Frozen Pipe
24
Feb

Dallas BA Offers Guidance on Winter Storm Recovery

February provided a multitude of challenges for households throughout the region. Unprecedented cold combined with long term power outages caused significant damage to many homes. Most of the damage came in the form of frozen pipes that broke in the ensuing thaw.

Before beginning cleaning and repairing your home, be sure that there is no further danger of flooding. Inspect the house from the outside to assess how safe it is to enter. Wear protective clothing including rubber or work gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to provide protection from contaminated water, vermin and debris.

Assume that the electrical system may be unsafe until it has been thoroughly tested by a licensed electrician (use this link to find licensed Texas electricians). Make sure that all electric and gas service is shut off before entering a structure for the first time.  

Unless you have received official word that the water supply is safe, purify all water for drinking, cooking and washing. Sterilize cookware, dishes and utensils before using them. 

Contact your insurance adjuster as soon as possible, but you do not have to wait for the adjuster to arrive before you start your clean up efforts. Cleaning should begin as soon as it is safe to do so, but permanent repairs should not be attempted until the home is thoroughly dry. This process may take several weeks. 

It’s important for you not to make sudden decisions related to extensive repairs before you’ve done your homework.

Red flags to watch for:

1. Contractors soliciting with flyers in the mailbox or door to door.
2. Contractors who ask for a signed contract to assess the damage or speak with your adjuster. The fine print may bind you to do business with them.
3. A request for a large down payment or a bid in the entire amount of the insurance settlement.

Things to ask a contractor:

1. Be sure to ask for a written estimate.
2. Will they purchase necessary permits and will the work be inspected?
3. Do they have a written contract that explains their warranty?
4. Ask for a list of client references.

You should also:

Obtain at least three bids.
Check the Better Business Bureau for a company report or any complaints.
Check to see if they are members of a professional builders association like the Dallas BA.
After work is finished, make final payment only after you have a lien release.

Which contractor is best for you?

Licensed plumbers remain in short supply so many homeowners may unfortunately have to wait weeks for repairs. Among the many issues the Texas Legislature will have to address in the wake of the winter weather and power outages is needed reforms to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The problem was left unresolved at the end of the last legislative session, leaving Governor Abbott to invoke executive authority to continue the agency and the licensure of plumbers. 

The Dallas BA urges consumers to use licensed plumbers listed here and avoid individuals or entities who attempt to solicit work without providing evidence they are actively licensed. Consumers should report any concerns or nefarious activity via this link. A full list of builders and remodelers who are members of our association can be found at DallasBuilders.com. 

To thoroughly clean walls and woodwork, use a water solution with disinfectant or bleach, and use a brush to scrub away mud and dirt. If the electrical system is operating safely, a heater, fan or air conditioner can cut drying time.

Remove the interior surface of damaged, insulated walls to above the water height. Discard any wet insulation, and wash interior studs with disinfectant to prevent mildew.  Keep the area well ventilated. Before replacing the insulation and the wall material, the open walls should be allowed to dry thoroughly. This process may take a month or more. 

If you decide to clean the carpets yourself, pull up all water-soaked carpets and pads. Hose them off and scrub them with a solution of detergent and water if heavily soiled. Rinsing with a mild solution of water and chlorine bleach can retard odor and mildew, but chlorine bleach should not be used on wool and certain other types of fibers.  Be sure the carpet is thoroughly dry before relaying it. Rubber and waffle-weave pads can be reused. 

 If water has seeped beneath sheet flooring, the entire sheet should be removed and replaced. For tile floors, loose tiles may be re-cemented if the floor is otherwise acceptable after it dries. Check that the subfloor is thoroughly dry before applying any new floor coverings. The drying process may take weeks or months.   

Take flood-affected wood furniture outdoors to hose off. All drawers and other detachable parts should be removed for cleaning. Dry the furniture slowly to prevent warping, and be sure not to dry it in direct sunlight. Discard mattresses that have been soaked in flood waters. 

Most motorized appliances can be saved. Turn off the electricity or other power source, unplug the appliance and open it as much as possible to wipe it clean. If possible, tilt the appliance to drain any standing water. Let the appliance dry and have it checked by an appliance repair professional before you plug it in. 

 Contractors: Know the Laws that Protect Consumers in the Wake of Disasters

Builders, remodelers, and consumers must be aware of state laws that apply to contractors in declared disaster areas. Specifically, the law requires a “disaster remediation” contract must be in writing.

Also, a disaster remediation contractor is prohibited from requiring payment prior to beginning work or charging a partial payment in any amount disproportionate to the work that has been performed. The statute exempts contractors that have held a business address for at least one year in the county or adjacent county where the work occurs.

In the wake of the recent storms, the State of Texas has established a process for out-of-state plumbers to assist with our recovery. Those resources can be accessed here.