Should you consider remodeling during a restoration? Many people wonder if the emergency restoration process can also be a time to make those desired upgrades. The answer is, yes! It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to be planning a remodeling project when a fire, storm or water damages the house. Obviously the damage needs to be repaired as soon as possible and while the restoration is taking place, it’s the perfect time to make the changes you wanted. Many homeowners who experience disasters choose to turn their negative experience into a positive by renovating/remodeling their home (not just restoring it). And it’s logical to have all the work done at once. However, the process may not be as simple as you think and there are things to understand and consider.
The Difference between Restoration and Remodeling
The first consideration is remodels and restoration services are not the same. Restoration involves repairing the damage and replacing materials to get the property back to pre-loss condition. Remodeling usually refers to upgrades like new floors, cabinetry, adding or making alterations to living space. The general idea and common theme behind remodeling projects are they add value to the house through functional usability according to the tastes of the current family.
Working with the Insurance Company
Restoration work, when being conducted for an insurance claim, typically does not include upgrades. Your insurance company will pay for repairs and replacement of, “like, kind, and quality.” If you choose to do upgrades, you would pay the difference yourself. The contractor has to conduct the job he was hired to do, following the estimate provided to the insurance company.
However, it makes no sense to replace a floor, wall or cabinetry if it’s not what you wanted as part of a remodeling plan. Contact your insurance agent, discuss your intentions, and review the homeowners policy with them. In some cases, there may not be extra costs and your check from the insurance company will cover the changes. It all depends on what exactly you want done. Once payment is received, you can work out the extra costs for upgrades with your contractor.
The Right Contractor
The first step in undertaking a project is to find a reputable contractor you can trust and doing so before an emergency happens will ease your stress level. You can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by choosing a full service contractor. That’s one of the benefits of choosing Xtreme Home Improvement. Our extended services provide the peace of mind that we handle every phase of the project, no detail will be overlooked, and the process will be seamless.
During the repair/rebuild stage, many restoration companies will step aside. Their job is to simply provide emergency cleanup, and after that, they’ll either source the rest of the work to another party or you’re on your own. Having more than one contractor creates an instant gap in communication and it may make restoration and remodeling less efficient and more costly.
Contact Xtreme Home Improvement today to begin the restoration process, including any upgrades you would like to make. We’re your “All-In-One” solution for restoration and remodeling projects!