When disaster strikes your property, it will often require significant repairs and reconstruction work to restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition. When researching contractors to rebuild your property after water damage, fire damage or storm damage, you’ll find that there are two options – general contractors and restoration contractors. These two types of contractors have somewhat unique skillsets that are ideally suited to different applications. It’s important to understand the differences between these professionals and what they do to ensure you hire the right person to properly restore your home or business after a disaster.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor is a remodeling professional who specializes in managing building projects for your home or business. They provide all the labor, materials, tools, and equipment needed to complete a construction project. They also have the diverse construction background necessary to complete a wide range of projects such as putting a new roof on a house or adding a wing to a building.
General contractors tend to work with a clean slate. They can help you visualize what you want done to your property, get plans and permits to properly carry out the project, then get the job done. In many instances, general contractors may hire subcontractors with specific areas of specialization such as plumbers, masons, carpenters, roofers, and landscapers. The general contractor is the main point of contact between you and the crew, and they will manage the entire project for a seamless experience.
It’s common for general contractors to follow a linear approach to construction, starting with the initial design and following through with every stage of the process in a specific order until the final inspection is complete. This type of approach allows for a more systematic execution of construction and remodel projects, ensuring that every aspect of the job is completed according to your specifications. However, the downside of this linear approach is that it often lacks the level of urgency or flexibility required after disaster strikes.
How Does a General Contractor Get Paid?
General contractors get paid directly by the property owner since the cost of these services typically aren’t covered by insurance. While some general contractors ask for a flat fee, most contractors get paid by taking a percentage (usually 10-20%) of the entire cost of the project. This percentage includes the cost of the materials, permits, and subcontractors.
Depending on how reliable and trustworthy your contractor is, this number can potentially be a lot higher than anticipated. Make sure to get an estimate prior to working with a contractor, and check in frequently to ensure they’re staying within your agreed upon budget.
When Should I Work with a General Contractor?
Call a general contractor when you want an architectural remodel of your home or business. Some potential projects that are ideally suited for these professionals include:
- Altering your living or working space
- Adding new windows, floors, or other structural elements to your property
- Adding an extension to your property, such as a new room or an entire level to your home or business
- Upgrading the outside space, such as a new deck to the yard
General contractors have the experience and licensing to understand the legalities, specialists, and permits required to complete these types of projects. They also tend to be on the cutting edge of technology so they can use the latest tools and equipment to get things done quickly and efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.
What Does a Restoration Contractor Do?
Restoration companies are usually the first responders after your property has experienced significant damage because of a disaster such as a fire, severe storm, flood, or water incident. A restoration company cleans up the property and ensures it’s safe so they can move on to the repair and reconstruction process.
Some restoration companies don’t perform any repairs. They clean up and remove debris to make way for a contractor to finish the job. However, many restoration companies also have contractors on their team that perform the repair and reconstruction work necessary to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
Restoration contractors provide emergency response services and are equipped to handle the specialized repairs associated with water damage, fire damage, storm damage or flood damage. Common services provided by a restoration contractor include:
- Water extraction and drying
- Structural repairs such as replacing damaged drywall, floors, cabinets and windows
- Repairing roofs, siding and other external structures
- Contents restoration
In addition to the services required to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, restoration contractors can also provide temporary solutions such as board-up and tarping to prevent additional damage while the restoration work is completed.
How Does a Restoration Contractor Get Paid?
A restoration contractor works directly with your insurance company to see what is covered by your policy before moving forward. They advocate for you to try and get as much covered so that you pay the least out of pocket costs possible. The restoration contractor will coordinate with your insurance company throughout the entire process from beginning to end to take that burden from you.
Having to deal with fire damage, water damage, mold growth and repairs is tough enough without the added trouble of dealing with your insurance agent. Restoration contractors alleviate that level of stress from you to try and make the recovery process easier.
When Should I Work with a Restoration Contractor?
You should work with a restoration contractor whenever you sustain damage to your property after a disaster. These contractors are your best option if you need repair and reconstruction work completed as part of:
These contractors use specialized equipment and techniques such as dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to more effectively address disaster-related issues. In addition, they have the specialized training necessary to make sure every aspect of the restoration process is handled correctly, preventing additional issues from arising down the road.
your local FLEET company Can Help with Reconstruction After a Disaster in your area
If you’ve suffered water damage, fire damage or storm damage, it’s critical to work with an experienced restoration contractor who can manage every aspect of the process and ensure all work is performed correctly. At your local FLEET company, we have you covered.
We’ve been the leading restoration company in your area since 1954. Our expert technicians have the experience necessary to handle every aspect of the restoration process, from initial damage assessment through all repair and reconstruction work. Our team includes experienced restoration contractors who are fully licensed in your area and understand the unique nuances associated with reconstruction work after a disaster. This level of expertise is critical to restoring your home to its original condition.
Contact us today at 844-967-4911 to schedule an appointment. your local FLEET company serves customers throughout your area.