Mold is a type of fungus that sprouts from small spores that float in the air. When clusters of these spores grow on surfaces, they reproduce and spread. Homeowners may notice mold because they see it or they smell the damp, musty odor associated with it. If left unchecked, mold can damage your health and your property. If you find mold in your home or suspect you may have mold, it is important that you know the steps to take to identify and eradicate it.
Mold can cause a number of severe health problems, including
making a person cough, wheeze and develop irritation to the skin throat and
eyes. It can also exacerbate existing medical conditions, such as asthma, mold
allergies or respiratory problems.
Mold can also cause problems with the structure of your home. It
can weaken the walls, ceiling and floor. These issues can create structural
problems with your home. You will also have to disclose the known presence of
mold if you later place your home for sale.
Some of the important steps you can take include the following:
All homes can be a place where mold grows. Mold requires a surface
to grow on, warmth, darkness and oxygen, all of which are present in all
structures. When moisture is added to this combination, mold can grow. Some
areas that you should inspect for mold include the following:
Because of the potential health risks of mold, it is important to
have the home tested for mold. It is important to locate all locations where
mold may be present so that it can be removed properly. It is usually best to
hire a certified professional for this task because home mold testing kits are
often unreliable.
While some people may try to remove the mold themselves, you are
safer to hire a professional. This may be expensive, but it is important to
protect your health and the value of your home. Look for a reputable company
with good reviews.
Once the mold is removed, be sure that you perform preventative
maintenance so that the mold does not reemerge. Some ways to prevent mold
include:
Check under your home – If you have crawl space, periodically check under your home to make sure there is no standing water under your home that could jeopardize its foundation or lead to mold.
Read More…Homeowners insurance can be a welcome relief if you experience a house fire, theft or personal injury. However, there are times when it may be best to switch insurance companies. Here are some key events that may trigger a need for a new homeowner’s insurance carrier or policy.
The Value of Your
Property Changes
A significant part of the cost of your homeowners insurance
is based on the value of your home. If your property value goes up or down by a
significant amount, it is time to compare other insurance options.
If your home is valued at $750,000 or more, you may need an
option beyond the mass market insurance companies. Many mass market insurance
companies limit the amount of coverage they allow a person to purchase. Your
insurance coverage should be enough to replace the structure of your home, any
other structures on your property, the contents of your home and living
expenses while your home is repaired or rebuilt.
Your Net Worth
Exceeds $1 Million
Another key time to shop for a new insurance provider is if
your net worth exceeds $1 million. If it does, you may be susceptible to people
making a claim against your home if they are injured on your property. Many
mass market policies limit liability coverage to $300,000. You may need to
purchase additional coverage to properly insure you in case of a claim.
You Renovate Your
Home
When you upgrade your kitchen, finish your basement or attic
or add an extension to your home, the value of your property may increase.
After you renovate your home, you should consider making changes to your
insurance policy so that you are not underinsured.
You Change Other
Insurance Policies
If you switched other insurance, your new company may also
have competitive homeowners’ insurance rates. You may be able to bundle your
insurance for a better rate.
Your Rates Go Up
If your rates have suddenly increased, it may be time to
look for more favorable terms with another company, especially if there is no
apparent reason for the increase. While your rates may go up after making a
claim, there are other events that can cause increases, such as severe weather
events, crime rates, increased business costs or factors specific to the
insurance company. Ask for quotes from other insurance companies to determine
if your rate is competitive or if it would make sense to switch carriers.
You Have a Life
Change
Having a life change such as having a baby, a person moving
out of your home or selling a major asset may impact the value of your
insurance policy. Review your insurance policies and if you might be eligible
for any savings or if the amount of coverage you need is lowered.
Your Insurance Policy
Is Close to Renewal
If your insurance policy is near renewal time, it is a good time to review your policy and consider changing it. Review your insurance policy at least once a year.
Read More…After the fire department is gone, homeowners may reenter the home. They may think that once the fire department clears the area that it is safe to inhabit the home. However, the family may not be aware of dangers that still linger. Some of the most common dangers after a residence fire are discussed below.
Soot
Soot is the black residue that remains after a fire. This
residue is usually made up of carbon and settles into the surrounding
environment after a fire. Soot contains particles of anything that was burned,
including natural and synthetic materials. Soot may contain poisonous dust,
chemicals, acids, metals and other hazards. This soot can impact the quality of
indoor air and leave foul odors and stains in your home. Homeowners can inhale
this soot, potentially causing respiratory problems.
Smoke
Smoke is another danger of reentering a home after a house
fire. The smoke contains a combination of toxic products in the home. It may
contain carbon monoxide, cyanide and burnt synthetic materials, like rubber,
plastic or foam. The home may contain toxic materials if it is older, including
asbestos or lead that can be released into the environment. These materials are
associated with serious medical conditions, including incurable mesothelioma
and lead poisoning. The burnt materials in a home can cause the production of
carbon monoxide, ammonia, tar, sulfur dioxide and more than 100 chemicals found
in cigarette smoke.
When certain particles burn, they can cause cyanide
poisoning. Others may suffer carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result in
death, neurological problems or cognitive delays. Inhaling toxic fumes can
cause suffocation or respiratory issues. Being deprived of oxygen for only a
few minutes can result in irreversible harm, brain damage or death.
Children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune
systems are particularly vulnerable to sustaining adverse health consequences
due to inhaling smoke after a residence fire.
Water and Chemicals
in Firefighting Foam
The foam that firefighters use may contain groundwater and
hydrocarbon-based chemicals. The foam may include perfluorochemicals. Fire
extinguishers may contain similar materials. This foam may be left over after a
fire. These chemicals have been linked to liver and kidney damage and
reproductive problems. Additionally, these materials may cause a low birth
weight if a pregnant woman is exposed to these chemicals. These chemicals can
stay in the body for a long time.
Additionally, if it was a large fire, it is possible that
the foam can seep into the soil under the home and into groundwater and
contaminate it for years to come.
Seek Professional
Assistance After a Residence Fire
Because there are so many potential dangers to your home and health after a fire, it is important that you seek professional assistance to properly restore your home. If you decide to move somewhere else, having the help of an experienced broker like Allen Levin can ease the process.
Read More…Hurricane Irma swept through Florida in September 2017, leaving a path of destruction and uncertainty in its wake. Many people made initial claims resulting from hurricane damage while others may have waited. Still others made claims only to discover that they had sustained more damage than they first anticipated. Read below for information on the time limit to file or reopen a Hurricane Irma Claim and what should be reported.
Extent of Damages
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported estimated insured losses caused by Hurricane Irma at more than $11 billion, as of November 14, 2018. There were 838,109 claims, the majority of which came from homeowners. There were over 256,000 insurance claims that had not been paid as of this reporting date. More than 59,000 claims were still considered open.
Delayed Insurance Payments
Many Florida residents have become frustrated with the process involved with making insurance claims after Hurricane Irma. Many insurance adjusters are third-party individuals who do not work for the insurance company. Property owners have experienced delays, multiple inspectors and a lack of communication regarding their claim. Additionally, contractors lament that there are not enough skilled workers to help with the repairs.
The insurance industry blames delays on struggles with third parties who represent homeowners, including public adjusters, attorneys and contractors. Additionally, not complying with the terms of an insurance policy can lead to further delays.
Homeowners should expect some delays after a major storm when there are many residents and businesses that are making similar claims during a limited period of time.
Florida Law Regarding Hurricane Claims
Florida Law Statute 627.70132 limits the amount of time to file or reopen a claim under a property insurance policy for loss or damage caused by a hurricane or windstorm within three years after the damage was sustained. While this law technically gives property owners three years to file a claim, it is usually in their best interest to file a claim sooner so that the property can be repaired and further damage can be mitigated. Additionally, insurance adjusters may suspect that the damage was not related to the hurricane if there is a long delay between the time of the storm and the time of the claim.
Reopening a Claim
Many initial claims did not fully account for the entire extent of damages property owners faced, causing many individuals and businesses to reopen a claim. Citizens Property Insurance Corp. reported that more than a third of its 66,400 claims had been reopened for additional payments and additional information to be shared.
What Damages Should Be Reported
Property owners should report damages that they see. They should give a detailed description of property damage and provide photos when appropriate. There may be damage that property owners do not see, such as roof damage, but they can report damage that may point to this, such as missing shingles or water damage to the home’s ceilings.
At Get Paid For Your Claim we handle insurance claims on behalf of our clients so they don’t have to. Our service is fast, to the point and gets results. We know what needs to be done in order to get the desired outcome. We know how to strategically move the process along, while negotiating on our clients’ behalf toward the best possible outcome, the maximum settlement available. The insurance company has their own team of experts and adjusters to advocate on their behalf and Public Adjusters work for those insurance policyholders who have been forced to use that insurance to make a claim. Contact us today to learn more.
Read More…As of November 14, 2018, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported that 522,493 residential insurance claims related to Hurricane Irma had been paid from the 838,109 residential claims that had been filed. Some of these claims may have been underpaid as insurance companies scrambled to settle as many claims as possible. However, many insured individuals are not aware that they can reopen a claim or challenge an underpayment. If you believe your claim was underpaid, follow these tips:
Read the Explanation for the Underpayment
Read over any communication the insurance company sent you about the underpayment. If you did not get a letter, request one. Look specifically at the damage it says you claimed. You may have experienced a variety of damages, such as:
Check over the claimed damages for anything that is missing. It is possible that part of your claim was overlooked. Look if the explanation states something inaccurate or is unclear or ambiguous. Ask your insurance company if you do not understand the reason for the underpayment.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Read over your insurance policy to determine what is and is not covered. Also, read over your duties. You might need to provide additional evidence to establish how much you are owed under the coverage. If you notice a discrepancy between your policy and the adjuster’s reasoning for your underpayment.
Review Your Claim
Review all of the information that you submitted with your claim, including receipts for expenses you incurred and damage estimates. Also, review that information regarding the date, time and other circumstances is correct. If information is incorrect, seek to correct it or supplement it.
Get Help from a Professional
If your insurance company refuses to budge, consider getting help from a professional. You may choose to use a public adjuster who can level the playing field. Remember that the insurance company’s interest is in minimizing financial payout, especially when there are so many claims based on the same storm, so a professional can advocate for your interests.
Supplement the Information
If the insurance company made its determination because it did not have enough information, supplement it. Send pictures that show the damage, receipts of items that should be covered, estimates for work that needs to be completed, and video of your property before and after Hurricane Irma and anything you have paid out of pocket while waiting for the insurance claim to be processed. Make sure that the insurance company has a complete picture of your damages and no reason to underpay it.
Request a Second Inspection
If you disagree with your insurance company’s assessment about the extent of your property damages, ask for a second inspection.
At Get Paid For Your Claim we handle insurance claims on behalf of our clients so they don’t have to. Our service is fast, to the point and gets results. We know what needs to be done in order to get the desired outcome. We know how to strategically move the process along, while negotiating on our clients’ behalf toward the best possible outcome, the maximum settlement available. The insurance company has their own team of experts and adjusters to advocate on their behalf and Public Adjusters work for those insurance policyholders who have been forced to use that insurance to make a claim. Contact us today to learn more.
Read More…Water damage can be very expensive to repair. You may have to rip out walls, floorboards or the ceiling to get to the source of the problem. It also weakens your home’s foundation. This can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Preventing water damage through routine maintenance can avoid these expense repairs and alert you to potential problems. Here are six tips to prevent water damage.
Clean your gutters seasonally to avoid blockage caused by leaves or other debris. Clogged gutters can cause water not to be able to drain properly, eventually resulting in a cascade of water running down the side of your home, which can damage your foundation. Clogged gutters also cause damage to your roof and gutters. Remove any birds’ nests, sticks, leaves and other debris. While you are at it, make sure the downspouts direct water at least 10 feet away from your home.
A critical way to prevent water damage is to make sure that your drains are taken care of. Clogs can cause water to buildup and damage your home. They can also cause your pipes to potentially burst. Maintenance is a key. Do not pour grease down your sink because it can cling to your pipes, causing blockage and damage. Place the grease in an empty can and dispose it when it hardens. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals to unclog drains. These caustic chemicals can damage your pipes and eventually result in leaks. Use a drain snake as an effective alternative.
Periodically check for leaks around your home. Dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets are indicative of a water leak. Stains on the ceiling are another key indicator. Drips and toilets that rock can also help pinpoint problem spots in your home. Also, check your roof at least once a year to find missing shingles or roof material. Repair cracked caulking and inspect flashing for any leaks.
A buildup of water can cause mold, mildew, dry rot and sometimes structural damage. Leaks can also attract carpenter ants and termites. Once you locate a leak, immediately fix it.
Sometimes you will not be aware of a leak until you see a sudden increase in your water bill. If your usage jumps between months without any other reasonable explanation, you may have a leak that you are not aware of. Ask a professional to inspect your home for possible water leaks.
A water detection device sounds an alarm when its sensor comes in contact with moisture. This device pays for itself because it alerts you to low moisture levels or slow leaks that you may not notice otherwise. This allows you to intervene quickly before expensive damage occurs. Place these devices near sources of water in your home, including water heaters and sump pumps. You can also install them by appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Cracked stucco can create an entry point for water. Check around your home for any cracks and seal or repair them before the next storm.
Read More…In recent years, the damage from hurricanes has been catastrophic. While it may seem that there is nothing that can be done to avoid such destruction, this is far from the truth. Here are some essential tips to protect your home before and after hurricane season.
Entry points like windows and doors are the most vulnerable part of your home during a major storm.
Providing extra protection to your windows can help keep your home intact during a storm. Preventing your windows from shattering can also protect your home from being invaded by rain, wind and debris.
You have several options. Plywood offers an inexpensive option and an effective way to keep windows intact. Storm-resistant shutters are also effective against hurricane-force winds. Impact-resistant windows are also very effective and provide other benefits to your home year-round.
Wind only needs a very small opening to infiltrate a home. Small openings can become much larger during hurricane weather. Seal your doors and windows to ensure no wind can penetrate them.
Flooding can occur during hurricane or non-hurricane weather. One effective method to prevent flooding is to pile sandbags at least two feet high to create a barricade against floodwaters.
You can make your roof more secure and protect the integrity of your home by installing hurricane ties or straps. These straps strengthen the attachment of the roof to the walls so that the roof does not fly off. You should also regularly inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles or tiles. Any gaps can allow winds to get underneath the roof and rip it off during a storm.
In high winds garage doors can blow in or be pushed out. Once this barricade is removed, wind can infiltrate the home, rip off the roof and tear down the walls. You can install a double garage door that is resistant to wind and impact. An alternative and more affordable option is to purchase a vertical garage door brace.
During hurricanes and other heavy storms, massive amounts of rain can accumulate. If your gutters are clear, this rain can quickly flow away from your home and its foundation. However, if your gutters are full of leaves, sticks, or other debris, water can stay on top of your home, threatening the integrity of your home.
Make sure that the grade of your lot keeps water away from your home. You may need a ditch, drain or other retention area to prevent water from flowing to the foundation of your home.
During storms, tree limbs can come loose and damage your home, roof windows and other property.
Regularly trim them to prevent damage. Also, remove coconuts from your palm trees before a storm because they can come loose and cause damage to your home and your neighbors’ homes.
If I could give Dan more than 5 stars, I would. So glad I found him. I’m extremely grateful for all the work he put into my claim. He guides you and keeps you informed every step of the way. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in this business, but professional, courteous and tenacious. Dan is truly the one you want on your side when dealing with the insurance company! Thank you Dan.
— P. Crosby
Water / Mold
Wind / Storm / Flood
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Flood
Burglary / Vandalism
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Wind Certified Appraiser and Umpire IAUA Certified Appraiser and Umpire FAA Certified Drone Pilot
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