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Unlicensed Workers During the Aftermath of a Storm

During the aftermath of a storm, unlicensed construction activity can occur. This occurs when a person not licensed or registered by the state performs or offers a job or service requiring licensure or registration. During a declared State of Emergency, the penalty for unlicensed construction activity is a third-degree felony.

Unlicensed contractors take advantage of homeowners. Some may travel from out of state to exploit Floridians living in a disaster area. It’s important to know that even if the contractor is licensed in a different state, they must attain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to perform repairs in Florida. Here are steps to avoid becoming a victim of unlicensed activity after a storm:

    • Understand which repair services require a State Contractors license.
    • Always verify a contractor’s license before signing a contract. Call DBPR customer service at 850-457-1395.
    • Report any unlicensed activity by calling 866-532-1440. 
    • Avoid workers who say they “happen to be in the area”.
    • Ask for multiple opinions and written estimates.
    • Avoid contractors who ask you to make your check payable to an individual instead of a company name. Do not pay in cash.
    • Avoid contractors if they demand that you pay them in full before they make any repairs.
    • Avoid contractors if they won’t provide references for similar jobs in your area.

Owning and maintaining a home or business is one of the most significant investments you will make. Make sure you hire a contractor like SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City or any of the trusted professionals in the CARG Group who can clean, restore, and reconstruct your property.

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2024 Hurricane Prep

Recorded June 26, 2024 | Note: This is for informational purposes and should not be considered as official service provider instructions. This does not offer credit for CAMS.

Members of the Community Association Resource Group get together to discuss their hurricane prep tips, geared for community associations.

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Dealing With The Aftermath of A Hurricane

Hiring a licensed, professional company is crucial, especially in the aftermath of a disaster like a hurricane. Unfortunately, natural disasters often attract opportunists and scam artists looking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals and businesses. Here’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable company like CARG member SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City:

Licensed Certified Building Contractors: They are uniquely able to provide comprehensive, efficient services from water restoration to rebuilds, restoring your property to its pre-disaster condition with minimal hassle and maximum convenience.

Expertise and Training: Look for technicians who have undergone extensive training and certification in disaster cleanup and restoration. This means they have the knowledge and skills to handle any situation safely and effectively. From water extraction to mold remediation, our team knows how to tackle the challenges of post-hurricane cleanup.

Proper Equipment and Techniques: Professional and qualified companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment and utilize industry-best practices for cleanup and restoration. This ensures that the job is done efficiently and thoroughly, minimizing further damage to your property.

Compliance with Regulations: Professional and qualified companies must adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding disaster cleanup and restoration. This includes proper disposal of biohazardous materials and compliance with building codes during reconstruction. Hiring a reputable company ensures that your project is completed legally and ethically.

Insurance Coverage: Reputable companies carry liability insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in the event of accidents or damages during the cleanup and restoration process. This provides peace of mind knowing that you’re not financially responsible for any unexpected incidents that may occur on your property.

Trust and Reputation: Established companies have built a reputation for excellence in their communities through years of reliable service and customer satisfaction. You can trust that they will prioritize your needs and treat your property with respect and professionalism.

Hiring a licensed, professional company like SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City is essential for ensuring that your property is properly cleaned up and restored after a hurricane. Don’t fall victim to scam artists; choose a reputable company with the expertise and integrity to get the job done right. To contact ServoPro of East Davie/Cooper City call 954-507-7930 or visit them online.

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Navigating Stormy Waters: The Importance of a Public Adjuster During Hurricane Season and Beyond

As hurricane season approaches, community associations and businesses in coastal regions brace themselves for potential devastation. With the threat of powerful storms looming, it becomes increasingly crucial to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. One vital component of preparation often overlooked is securing the services of a public adjuster. These professionals play a pivotal role in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex waters of insurance claims in the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes. Let’s delve into why having a public adjuster is essential not only during hurricane season but year-round.

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works on behalf of policyholders to evaluate, negotiate, and settle insurance claims. Unlike insurance company adjusters who represent the interests of the insurer, public adjusters advocate for the policyholder’s rights to ensure they receive fair and adequate compensation for their losses.

Why would you need a public adjuster during hurricane season? Public adjusters provide many things like expertise in insurance claims, maximizing your claims settlement, documenting evidence, and timely resolutions.

While the focus on public adjusters intensifies during hurricane season, our services are invaluable throughout the year for various reasons:

    1. Natural Disasters Beyond Hurricanes: While hurricanes pose a significant threat to coastal areas, other natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes can occur in different regions. Public adjusters provide assistance in navigating insurance claims arising from these events, ensuring that policyholders receive the support they need to rebuild and recover.
    2. Property Damage from Other Causes: Insurance claims may also arise from non-natural disaster-related incidents such as fires, burst pipes, vandalism, or theft. Public adjusters offer expertise in handling these claims, guiding policyholders through the process and advocating for their best interests.
    3. Complex Insurance Policies: Insurance policies can be complex documents filled with legal jargon and exclusions. Public adjusters help policyholders understand their coverage, identify potential gaps, and ensure that they receive the compensation they are entitled to under their policy.
    4. Mitigating Stress and Confusion: Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster when emotions are running high. Public adjusters provide much-needed support and guidance, alleviating the stress and confusion associated with the claims process.

In conclusion, the importance of a public adjuster cannot be overstated, especially during hurricane season and in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their expertise, advocacy, and commitment to securing fair compensation for policyholders are invaluable assets in the journey towards recovery and rebuilding. By enlisting the services of a public adjuster, homeowners, associations and businesses can navigate the stormy waters of insurance claims with confidence and peace of mind.

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Six Steps To Prevent Mold and Water Damage From Leaking Windows

By following these six steps, you can help protect your home from water damage and mold caused by leaking windows, often exasperated during major storms.

We’ve all experienced downpours in South Florida with 30 to 40 MPH winds, and the damages can be annoying and expensive. This wind driven rain finds it’s way through cracks in caulking on windows and the exteriors of buildings. The damages from leaking windows can be expensive and unfortunately, not covered by insurance:

    1. Inspect and Seal: Regularly inspect your windows for any cracks or gaps where water could seep in. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent leaks.
    2. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and directing water away from the foundation of your home. Proper drainage can prevent water from pooling near windows.
    3. Install Hurricane-rated Windows: Adding storm windows can provide an extra layer of protection against leaks and drafts.
    4. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 60% to discourage mold growth. Use dehumidifiers if necessary, especially in humid climates or during rainy seasons.
    5. Address Condensation: Wipe down windows regularly to remove condensation and prevent water from pooling and causing damage.
    6. Repair Leaks Promptly: If you notice any signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness around windows, address them promptly to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Walking and inspecting the property at least once per year will help to eliminate mold issues in the future. If you think this has happened to you, make sure to call Servpro of East Davie / Cooper City at 954-725-6400.

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Top Ten Causes of Water Damage

No one wants to have to deal with water damage in South Florida homes. Unfortunately, Floridians know that water damage comes with the territory of humid climate and heavy rains. As a homeowner, it is understood that there are certain inevitable unforeseen costs. Things break and need repairs, time wears on various parts of the home, and so on and so forth. Water damage, however, is one of those typical house issues that no one wants to deal with. From costly repairs to the headache of restoration, avoiding water damage is of course preferable.

While some water damage is unavoidable, a lot of typical issues actually stem from situations that could have been avoided. Knowing the most common causes of water damage in a home is the best first step in prevention. If you are aware of what to look out for, you may be able to spot a potential issue before it becomes a big problem. The following are some of the most common causes of water damage in a home:

    1. Sewer lines are backed upc
    2. Pipes are leaking
    3. Windows leaking from heavy rains
    4. Toilet leaks
    5. Issues with gutters
    6. Faulty or malfunctioning appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, sinks, and washing machines
    7. Problems with HVAC
    8. Built up pressure in supply lines of washing machines
    9. Water buildup in crawl space
    10. Roof leaks

With an understanding of what commonly causes water damage in the home, a homeowner is best equipped to be on the lookout. Plus, noticing water damage early does a lot more than simply save in repair costs, it is actually good for you and your family’s health. When left untreated, water damage can quickly lay the foundation of mold growth. Not only will this add to the repair and restoration needs, but it can be damaging to the health of those who live in the home.

With this in mind, it is important to regularly check the above water damage hotspots. Knowing what to look for means being proactive in prevention and maintaining your home. As always, if you do spot water damage in your home we are here for you. Call 954-741-4321 or 954-725-6400, SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City’s repair and restoration team today to learn more!

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Don’t Let Water Damage Dampen Your Spirits!

Living in Florida means growing accustom to heavy rains and unpredictable hurricanes. As we make our way into the heart of the summer season, it is more important than ever for Florida property owners and renters to be aware of the threat of storms and storm damage that can result. Hurricane season is tricky in the Sunshine State, since longtime residents tend to take them less seriously than they should. Being prepared, however, is by and far the best defense against a major storm or hurricane.

Safety is the most critical thing to be mindful of when a big storm is coming. Ensuring that your home and your family are well protected and prepared with things like non-perishable food items, bottled water, first aid kit, batteries, and flashlight is paramount.

After you have made sure that your family is safe, however, it is also important to protect your home. The following are some important storm damage tips for Florida residents:

    • Check your entire home for structural damage and be as thorough as possible.
    • Take photos of any damage to your home, including your roof, both interior and exterior.
    • Contact your insurance provider, those with a homeowner’s policy or a flood insurance policy may be covered for storm damage repairs.
    • Be present during the inspection of your home with the adjuster.
    • Know the difference between a public adjuster, an insurance adjuster, and an insurance adjuster from your insurance company.
    • Add 954-741-4321, SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City’s phone number into your cell phone now. This will alleviate you searching for storm damage repair and restoration professionals information during a crisis.

Even the most prepared homeowners can be shocked at the aftermath when a storm strikes. As such, it is important to be able to trust professionals following a major storm. Call SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City, the storm damage specialists dedicated to providing service to our community. 

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Water Damage

-Provided by Adam Greenstein | ServPro

A broken pipe is by far one of the greatest nightmares our clients face. Even just a small broken kitchen pipe can quickly cause a considerable quantity of damage to your home or business. It is for this reason that you need to take care of water damage immediately.

Dealing with water damage requires seeking the help of a trained professional water restoration expert, such as the experts of SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City. Before they get there, there are a few things you can do to assist in keeping the damages to a minimum. Here are a few tips:

Turn Off the Water

You might be tempted to seek out the source of the leak as your first step. This can be problematic, however, depending on the type of leak or damage. If it’s simply an overflowed sink, then you would just turn off the sink. However, what if a pipe that you can’t see has burst?

It’s because of reasons like these that you need to turn off the water supply as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you temporarily turn off electrical power as well. The last thing you want is for the water to mix with electrical wires!

Accelerate the Drying Process

The next step entails doing everything in your power to get your home to dry. Start by opening windows and turning on fans. This will get air flowing through your home, which will help to start drying it and also reduce the buildup of disgusting odors.

If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on immediately. It will extract moisture from the air, thus helping accelerate the drying process. Run it for as long as possible. If you stop early, it could lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

If you don’t have a dehumidifier, then don’t worry, because the water restoration experts will bring one with them. As we said earlier, however, just make sure you contact them right away. They need to get to your home as soon as possible!

Make sure you also remove rugs and other portable carpeting and place them outside to dry. Try to wipe down furniture and personal items (books, chairs, toys) as much as possible.

Pull Out a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Another step that we recommend taking is pulling out a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. We understand that you might not have one. If you do, use it to remove as much water as possible from carpets, upholstered furniture, and/or tile and wood floors.

This process can take quite a while, but it’s important to remove as much water as possible. Also, make sure you focus more on wood surfaces than carpeted areas. Due to wood’s porous nature, it’s apt to soak up all the water, which in turn will cause it to become warped and delaminated.

Again, if you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, don’t worry. The restoration professionals will take care of this for you. Just make sure you contact them immediately!

Things NOT To Do!

There are some things you should definitely NOT do after your home suffers from water damage:

  • Never leave web fabrics and clothing items in place. Try to hang them.
  • Also avoid leaving books, magazines, and other such items on wet floors.
  • Please refrain from trying to use a regular vacuum cleaner to clean up water.
  • Avoid using electrical equipment and appliances like a television.
  • Stay out of rooms that have a wet ceiling.

These might seem obvious, but it’s good to know. Be especially careful with wet ceilings. They could be much weaker than you think, and the last thing we want is for a roof to collapse on you!

Final Steps

The real work won’t start until the restoration company gets there. Professionals, such as SERVPRO, possess the equipment needed to do real water extraction and repair. Part of this process will involve installing certain equipment, be it professional-grade dehumidifiers and whatnot.

When this occurs, make sure you follow the directions given to you. Usually, the professionals will ask you to keep their equipment running for a while. Make sure you stick to their schedule and do not arbitrarily turn off their equipment. This could negatively affect the drying process and make things worse.

The last thing the professionals will do is give you preventative maintenance tips. It is recommended that you follow through on these steps to ensure that your home and belongings return to their former state. It can make the difference between whether or not your home ever suffers unneeded water damage again!

SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City is here 24/7 to answer your questions or concerns.  Call us at 954-741-4321.