Friday, May 22, 2015

6 Benefits of Using an Insurance Restoration Specialist

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There are many compelling reasons it is advantageous to contract an experienced Insurance Restoration Specialist like Clayton Construction to handle your restoration project - from the quality of your inspection to the communication with your insurance provider, the experience, process and technology are working for you and your home.
  1. Free, No Obligation Inspections & Damage Assessment - Property owners sometimes fail to file insurance claims because they do not recognize the signs of damage. This is often the case when wind or hail damages a roof.  Over time, the damage continues to deteriorate your roof system causing increased problems in the future.   An insurance restoration specialist will conduct a free, no-obligation inspection and identify such damage.

  1. We Meet With Your Adjuster On Your Behalf - When you file a claim, your insurance company assigns an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the cost of the repairs. While the majority of adjusters are very competent and skilled, their experience with your particular type of damage (roofing, for example) and knowledge of the repair or reconstruction process varies widely. Most contractors wait for your adjuster to assess the damage and, subsequently, provide you with a quote for the repairs. That quote may be more costly than your insurance adjuster’s estimation. Unlike the typical retail contractor, an insurance restoration specialist will meet with your adjuster and review the damage. The determination of replacements or repairs is solely the adjuster’s decision. However, the insurance restoration specialist is present to answer his or her questions regarding the reconstruction process.

  1. We Ensure That Your Insurance Company Reimburses You for Code Upgrades - Particularly following a major catastrophe, insurance companies are pressured to assess widespread damage as immediately as possible. Adjusters might be assigned to areas of the country with which they are not familiar. An insurance restoration specialist is familiar with the building code requirements in your municipality. On occasion, an adjuster will omit the cost of building code upgrades or items that should be replaced or installed to ensure that your home meets your local building code requirements. In these instances, the insurance restoration specialist will notify the adjuster and review the necessary codes, ensuring that you are reimbursed for these costs.

  1. Detailed, Line-Itemized Estimate Using Leading Estimation Software Programs - Often, adjusters will request an estimate directly from the contractor. Many contractors will simply provide a bottom-line dollar figure with no detail regarding the work to be done. An insurance restoration specialist provides a line-itemized estimate using estimating software that is widely accepted in the insurance industry. This estimate describes each step in the repair or reconstruction process and provides the specific cost associated with each step. Because the prices are maintained and updated monthly by a third party, the software provides a fair market value estimation of the cost of the work. Many adjusters appreciate the opportunity to review the estimate. Often, as a result, the processing of your claim is expedited so that repairs can begin without delay.

  1. Established Relationships With Major Insurance Carriers - The typical retail contractor does not have any involvement with your insurance company. An insurance restoration specialist has experienced and specialized personnel to focus on assisting you through each step of the process. A well established insurance restoration specialist has been in business for many years and has established themselves as a preferred provider for many large insurance companies.

  1. Prevent Further Damage to Your Home - In some cases, such as a failed roofing system, further damage to your property is prevented because the insurance restoration specialist assisted in identifying damage and expediting your insurance claim.

In the event that you experience a disaster, rest assured. Clayton Construction is here to help! With over 12 years of experience in the insurance restoration industry, our professionals will be there for you every step of the way. Contact Clayton Construction today at (615) 334-0889, or click HERE for information about special offers and updates.  

Clayton Construction: Serving Greater Nashville for 40 years!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

How to Find the Right Remodeling Contractor


Undertaking a new remodeling construction project can be a massive ordeal. Problems will always come up. How those problems are handled, and how well the initial vision and agreement is executed, are key. mistakes can be costly - as can missed deadlines. That’s why finding the right remodeling contractor can make all the difference in the battle to keep your sanity. But how do you find the contractor that will the best fit for your project? A Remodeling Contractor has specific skills and experience in building improvement projects. Selecting a contractor that specializes in remodeling is the first step to a success.


Project Basics
Once you’ve clearly decided exactly what you need in your remodel, budget and scheduling will probably be your top two considerations. Find out how long the project will take. Ask, "do you usually complete a project on schedule?" What time will you begin and end each day? Will you have a crew to work every day? If you have a grand opening scheduled, be sure your Remodeling Contractor is committed to making that deadline. Additionally, ask about the cost per-square-foot. Look at the detailed breakdown, not just the bottom line. Much of a project’s success comes from the owner’s ability to work side-by-side with the Contractor during the conceptual phase of building. Through early involvement and value engineering a good Remodeling Contractor is able to save the owner time and money. By having a better understanding of the general goal of the project, costly change orders down the road are kept to a minimum.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Personal
Never be afraid to ask the contractor about himself or herself. Ask how long the company has been in business. Find out about the company hierarchy. Is there a project supervisor? Who works on site, employees or subcontractors? How many projects does the company have going at one time? How many remodels have they done in the past year? Do they have any specific certifications or trade association memberships? Ask for proof of workers compensation and liability insurance. A good Remodeling Contractor will want you to feel comfortable and assured regarding the quality and consistency of their work.

Confirmation  
Do your homework by checking the answers you were given. Call the insurance agency on the certificate to verify that the policy is current. Ask for references and other business referrals. Don't be timid about asking to see some of their recent work. Satisfied customers, especially in the commercial real estate industry, are eager to show off their new facilities. Touch base with the referrals cited to confirm basic questions about the Contractor’s record in meeting deadlines and budgets.

Once you have gathered all of this information, it is much easier to feel confident with your choice in a Remodeling Contractor. At Clayton Construction, we excel in partnering with clients to determine how best to meet their needs and get the absolute most available for their budget. With more than 65 combined years in professional construction, we will be happy to answer all of your questions and set your mind at ease.
Why not call Clayton Construction today at (615) 969-9758 to learn how we can help you?