hidden items inside your walls that you may not be ready to take on. Anything from pipes to critters, to mold, or other hazards can be lurking in your walls. Additionally, all of that demo leads to a mountain of debris that needs to be properly disposed of. On top of all of that, there are laws and regulations surrounding the demolition of your property that you must adhere to.

Do us a favor and contact us before you take a hammer to your walls. In the event, you have already done it and find yourself with a leaking pipe, or worse, we’re available 24/7 for emergency services.

If you’re considering a DIY approach to major renovations or restoration to your commercial property or home, you might want to reconsider and hire a professional team to save you time, money, and headache. You never know what you’ll find lurking in old walls, so for everyone’s sake, call Classic Construction for a free estimate!

Commercial-Code-Inspection-Preventing-Bad-Commercial-Building-Investments

Commercial Code Inspection: Preventing Bad Building Investments

Commercial-Code-Inspection-Preventing-Bad-Building-InvestmentsPrevent Bad Building Investments by Getting a Commercial Code Inspection

Investing in a commercial property can be exciting in planning for future business. When you find yourself looking into the logistics of what it takes to maintain a new commercial property, permits should be at the top of your list. Unpermitted work can be a daunting flaw in your investment. Thus, causing a huge setback in many of your business plans. Keep reading to learn why you should always get a commercial code inspection done on any property before you purchase.

Lack of Commercial Building Permits Puts You at Risk

Many construction companies operate with a “whatever it takes to get the sale” mindset. Some might even offer to do the work without pulling permits to cut down costs and speed up the construction process. On its face, this might seem like a prudent move, but skipping permits is often a costly mistake.

  • You might find if the general contractor is willing to skimp on permitting, they’re skimping elsewhere. Unlicensed contractors, uninsured contractors, and untrained contractors. These are huge risks to safety for the workers, your employees, and your customers.
  • Previous owners skipped on permitting and your building is out of code. This might result in your business being shut down by the city or county, having insurance claims denied when you try to file, or not being able to sell the building at a later date.
  • You (or the previous owner) want to save on property taxes and don’t pull permits, which might trigger a new assessment. Later, when the property is assessed, your taxes are increased and possibly back taxes will be owed.

What to Ask For When Investing in A Commercial Building

Adding more risk when investing in a commercial building isn’t at the top of any investor’s list. Thus, ensuring that you find a trusted partner to help you navigate and obtain a professional code inspection for the commercial building is a must.

Professionals from our team at Classic Construction are not only well-versed in code compliance for new buildings and reconstruction, but are experts in helping navigate new commercial building investments. This ensures that the property is fully protected from surprises along the way with a professional code inspection.

What to Do If You Find Something Out of Compliance

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of finding something within the building that is out of compliance, the first thing you should do is NOT purchase anything until the situation is resolved and the issue is corrected. The seller should be responsible for bringing the building up to code before ownership is transferred to you. If they are not willing to do so, you might want to walk away from that property. If you choose to purchase it without inspection, you are now the person liable for anything out of compliance.

Reaching out to the building department is another great way to also inform you if there are any open permits on the property. It’s good to note that an outstanding permit that was never properly inspected is just as risky as untrained contractors.

Reach out to us today if you are looking into purchasing a commercial building but aren’t sure if it’s up to commercial code inspection and compliance. Not only is Classic a reputable company, but you can always count on us to get the job done right. On-Time. On Budget. That’s Classic.

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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.

holiday lamp with candles that are lit close to a mirror.

Fire Safety During the Holidays

holiday lamp with candles that are lit close to a mirror.Holidays are prime time for fires; being prepared is the best way to help prevent them. Our team at Classic Construction has put together a list of ways you can be safe during these holidays! We hope you find our tips helpful and that they help you stay safe these holidays. 

Being Alert 

When cooking 

When you are in the kitchen, be sure that you are alert and know which burners are on, keep flammable items away from the heat, and stay in the kitchen while cooking. 

When handling flammables 

Make sure flammables are kept a safe distance from any source of heat. Flammable things include liquids such as gasoline, acetone, and alcohols. Some flammable items are bedding, paper, drapes, and rugs. 

When using heaters

When you are using heaters, make sure that you are in the room where it is being used and once you leave the room, make sure you have turned it off. One crucial aspect commonly overlooked is the surface that the space heater is placed over; always make sure that it is on a non-flammable surface.

Be Proactive 

Do not smoke in the house 

If you are a smoker or someone in your household smokes, make sure they smoke outside of the home. A way to help consolidate the smoking is to have a designated area outside of your home where those who do smoke can safely do so. 

Check all cords and replace frayed wires. 

While reusing lights, decorations with plugs or extension cords, make sure that your cords are not frayed and that they do not have exposed wires.  

Check fire alarms 

Fire alarms are the best way to be proactive! Ensuring that your fire alarm has batteries and is working correctly can help you be ready if a fire does happen. 

Have a plan 

Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher

Having a plan is about being proactive and safe, and one of the best ways to be safe is by learning how to deal with a fire. Fire extinguishers are only useful if you and a few members of your household are able to use them. 

Fire escape plan 

If your fire isn’t able to be put out by a fire extinguisher, make sure that you and your family know where to go. Having a clear plan of escape and knowing your exit options can help you get out of your quickly if there is an emergency.

Have important phone numbers on hand 

Having numbers saved on your phone if disaster does occur is essential. After a fire, emotions can be everywhere, and if you have one thing less to worry about, the better. Of course, you would call 911 for a fire emergency, but one number to consider saving is Classic Construction’s number. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and are quick to reply and help you rebuild. Rebuilding a home is challenging, and our team knows that, and we are ready to make the experience smooth for those experiencing it. 

Living room in a cabin style home with a fireplace and holiday tree set up

Protect Your Home During the Festivities

Living room in a cabin style home with a fireplace and holiday tree set up

As we approach the last weeks of the year, it is essential to protect your home from the festivities and weather that occur. As you celebrate with your friends and family, plan dinners and gatherings to make sure you prioritize your home’s safety. If you are overwhelmed with all the activities that occur, our team at Classic Construction & Restoration has curated a list of ways you can protect your home during the festive season. Please note that if your home experiences any. 

1. Install and Test Smoke Alarms 

Installing and testing your smoke alarms are vital any time of the year but necessary during the festive season. According to the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), you should install a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. If you have more than one level, there should be a smoke alarm on each level. After installing your alarm, you should test it to ensure that it is working correctly. It is suggested that you test your alarm once a month and change out the batteries at least twice a year. If you need help with installing or testing your alarm, feel free to contact our team at Classic.

2. Have Fire Extinguishers 

Choosing a fire extinguisher and comparing each model to see which is the best can be daunting but can save you and your home from damages or losses. We recommend that the fire extinguisher in your home is an ABC fire extinguisher model and that one be placed on every level of your home and a bonus extinguisher in your garage. The reason behind the UL lettering on the extinguisher is that each flame has a designated letter, and your extinguisher should be rated according to the fire it that is effective against.

3. Ensure your Space Heater is Safe  

As the weather drops, we understand there is a need for space heaters, but one of the biggest mistakes is keeping it on all day long. According to NFPA heating equipment is a leading cause of fire in U.S homes. When you are not in the same room or leave the house, make sure to turn the space heater off. Another commonly overlooked item is keeping the space heater at least 3 feet away from curtains or bedroom furniture or bedding, or other combustible materials.

4. Unplug Electric Blankets 

Electric blankets are also a form of heating equipment that people tend to forget to turn off. According to healthine, most electric blankets that are ten years old or older run a higher risk of starting a fire. If you are using an electric blanket, make sure that the blanket is approved by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). If you are finished using your electric blanket, make sure that you store it properly, and as a safety precaution, do not sit or lie on top of it. 

5. Avoid overloading your sockets

Overloading sockets is something that can easily happen if you are using a single socket and extensions. While extension cords are great to have on hand, you can easily overload it and cause a fire due to overheating. One thing that you can do to prevent this is to limit the number of connected appliances to each socket. A rule of thumb that the National Ag Safety Database has is limiting each outlet to two appliances. 

6. Get your chimney/fireplace inspected 

As we mentioned in our previous blog, Winter Checklist for Your Home, it is important to get your chimney/fireplace inspected before turning it on. A clogged chimney can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is responsible for around 10,000 cases of carbon monoxide-related “injuries” each reported each year.

7. Be cautious of your candles 

Candles are used avidly during this season, and while they provide a sense of comfort and smell, they are often forgotten. If you fail to turn off your candle before bed or leaving the house, it can cost you your home. According to NFPA, candle-caused fires can cause an average of up to $278 million in home damages a year. 

8. Avoid distractions while the stove is on

Preparing dinner for a gathering with friends and family can be a series of ups and downs, but one thing to never forget is to keep collected and be aware of your stove when it is on. If things get out of hand with a kitchen fire, make sure to get out of the kitchen! 

9. Save Classic Construction’s contact information

While you should ALWAYS call 911 if you have a fire emergency, another reliable number to have after the damage has occurred to your house is Classic Construction. We are available 24/7 for emergency services and are ready to help you. You can contact us over the phone (insert emergency number here) or through our website. We are here to help you and when you choose us, know our team is On Time. On Budget. That’s Classic. 

Three Classic Construction managers on site after a storm which caused severe damage to the homes behind them

Good Contractors in My Area: What Makes a Contractor Stand Out From His Competition?

When you have a construction project that needs to get done, you want to hire a contractor that can get it done on time, on budget and on a high-quality level. That’s just common sense. But what makes a roofing contractor, a restoration contractor, or really any kind of contractor better than his competition?

There are three key traits that set the great contractors apart from the ones you never want to hire again, and they are:

Likeability

The most enjoyable contractor to work with is the one that you as a property manager, or maybe your HOA Board, actually likes. Construction projects can take a long time and it’s very likely that at least one thing will go wrong, causing problems for you and your residents. Make your job easier by picking a contractor you enjoy speaking with and receiving phone calls from. Most of the time, you’ll find it easier to do repeat business with a contractor you like than one you dread calling, whatever the reason. If you find yourself a contractor that you or your Board “just clicks” with, make sure you also vet them for this next trait.

Excellent Communication

Have you ever met a person you really liked who just never called you back? It’s such a shame when that happens. But this disappointment can quickly become a much bigger issue when it comes to construction. The best contractors will be the ones who take your calls, even when – no, especially when – things have gone wrong. This is a sign of trustworthiness and accountability that you might take for granted until you realize too late how important it is. If you’ve found yourself a contractor you like who answers your calls and emails, hooray! You’re 2/3 of the way to being sure you’ve got a great one. But can he meet the trifecta?

Professionally Knowledgeable

You might think this trait should come before communication skills, but if you can’t get the guy to talk to you, you’ll never get a chance to find out if he knows what he’s talking about. And you definitely want your contractor to know what he’s talking about. A likeable guy can con you into hiring him with his charming tongue, then leave you hanging out to dry when the project goes south. The best contractor for the job will be the one you like who communicates well with you and can demonstrate his professional knowledge for you before, during and after the project is complete. And if he truly is the trifecta of contractors, he’ll be able to explain the trickiest parts of the job to you in a way you can actually understand.

Here at Classic Construction, we believe in the importance of each one of these traits not just individually, but as a combination as well. If you’re looking for the trifecta of contractors, reach out for a free quote for your next project!

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.