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Things to Consider Before You Start Renovating Your Home

If you’ve been fantasizing about an immaculate master bedroom, daydreaming about increasing your counter space or simply can’t stand the outdated finishes in your guest bathroom any longer, it may be time for a renovation. Before you begin your home renovation process, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. ReBLDing is here to help! 

Before You Begin Renovations
There are a few things that absolutely must be done before that first sledgehammer swing takes place. Making the proper preparations and doing things the right way will save you time, money, energy, and much more.

Planning and Preparing: Timeline and Budget

Every remodel process is different. Know the timeline that you want to work within the parameters of. Choose the order of renovations you wish to make based on your needs as an individual. Plan out your budget as precisely as you can. Remember, every home and every process is different. Make an in-depth list of your goals and stick to your guns as much as possible while operating within reason. Here’s a great link that can help you keep your budget on track: https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/moving/diy-home-renovation-plan/. 

Do Your Homework
Knowing certain things about your home, its structure, and its foundation can be a gamechanger. Additionally, having a contractor that you can trust is critical. Here are a few things you should do before you start renovating. 

• Inspect the Structure and Foundation of Your Home 
This step is especially important if you want to make drastic changes to your home. In California where natural disasters have been particularly intense over the years, a home inspection is an absolute must. Foundation issues and other structural problems have to be fixed before renovations take place, as they can impact the renovation process dramatically. 

• Shop Around for Professionals 
This important step can save you so much trouble. ReBLDing is the absolute best way to find professionals and specialists in your exact area. Some of the benefits of using ReBLDing include: 

• The wide range of professionals 
• Specialized searches for specific jobs 
• Huge range of Southern California contractors 
• Secure environment 
• Fair estimates 
• Less hassle in the long-run 

Not only do our professionals and Southern California contractors have great reviews, but ReBLDing also helps you from the hiring process to the end of your home renovation. Our smart selection system helps you quickly locate the experts and specialists that you’re looking for. Innovative and secure communication tracking features allow you to keep conversations, estimates, and everything else, on record for later reference. In-depth profiles are user-friendly and easy to view, compare, and share. Shopping for a contractor using ReBLDing is a great way to save yourself time and energy. It may also save you from a lot of frustration later on down the road. 

• Know What Sells in Your Area 
This one is a bit of a buzz-kill, but it’s true! You may decide that you want to move some day. You may end up moving whether you want to or not. Plan for the future! Make renovations that you love, but keep them realistic. Check out this link for some great renovations that can help you increase the value of your home! 

Utilize Resources like ReBLDing

Achieving your dream home is possible; ReBLDing can help. We have the extensive range of reliable and trustworthy contractors that you’re looking for. Browse through hundreds of impressive candidates and compare professionals side by side while enjoying our completely user-friendly interface. Keep in mind that with ReBLDing, you can review the profile of the Southern California contractor that you are interested in quickly, easily, and as many times as you want. We also help to safeguard you from potential risks and scams by using our innovative and secure communication tracking system. ReBLDing really can help you simplify your home renovation process. Our contractor selection system, fair and legitimate estimates, and communication tracking features can help you meet your remodel construction milestones from start to finish. 

Additional helpful links: 
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/things-to-do-before-renovating-house/ 

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/6-things-to-do-to-prepare-for-your-home-renovation 

https://www.zillow.com/blog/before-gutting-a-home-224778/ 

Let ReBLDing help you get the ball rolling on your home renovations today!

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Insurance Tips to Make Sure You Get the Most Coverage After a Loss

Insurance Tips to Make Sure You Get the Most Coverage After a Loss

Knowing how to accurately file a property insurance claim can impact your payment timeframe, claim payment amount, and waking life, dramatically. Additionally, understanding the steps that you can take to get the most coverage after a loss beforehand can save you stress, motivation, and money in the long run. Apart from understanding your policy and having proper documentation on hand, there are a few things you can do to get the coverage that you’re entitled to. 

Facing Your Insurance Company

When you’ve experienced a loss or damage to your property, the last thing you need is a battle with your insurance company. If you end up with an aggressive employee or overly ambitious claims adjustor, you might end up having your case handled unfairly. Our tips listed below will help you get the most out of your claim.

Knowing the Lingo is the First Step

Speaking fluent legal insurance jargon is one of our extremely helpful insurance tips. This will allow you to better understand what your representative is saying, and explain your status properly. Here are a few common terms that you’ll need to know. Additionally, here is a link to our in-depth Insurance Term Glossary.

Types of Settlements

Knowing which type of settlement you may receive is important. Your insurance company should be ready to fairly replace and fix damaged property and items. If you have been making your payments, you are entitled to the coverage that your insurance plan has promised. The settlement that you receive can vary based on how you report your claim. If possible, never accept a settlement that is less than what is promised in your policy. 

• Replacement Cost Settlements 
These settlements are one of the more reasonable options. These settlements cover the cost that it will take to replace damaged items. If you have enough coverage, these settlements can help you get your life back on track. The catch is that the payout time may be slow. Every company is different so specify the settlement payment process with your representative before anything is set in stone. 

• Actual Cash Value Settlements 
Actual cash value basis claims are structured around the depreciated value of items. This means that you will not get the money that you need to replace actual items. Keep this in mind when your insurance company makes you a coverage offer that uses this term. 

Words to Avoid

When filing your homeowners claim, there are a few things that you definitely do not want to say. We are not in any way urging deception, but what is a simple conversation to you may be held against you unfairly later. Speak carefully as you file your claim. Unfortunate as it may be, that first phone call can turn what would be a painless process into a drawn-out battle. 

• Sorry 
Habitually, you may apologize out of embarrassment, frustration, or common courtesy. When it comes to filing a claim, don’t. There is no need to assign blame to yourself, especially in the case of a disaster or property damage. This may go against your responsible nature, but accepting assistance is an absolute must when filing any homeowners claim. 

• Renovated or Customized 
You may have just finished remodeling your and/or kitchen bathroom. The insurance claim adjuster probably won’t want to hear any speculative figures or recent renovation stories. Instead of explaining your renovations, have the actual material receipts, construction costs, and contractor fees printed and ready. ReBLDing logs many of these expenses on our platform so you’ll be able to access them quickly. Having these concrete numbers on hand can be a great way to hold your own against an aggressive adjuster. 

Additionally

Never mention damages that your property already had unless you absolutely have to, even in passing or humorously. If you suspect mold or termites, that’s none of the business of the claim’s adjuster. Don’t give them excuses to cut your claim.
ReBLDing is here to help you get your life back on track after you experience a loss. We offer quotes, contractor services, secure communication, and insurance tips for all of our customers. At ReBLDing, we know that disaster damages can be stressful. When it’s time to hire a contractor and fix your home, we want to make your renovation process as safe, painless, and simple as possible. We can track your costs, contractor communications, and real estimates so that they’re easily accessible. Using our services allows you quick access to all of the contractor costs and some of those key financial figures that you may need when filing a claim.

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The Most Important Steps to Take to Prepare Your Family for a Natural Disaster

Natural Disaster Preparedness: Planning, Prevention, and Protection

Sometimes in life, natural disasters are simply unavoidable. In the event that your family falls victim to circumstances of a serious and unexpected nature, being properly prepared is paramount. So how should you prepare for a natural disaster that you can’t anticipate? The three “P’s” of preparedness are a good place to start: Planning, prevention, and property protection. Read on for helpful tips on protecting your family, your home, and your property from some of those tricky curveballs that mother nature may someday decide to send your way.

Planning: Your First Step Toward Staying Safe

Having a plan in place is the first step you can take to keep yourself and your family safe in the
event of a natural disaster. Make a safety plan and memorize it. Share it with your family so that
everyone knows exactly what to do if things get dicey. In California, it’s a good idea to have
action plans in place for events like earthquakes and fires.

Prevention: Taking Time to Reduce Risk

Take steps toward preparing your property and the interior of your home. There are many things
that you can do to prepare for both earthquakes and fires. Taking a little bit of time to prepare
yourself and your home for potential disaster now may save you from loads of trouble down the
road.

Protection: When Hardship Hits

If you find yourself in a sticky situation, remember to stay calm. Get somewhere safe and then
tune in to your local news media station. Use common sense, don’t panic, and stick with your
disaster plan when possible.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can happen without warning and can happen nearly anywhere.

• In the event of an earthquake, your first priority will be getting yourself and your loved ones to
a safe location. Have a plan in place for when you are driving, at home, or in a populated area. If
you have pets, remember to factor them into your emergency preparedness plan.
• Securing heavy items like furniture and televisions using cables. You may also wish to store
heavier objects on lower shelves or on the first story of your home to reduce risks or
earthquake-related injuries.

• Decide in advance how you will contact your friends and extended family in the event that cell
towers are damaged.
• Activate weather and emergency alerts on your cell phone.

Fires

Just like earthquakes, fires can happen almost anywhere and spread rapidly. Know your escape
plan and be sure to take the time to teach it to family members, especially children.
• Consider fireproofing. Certain types of siding and landscaping are available that have been
specifically designed to disrupt the spread of wildfire and repel flaming debris and embers.

• Create a “go bag” and have it readily accessible in the event that you have to leave in a rush.
• Get yourself, your family members, and your pets to safety. Head evacuation warnings and
don’t go back for valuables unnecessarily.

The Aftermath

Knowing how to proceed after a catastrophe or natural disaster is nearly as important as getting through the event in question. At ReBLDing, we know what it’s like to feel like you’ve been tossed out of the frying pan and into the fire. That’s why we have emergency assistance aids and many other convenient features available to help you in a pinch. We provide easy access to contractors that are available at a moment’s notice. We can also walk you through the entire rebuilding process from start to finish in a safe and secure environment, track the progress of your repair jobs, get reliable estimates, and communicate securely with the professional contractors of your choice in one place. Our user-friendly interface is fast and free to all homeowners. Communication tracking and screening features add to your peace of mind. We want to help lower your stress levels as much as possible after the trauma of a natural disaster. ReBLDing is here to help you get your life back.

Conclusion

Though natural disasters may be an unavoidable part of life, there are steps that you can take to make things easier. Having a plan of action, disaster-proofing your property, and knowing how to stay safe during a catastrophe are all ways that can help you reduce danger and damage. Remember, your safety matters. Things can be replaced, but people are priceless. Make safety your first priority; ReBLDing can help you easily repair damages and get your life back on track when the dust settles. We hope these tips will help put your mind at ease and make you feel more readily prepared for the unexpected, no matter what form it may take!

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Tips for Hiring a Contractor in Orange County and the Importance of Documenting Everything

Your home is arguably your most important asset. Not only are you financially tied to your home, you and your family are emotionally invested in its well-being. When your house is in need of repair, you must be certain that you are working with the best contractor for your situation. 

Hiring a contractor is not a simple undertaking. Some homeowners may believe the right contractor is the one who charges the least or who worked on another building they admire. While cost and previous examples of work are great starting points, there is much more to choosing a contractor in Orange County than word of mouth or low prices. Here are our tips when finding the right contractor for the job.

Tip 1. Contractors must offer complete transparency. 
The last thing you need after your home has suffered damage is a contractor who hides plans or costs. Few contractors have malicious intent. They simply may not have a system in place that allows them to be well organized. Simplify the process by posting your job to ReBLDing and get bids for your project. Make sure that your chosen contractor is as detailed as you need with all areas of your rebuild. 

Tip 2. Updated technology is vital. 
Some contractors still prefer to put pen to paper. This may be true when it comes to drawing up plans, preparing contracts or sharing vital communication. Look for a contractor that has access to the latest technology so you can be certain that every step of the process is well documented and accessible. Our platform allows contactors to build a state-of-the-art profile to showcase their expertise; ensuring that all ReBLDing contractors have access to updated technology.

Tip 3. Hire a contractor you can easily reach.
Few things are worse than hiring a contractor, and then not being able to get in touch when you need to. Choose a contractor that responds to your questions and concerns in a timely manner. Phone calls, texts, emails and instant messaging through our secure system are useful tools that a good contractor in Orange County should employ. The ReBLDing platform gives homeowners and contractors a direct line of contact while safeguarding both parties.

Tip 4. Ask for references, but do your own research.
The contractors you contact should all have a portfolio of clients they are willing to share. Most, if not all, will have their own websites where they can direct you to see their finished work. It is important that you look through the references that are sent your way, but it is also vital that you seek more information on your own. Their ReBLDing profile, social media, business pages and personal contacts may uncover other customers who have a variety of opinions about each contractor. 

Tip 5. Seek multiple quotes.
Contractors will offer quotes before you sign any type of contract. Get quotes from multiple contractors. Look over them carefully, asking about any numbers you might find troubling or confusing. Don’t forget to ask to go over payment plans as well. Find out the percentage the contractor expects you to pay upfront and whether a second payment will be expected while the job is still underway. The majority of contractors accept both credit and debit cards, but there are some who will expect checks or cash. Take a look at our tips when choosing a contactor.

Tip 6. Document everything.
Keep a paper trail of every conversation you have with potential contractors through the use of our embedded messaging system. This process documents everything you discuss, even those matters that don’t seem significant at the time. Keeping conversations online as much as possible will help you to save this data. Having documentation in place helps to ensure that the contractor will deliver what he or she has promised because every detail is in black and white. 

Tip 7. Use an online platform to simplify the process.
ReBLDing offers a simple system that connects homeowners and contractors. We focus our efforts on helping to establish trusting relationships between contractors and clients whose homes have been damaged and must be repaired or rebuilt. The idea behind the platform is to streamline the entire building process. It allows you to communicate with potential contractors, direct message with those contractors, meet, receive quotes and handle all arrangements in an easily documented manner. Start ReBLDing your home today.