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Tag: hurricane

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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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Why Call Your Accountant Before the Hurricane?

Smart Associations plan for potential tribulations, such as Hurricanes; they contact their Management Company, Insurance Broker, Landscaper, etc.  Even smarter Associations contact their Accountant, and very smart Associations have Accountants that contact them, to assure the Board of Directors that proper procedures are setup to safeguard the Association’s financial records.

In
addition to safeguarding the financial records, have emergency checks to pay the
various Contractors that will be needed immediately for crucial services to
mitigate the damages caused by Mother Nature.

As
we all know, Contractors will first service those that can timely pay for
services and supplies.  If a horrific
hurricane hits our area, as it did in 2005, electric might be curtailed, offices
could be closed, how will you pay for necessary services?   At Accountsult, we take the time to prepare emergency
blank checks for our Association Clients.

It
is vital to have sophisticated state of the art computer backup files, software
and hardware that will insure immediate access if the Accountant’s office is
temporarily inaccessible.  Our office has
such systems and is paperless, which means that all documents are filed
electronically and copies can always be reproduced immediately from any
location.

Another service we provide to our Clients is the procurement of contingent credit lines, specifically setup for unexpected casualties such as hurricanes. Without an available line of credit or adequate funds to meet substantial expenditures, the only option is to emergency special assess every Unit Owner immediately. Plan ahead, anticipate the worst, hope for the best and call your Accountant.

Mark Buchalter; Accountsult, LLC
Monthly Accounting and Consulting for Condos and HOA’s
(954) 739-0310 www.Accountsult.com