How General Contractors Navigate Home Restoration

When your home is impacted by extreme weather, fire, water, or pests, it can be stressful and challenging to navigate. On top of the emotional difficulties associated with home damage, having to file insurance claims and plan your restoration can be overwhelming.

Once you find a contractor or restoration team to help, a long, complicated process ensues. But with the right general contractor, your property disaster can be turned into an opportunity to start a new chapter.

In this article, Big Dog Construction’s contractors discuss how we navigate home restoration. We walk you through the basics of restoration and explain the process to demonstrate how you can make the most of your circumstances and get started creating your dream home.

When are Restoration Services Necessary?

Restoration services are often required when a home has suffered significant damage or deterioration. This can result from natural disasters like fires, floods, extreme weather events, long-term neglect, and undetected problems like pests or mold.

General contractors often provide restoration, as many types of damage require replacing electrical and plumbing systems or renovating entire rooms or even floors of homes. If parts of your property are unlivable, unusable, or dangerous, you’ll likely need to invest in restoration services.

The most common types of restoration include the following:

Water/flood damage restoration
Fire and smoke damage restoration
Wind damage restoration
Natural disaster restoration
Mold remediation/restoration

The Role of a General Contractor in Residential Damage Restoration

General contractors play a significant role in residential damage restoration projects, providing inspections, renovations, and advice to repair and revitalize your home. With professional training and expertise in construction, general contractors can help stabilize your property and create a comprehensive service plan to restore your home to its pre-damaged condition.

However, the role of contractors extends beyond construction; we coordinate with insurance providers and manage subcontractors to resolve your issues as efficiently and safely as possible.

What Steps Are Involved in Home Restoration Services?

No two home restoration processes look the same. Different types of damage require different approaches and service plans.

For instance, mold restoration requires careful testing to ensure no lingering spores can harm the property’s residents. On the other hand, water damage restoration needs structural inspections, utility disconnection, and sometimes rewiring to keep the home safe and code-compliant.

In many cases, general contractors approach home restoration through the following:

Assessing Damage and Navigating Insurance Claims

The first step in most residential damage restoration processes is conducting a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the issues and documenting the damage to begin the insurance claim process. This can include stabilizing the property, evaluating structural, electrical, and plumbing systems, identifying cosmetic damage, and documenting personal belongings that have been destroyed or damaged.

Once a comprehensive evaluation is complete, your general contractor will also help you work with your insurance provider to document all damage and submit all necessary paperwork to verify the validity of your claim. This process can be long and complicated, but it’s essential for streamlining the restoration timeline and getting your property back to where it was.

Demolition and Hazardous Material Removal

After the initial inspection, demolition and removal of damaged, hazardous materials are the next steps. Using personal protective equipment, commercial dumpsters, and adhering to waste management protocols, your contractors dispose of materials and belongings that can’t be salvaged.

This step may be quick for certain home restorations and involve more cleaning than waste disposal. However, for homes impacted by severe flooding or winds, this can be a significant, lengthy process as it also adds to the list of items and materials needing replacement.

Contractor Consultations: Redesign and Remodel Planning

Once the damaged parts and unsalvageable materials have been removed from your home, the positive phase of the restoration process can begin: property redesign and remodeling.

This is the part of home restoration that can transform a bad situation into an exciting opportunity. If your kitchen, bathroom, or basement has been damaged by extreme weather or flooding, you’ll have to renovate and redo those spaces.

In collaboration with your contractor, you’ll discuss your options related to the following:

Structural work:

o Rebuilding or reinforcing your home's foundation, walls, and framing as needed.
o Redoing your home’s layout, if desired.
o Replacing your roof, windows, or doors.

Mechanical fixtures and systems:

o Updating electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
o Installing new ductwork, plumbing pipes, and electrical boxes.
o Re-insulating walls and ceilings for energy efficiency.

Interior finishes:

o Applying primer and paint, installing new trim and molding.
o Laying new flooring, tile, or other surface materials.
o Replacing appliances, countertops, and décor and testing all systems for proper function.

Budgeting and Timeline Estimates

As a final step before starting your restoration, you should expect detailed estimates of the cost and timeline of your project. These estimates can vary depending on the extent of damage uncovered or permit applications. Generally speaking, you’ll receive clear communication about your restoration to help you prepare for it and budget appropriately.

General Contractors Can Help You Turn a Restoration Into an Exciting Remodeling Project

Investing in home restoration services can be a trying and stressful experience, but with the right general contractor, you can turn that experience into an exciting opportunity. Although property damage forces you to update certain fixtures or renovate parts of your home, you can create a new space that aligns with your preferences and supports your needs.

When looking for a contractor to help with restoration, it’s essential to find a professional who will approach your project with the appropriate understanding of your situation and provide you with exceptional support.

Contact Big Dog Construction’s Contractors for Residential Restoration and Building

At Big Dog Construction, our contractors, restoration technicians, and customer service representatives appreciate the sensitivity around home restorations in the aftermath of a disaster.

With years of experience under our belts, we’ve created a streamlined process to mitigate the impacts of water, fire, and natural disasters and restore your home to meet your exact vision. We’re passionate about our craft and have the training, resources, and expertise to support you.

Reach us at (732) 455-5004 to learn more about residential restoration and construction services.