emergency repairs Archives • Classic Construction

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

August 26, 2022

Does My Insurance Company Cover Flooding Damage?

During 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.

HOA Maintenance Plan Series: Preventative Protection

July 22, 2022

Preventative HOA Maintenance Plan

One of the biggest hurdles that any HOA company faces is maintenance. In most cases, it’s more reactive or just general upkeep of the property. However preventative maintenance can help keep your property in top shape while keeping your budget low. The more you can plan, the better it will be in the long run. Not only for you but also for your residents as it can help you spot small issues before they become big, costly, problems. Read on to learn more about why incorporating an HOA Maintenance plan should be on your to-do list.

Predictable Budget Planning

Planning and budgeting for predictable situations as an HOA are crucial when trying to stay on top of potential issues as they arise. Having an integrated plan for budgeting is key for proactively addressing your property’s maintenance needs. Keeping track and making a list of all maintenance-related information as well as the cost, is a good idea to see what might need your attention next. That way you can estimate and budget for any and all of those future maintenance needs. A reactive approach can ultimately save you money in the long run, which is good for those last-minute situations.

Avoiding and Reducing Costs

Having a well and properly-maintained property should have components that last more than a decade and many property owners and HOAs are content with that longevity. However, imagine having a property that has a preventative maintenance plan that allows components that can last nearly two decades – the cost savings are significant and the residents will be more than content with the state of their surroundings.

Being proactive with repairs and identifying possible issues with components can be three to nine times less expensive than being reactive. This approach prevents a significant headache while preventing major work down the line.

Crisis situations occur all too frequently within associations because of the neglect to take preventative protection when it comes to maintenance. Ensure that you are proactive, rather than reactive can make a much better effect on addressing future property maintenance. If you are interested in learning more about different HOA maintenance plans for your associations, check back here soon for more to come.

Fact or Fiction: DIY Myths and Misconceptions

July 15, 2022

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

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

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!

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!

Who is Responsible After an Apartment Fire in Texas?

July 8, 2022

Learn Who is Responsible After An Apartment Fire

The now-famous 4th of July fire at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort worth reminds us how important it is to keep a close eye on fire safety this summer. If you are an apartment resident, you might be wondering who is responsible for the damages in the unfortunate event of an apartment fire. The huge number of grass fires sparked by our drought conditions might have you fearful that a neighbor’s misplaced cigarette butt or grill embers might spark a flame that takes out your entire building! If an apartment fire happens in your apartment community, here are things you should know about who is responsible for covering what.

What is the landlord responsible for?

When a fire occurs your first thought might be well my landlord is responsible no matter the cause of the fire, but this isn’t exactly the case. Additionally, the landlord’s insurance is only going to cover the building and surrounding premises but not the contents inside the apartment. However in some cases, the landlord may be responsible for all damages, including to your personal property, and those are outlined below.

Situations where the landlord is responsible due to negligence:

The landlord failed to meet applicable fire code standards.
The landlord had failed to provide or maintain smoke detectors (which are required by law) caused a delay in the discovery of the fire
The landlord stored hazardous material in or around the building that caused or accelerated the fire.
The landlord blocked or allowed a blockage of passageways or emergency exits.

Should you find yourself in one of the above-noted situations then your landlord may be responsible for all the damages caused by a fire in your apartment building. The next step is to contact your renter’s insurance company to have a thorough investigation completed to determine the cause of the fire and find out if the landlord is responsible due to negligence. If the investigation determines that the landlord is responsible then their insurance would cover the cost of the damages due to a fire.

What is the resident responsible for?

As a resident, you might be wondering what you will be responsible for in the unfortunate event of an apartment fire. Although the answer depends based on what was damaged and how the fire started will be a determining factor. Also, making sure you have the right coverage within your insurance plan will be a big factor in this as well. If for example the fire is ruled as your fault due to smoking inside or leaving a hair straightener on, you will be the one held liable.

If it was due to a faulty outlet or worn down apartment appliance, the renter usually isn’t at fault in those instances and the landlord would be the one responsible. If you still aren’t sure who might be held liable in your situation, the best bet will be to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your coverage with them.

Maintain Renter’s Insurance

The best safety net for any resident is to ensure that you maintain your renter’s insurance after you purchase it – if you don’t purchase an annual plan, make sure that your monthly plan is up to date and never lapses.

When you have renter’s insurance and an apartment fire causes you to be displaced and/or damages and destroys your belongings, renter’s insurance is what gives you the ability to provide the ability to stay elsewhere and reimburse you and your family for the lost belongings. Living in Texas and the high risk of fires this summer is a great reminder to make sure that your policy has a loss-of-use provision for fire damage.

Ultimately, determining liability for an apartment fire requires each party to understand the cause that initially started the fire. In Texas, it is therefore of most importance to uphold legal options for these unexpected cases of accidents and obtain renters’ insurance for all parties signing the lease.

If your apartment complex experiences fire damage and/or needs emergency services for fire restoration, call Classic Construction for a quick assessment of the building and to begin working on the property and restore it to its original condition safely and quickly just as we have with Richardson Crossing in Richardson, Texas.

Before, During, and After – What to do When Severe Weather Strikes Texas

May 13, 2022

What to do When Severe Weather Strikes Texas!

It’s the time of year that leaves Texas standing in the front yard staring at the low, black clouds forming – or (more safely) taking shelter in their home. We know this as tornado season, but it’s not just limited to the spring. Texas is prone to tornadoes any time of year due to our proximity to the gulf coast and cold air that moves in from up north. This means we have to be prepared in the event of tornadoes, severe storms, and straight-line winds and know what to do when severe weather strikes texas! Read on to learn what to do before, during, and after catastrophic Texas storms, and how to protect your property.

Before – Get Prepped & Ready

Knowing when to prepare yourself, your family, and your property for an emergency storm can be a defining moment toward a safe and cautionary experience instead of a reaction. Checking your weather reports often during weather warnings and getting your storm kit prepped will allow ease of mind as the storm passes through. As you prepare everything for the storm heading to your area it is imperative to be sure when, if necessary, to take preemptive measures for when the storm hits.

During – Monitor your Home/Business, and Tornadoes

You’re in the thick of it, winds are howling, thunder is crashing, and you may be panicking a little and we understand that! It’s natural to be worried when severe weather strikes! The best thing you can do when severe weather is happening does you best to stay calm and think clearly. Pay attention to the news reports and listen to what’s going on outside. Be aware of the signs of an impending tornado as they are more likely to happen with spring storms due to the ever-shifting temperature that happens here in Texas.

If a tornado does occur:

DO stay inside, away from windows, in the centermost portion of your location. If you’re in a mobile home or out and about try to get to a nearby gas station or commercial building, like a hotel. Also, try to get some sort of helmet on and hard sole shoes.
DO NOT park under an overpass, go outside to look at the tornado, or try to “escape” it.

Once things have settled down from a tornado or a severe storm take a moment to assess your situation to ensure that it is safe to start moving around. If you have confirmed that it is safe to move around, your next step is to take a look at your property.

After – Call a Contractor First

After a severe weather storm is over and you can safely inspect your property for potential damage, you should always call a contractor for help. Not only will they find the damage promptly and efficiently, but they are certified to repair the damage at hand. More times than not, a great construction team like Classic can also help you when it comes to insurance claims as well as setting up various payment plan options, making it as cost-effective for you as possible. You should never feel alone after property damage due to a severe storm, and the Classic Construction team can help you pick up the pieces and make your property like nothing ever happened!

Now that you’re ready for the next time tornado weather strikes, you can rest easier. Remember to prep before the storms hit, monitor the news during stormy conditions, and afterward inspect your property and then call the experts! Classic’s expert team is ready to go with 24/7 emergency service available. Whether it’s roofing, windows, or other damage, we can stop the leak and restore your building.

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

April 29, 2022

Don’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.

Kitchen island affected by water damage is being dried using a strong powered fan.

How to Deal With Water Damage

January 13, 2021

If you are dealing with water damage, make sure you take care of it immediately with water restoration! Waiting can be devastating to your home and can cause additional damage that will end up costing you more. Water restoration is a specialized service that removes water and helps restore your home after water damage. Find out what you can do before a water restoration team goes out, what you can expect and ways that our team can help keep your home safe.

What You Can Do

The first thing you need to do is to get in touch with an emergency service contact. Many companies will provide customers with emergency services which are available 24/7. Water damage is considered an emergency service because of the damage it can cause if ignored.

The next thing that you can do is to provide our team or the team you may be working with all of your information such as your contact information, address, insurance information, information regarding the flood (when it started and what caused it). After all of the information is provided it is important that you let the team take care of the rest.

What You Can Expect: If You Ignore

If you ignore water damage you can expect the moisture to create bacteria and mold growth. Certain materials can be severely damaged due to the bacteria or growth which will cause additional repairs or replacement. Something that is more concerning is that many times, people begin to experience allergic reactions or illnesses because of water damage exposure.

What You Can Expect: Water Restoration

By being proactive and scheduling water restoration services you can expect the following to be done

Inspection Assessment
Water Removal
Drying and Dehumidification
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Restoration and Repair

We understand that every water damage situation is different and some situations seem like they can be dealt with by yourself, it is best to trust professionals and schedule a water restoration service or quote before attempting anything yourself. If you have more questions and would like to speak to a specialist, contact us today!

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

Protect Your Home During the Festivities

December 7, 2020

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.

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?

June 18, 2020

If 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

Before 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!