exterior maintenance 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: Predictive Planning

July 29, 2022

Predictive HOA Maintenance Planning

When it comes to HOA maintenance planning and predictive planning, there are many different aspects to be on the lookout for. Being able to spot things such as cracks in walls, or water stains on ceilings are just a few examples of “smaller” issues that can be a sign of a significant problem that something is wrong. Read on to learn all the different signs to look out for not only internally, but externally as well to keep your property in top shape for your residents.

Building Interior Monitoring

To ensure a successful predictive plan for your HOA maintenance, you must build an interior monitoring system to make sure any potential problems will never become a problem. To forecast and anticipate possible concerns in the interior of your home, you need to have consistent maintenance checks on floors, walls, ceilings, and any other building interior aspects of your home.

Exterior Monitoring

Areas to monitor on the exterior of your buildings include residence and clubhouse/office roofs, siding, brick, stucco, or other exterior wall material, windows, foundation, and doors. You may also have external plumbing elements such as pipes and electrical components like fuse boxes. Because harsh weather, hail, freezing temperatures, and the hot Texas sun can degrade materials, it makes sense to frequently walk the exterior of your buildings for cracks, fading, or chipped pieces. It’s normal for exterior elements to wear out quickly, and planning for it can help prevent damage to the interior of your buildings. Water, rodents, insects, and grime are able to make their way inside your property when external damage happens.

Grounds Monitoring

Retaining walls, signage, pools, and other community amenities are all prone to cracks and other issues that can start with a small problem that can become significant and costly problems.

Because these amenities are often overlooked and ignored, they should also be first on the list of a predictive maintenance plan as we’ve found that they’ve also been some of the largest to hit HOA budgets when not given proper forward-thinking attention.

Being proactive allows any potential problems to be observed and immediately repaired – preventing costly repairs, replacements, and dissatisfied resident displacements. Now that you know what to look out for when it comes to predictive planning, keep checking back soon for more on this HOA maintenance plan series.

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.

Is Multifamily Building Maintenance Causing a Loss of Business?

May 27, 2022

Poor Multifamily Building Maintenance Might Be Causing a Loss of Business

As we see more people building a family, multifamily housing marketing is becoming more common in the housing industry. With new builds bringing competition and old buildings maintaining structure, how are these conflicting markets affecting business? The things to consider when looking into multifamily housing range from the cost of living to upkeep and maintenance of the building and the appliances that you’ll be using during the duration of your time there. In this blog, we will be discussing how Multifamily building maintenance may be causing a loss of business.

Flooring

When it comes to multifamily living, flooring is a huge aspect when considering which apartment is the right choice for you and your family. No one wants to rent an apartment with old and torn-up carpet that hasn’t been replaced in years, so keeping up-to-date on the carpet and making sure it’s replaced after each tenant is essential when it comes to building maintenance. If you have tile or hardwood flooring within the units, making sure they aren’t cracked and outdated will help potential renters to choose your location. Keeping the inside of an apartment current and on-trend is one of the many reasons future renters will gravitate toward your complex.

Fixtures

Depending on how long it’s been since your latest fixture maintenance walkthrough, it’s quite possible that the fixtures may be outdated (or even at times non-existent). Cabinets with no drawer pulls or handles may not be as desirable as brand the new bronze-finish style that’s been popular in new builds. Units that have been rented for a long period of time without renovations may also have residents eyeing newer builds with modern stoves, microwaves, and washer/dryer combos.

As we’ve seen rents rise across the DFW metroplex, we have seen a high churn of residents who may jump from their current residence to a newer one that will charge the same monthly rate that has the latest and greatest appliances and fixtures.

Furnishings & Appliances

It’s a widely known fact that when a family comes together it’s usually in the kitchen! So when your current and future residents gather together you want to give them a space that’s sure to impress. Updating your appliances, cabinets, and more to a more modern feel can help the inner event planner choose your community over a competitor.

Another aspect that makes multi-family living really stand out is giving your residents a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Having a bathroom with a comfortable tub and a vanity large enough to share are key components that you’ll want to think about when updating or building your community. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that your residents have a true place where they can relax and call home.

During this tumultuous time for residents and the competition for space, keeping units in a multifamily building is more important than ever. We have heard and seen multifamily residences lose residents in droves just for the lack of maintenance – which as most property managers know is one of the least desirable outcomes for a property.

Reach out to us today for a quote to recommend the best maintenance plan for your multifamily residence to keep your residents happy and attract new residents no matter the season.

Retaining Wall and Monument Sign Maintenance for Your Property

May 20, 2022

Retaining Wall and Monument Sign Maintenance Tips and Tricks

When it comes to sloped or terraced properties, nothing is quite as handy as a retaining wall. Not only are they gorgeous and add a brilliant aesthetic to the yard, but they are quite practical and useful at helping you utilize your outdoor space. We wanted to share some tips and tricks when it comes to retaining wall and monument sign maintenance, as well as share the importance of keeping up with your commercial and residential properties’ wall and monument signs.

The Importance of Maintaining Walls and Monument Signs

When it comes to your property retaining walls can come in handy to help hold up the earth (aka dirt) and block it from sliding down when any part of the property is at the end of a decline. Monument signs give a beautiful way to showcase your property and are often found at the entrance to subdivisions. They also help future residents and visitors find your property when driving down the road. Naturally, both of these features provide essential uses to your property which is why proper maintenance is also essential. The last thing you’d want is a retaining wall or monument sign to come crumbling down causing havoc on your property and creating a hazard for residents. At the first signs of wear give us a call so we can come out and inspect and repair any defects before they become bigger problems.

Inspecting Retaining Walls

Inspecting and retaining walls are necessary when it comes to proper maintenance. Checking for gaps in stones themselves as well as cracks in the mortar between them is a good start. Cracks and missing mortar will only get worse with time, so making sure those are properly inspected and maintained are crucial when it comes to walls. Another thing to look for is bulges in the wall. If you notice this is happening and some sections are bowing out, this means the soil is shifting and can cause critical damage in the near future. If you notice this, you should contact a professional as soon as possible so they can help resolve this issue immediately.

Tips on How to Maintain Walls & Signs

Maintenance of walls is important and should be checked at least every quarter. If there are any weeds visible in-between areas of the retaining wall, make sure to remove those by the root as they will continue to multiply and separate the wall over time (despite looking nice in some cases).

If you see any slight settling, surface wear, rotation, or bulging of retaining walls or monument signs, the best next move is to call your partnered construction company to evaluate it for any preventative maintenance to keep the issue from worsening.

There are some preventative measures you can take for retaining walls and monument signs including surface treatments, but make sure to check in and verify any treatments with your partnered construction company in order to be sure you have the right treatment for your surface(s).

Don’t wait until the last moment when it comes to sloping or terraced properties. Consistency maintenance of retaining walls is critical to keeping a healthy commercial or residential property. So whether you need to repair an existing structure or you’d like to add a retaining wall to your property, we can help. Contact us today to get a quote and see how we can transform your property.

Annual Inspection Checklist for Multifamily Properties

April 22, 2022

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.

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

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

March 25, 2022

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

7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Siding

February 4, 2022

How to Know When to Replace Your Siding

Siding is a wonderful way to protect your house from pests, weather, and other damage. It’s also a great way to give your house a beautiful look. When your siding is damaged, it’s not doing either job!

If you need to replace your old siding, you want to hire a team to do it correctly and with the right materials, like our favorite, James Hardie siding, so you only have to replace it once! Replacing old siding before it’s too damaged can save you money down the road, if your home or multifamily property isn’t protected, rot, insect infestation, and other times of damage can be far more expensive and time consuming to repair.

You may be wondering how to know when to replace your siding? We have 7 signs it’s time to replace your siding so you can protect your property.

1. Continual Maintenance

Just like with your vehicle, as your siding ages, you will find yourself making repairs more frequently. And just like with your vehicle, skipping regular maintenance can lead to compounding damage, so the tendency is to skip minor repairs that seem tedious or minor, but this can cause your underlying wood structure to become damaged and rotted. If you find your siding is needing frequent maintenance or repairs, it’s time to replace it!

2. Loose or Fallen-off Siding

If you notice loose siding, or siding that falls off or even just flaps in a Texas storm, it’s not protecting your home! Excessive moisture and pest damage becomes a serious concern. If your siding sounds like a haunted house when it’s windy, you have sign that it’s time for replacement!

3. Damage From Pests

Frequent pest issues – hello termites, woodpeckers, and rodents – are a serious issue for your investment. Siding, especially siding made from pest-repelling materials like cement fiber or metal, can deter this critters and keep them from eating or nesting in your property.

4. Faded Colors

Sometimes it’s not only about damage, but curb appeal! No one wants to be the neighbor that causes property values to drop. While faded colors isn’t an emergency, it’s generally a sign that your siding is aging and nearing replacement time. This gives you a little more flexibility to learn about new materials and consider your color options.

5. Warped, Cracked, Buckled, or Sagging Siding

Not only is discolored siding an eyesore, but warped and sagging siding makes your home or commercial building look unkempt and uncared for. If your siding is relatively new, you may be able to replace a few pieces, but if the misshapen and buckled siding is widespread, it’s more than likely time to replace all of it to prevent more damage overall.

6. Rotted or Crumbling Siding

As a protectant of your underlying structure, siding takes a beating on behalf of your house. Water damage, excessive heat, and freezing temperatures can cause your siding to start crumbling and warping, allowing moisture to seep in and cause rot! If you find soft, crumbling areas on your home or apartment building, you can bet moisture is working its way in. If caught early enough, replacing your siding can keep the moisture from rotting your frame. You’ll need a full inspection to make sure the damage doesn’t extend beyond the exterior of your building.

7. Bubbling or Blistered Finishes

Just like with rot, the Texas heat can cause bubbling and blistering on your siding, which might mean your siding material isn’t as resilient or durable as it needs to be for our extreme temperatures. Small bubbles and blisters can lead to cracks, which as we know by now can lead to all manner of damage from rot to pest invasion, so it’s time to get ahead of the game and replace your siding with something more durable like a fiber cement product like the James Hardie materials with ColorPlus® Technology.

How Long Should I Expect Siding to Last?

Siding is a long-term investment and you should expect it to last for a very long time. The type of material, the manner in which it was installed, and other reasons, such as element and weather exposure, can all factor into the lifetime of your siding. It’s important to hire a qualified team, like Classic Construction, for installation to ensure it’s done correctly the first time. Contact us for a free estimate for your siding repair or replacement.

Now You Know When to Replace Your Siding – Find the Right Team

While you don’t need to think about your siding all the time, an annual walk around your property should help you know if you need to hire an expert for a closer look. Note any changes from the previous year, and any places you find holes, cracks, or loose panels. Classic is available in the DFW, Austin, and San Antonio areas for all your exterior maintenance needs!

How To Prep Your Home Exterior for The Fall

October 15, 2021

Fall isn’t just for buying the cutest seasonal decorations for the home! It’s also time to make sure some of the largest structures & features of a home are ready for the season. Here is our list of fall must-have checks to ensure that you’ll be staying warm and that your exterior is prepped while you cozy up with your Pumpkin Spiced Latte after you learn how to prep your home exterior for the fall.

Check for Air Leaks In Windows

Air leaks in windows can be hard to detect, but can have critical results to your home in colder months. The easiest way to check for an air leak is to look and feel around your windows. You can also conduct a flame test with a candle by lighting the candle and tracing the outline of your window. Renting a thermal camera can also help you if you are having a hard time detecting a leak. If you do identify a leak, you can use a caulking gun, putty knife, and weather-stripping to help seal air leaks in the window frame and grilles. If the issue is more significant than a small air leak that can’t be sealed with the above items, you may need to contact a professional to help you replace your windows.

Prep Your Pool

You’ve spent all summer enjoying the pool in this hot Texas weather – now it’s time to prepare to close the pool for the winter. Aside from the usual Fall maintenance of cleaning rogue leaves, you can get a head start on some of these activities to get your pool ready for fall (and prep for winter):

Clean Pool Accessories & Store Them
Test Your Water Quality To Prevent Algae Growth
Lower Your Water Level

Lawn

Though the cool weather will bring gloomy rain to your lawn, maintenance will allow your lawn and garden to flourish throughout the fall & make your life easier when the Spring comes. Keeping your lawn flourishing during the cool season of Fall involves testing your soil, feeding your lawn with fertilizer, removing excess thatch, and more simple tasks. Keep in mind, utilizing whatever you can to maintaining your lawn care will keep your visitors happy and your garden peaceful for when Spring rolls back around.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your home is ready for the fall doesn’t always cross a homeowner’s mind, but you can always count on us to help you be prepared and be proactive about protection your lovely home! If you’re looking for tips for a commercial or multi-family residence, give us a call so that we can prepare a quote to get your property fall ready and safe!

How to Storm-Proof Your Home Entryways

May 25, 2021

Depending on where you live, there are some serious precautions you need to take against hail and other debris scattered around by storms and tornadoes. If you live in a state prone to tornadoes, hail or other extreme weather events, you would be wise to check the durability of your doors and other entrances.

The main factor to ensure is that your door or window is strong and can stand up to an impact. For example, there is impact glass used in sliding doors or fiberglass entrances that is capable of resisting a 2×4 piece of wood hurtling into the material at 30 miles per hour.

Which types of windows and doors might give you the best protection against hail and other debris associated with stormy weather?

Stainless steel and aluminum metal

This kind of metal is a tough material that stands up well against tornado-force winds and flying debris caused by tornadoes. They require little upkeep and also are popular due to their aesthetic qualities. Steel can often be molded to mimic the appearance of natural wood, making this a great choice for those who want storm protection alongside a pleasant-looking material.

Fiberglass and sliding glass doors

As touched upon, fiberglass makes a super strong protective entrance when made with impact glass. This kind of glass is designed to withstand forceful impacts from large objects, making them perfect for storms and tornadoes.

Also, fiberglass can be easily molded into a variety of shapes, as well as being paired with realistic wood frames that can add a touch of class to your impact door.

Impact glass can also be used in sliding doors. This is perfect in regions with tropical climates that need plenty of air flow in the home, and where residents regularly spend time outdoors.

Wind-rated garage doors

It is not only your front door that needs protection – your garage is also left vulnerable during a storm or tornado. High wind is capable of pushing your garage door inward, creating potential structural damage to your home if your garage is attached to the rest of your building.

Check your current garage door for a wind compliance label, shown below. If you do not find evidence that your garage door is wind-resistant, it might be best to purchase a new door that can withstand high winds. Alternatively, it is a good idea to reinforce your garage door with metal stiffeners or metal bracing.

Wrought iron doors

Doors made from wrought iron are naturally heavy-set to protect against storms. They can be fashioned into all sorts of patterns by designers, but the most important thing is that they are tough and wind-resistant.

When to call Classic

If you are in need of storm repair or remediation, or you’re simply doing a renovation, call Classic Construction for a free estimate. We’re a team of highly trained professionals ready to help you! We now offer financing through our partners, Heath, and work alongside your insurance company.