At some point, almost every contractor will encounter a client filing an insurance claim to recover from a loss. But unfortunately, there are several ways in which property may be damaged that are out of the owner’s control. 

• Fires caused by lightning, Christmas trees and unattended heating elements,
• Flooding from too much rain, spring runoff or faulty plumbing,
• Storms, blizzards and ice damage,
• Accidents, incidents and general foolhardiness,
• Pests such as termites, bees, gophers and any other destructive critters.

When these insurance claim jobs come your way, it is important to handle them. Make sure contractors get paid, your customer is satisfied, the insurance company has the necessary documentation, and you may gain a new long-term client.

Communication With Your Customer

Insurance claim jobs are often initiated at a challenging time for a client. Not only have they lost property, but they may be unprepared to deal with insurance and construction. If they are a new client, they may not understand how the claim process works. It is important to remember that a restoration contract is made with the property owner, not the insurance company. While it’s a good idea to review the insurance adjuster’s estimate and suggest items they may have missed, you want to avoid communicating directly with the insurance company. The customer is ultimately responsible for payment to any contractors, so they should always be kept in the loop.

As with any new customer, credit checks should be done, deposits required, and a pre-lien completed before work is begun. The client may be relying on the insurance for reimbursement, but the work and the payment for it ultimately fall to the contractor and claimant.

Honesty is Still the Best Policy

Throughout the insurance claim process, it is important to document the state in which you find things and the results of your work. Keeping accurate records can help support the customer’s claims and aid in estimating future contracts. In addition, when you consistently provide quality work, accurate estimates, and helpful advice, word will spread through the insurance adjuster community and your community at large. Reviews, both online and by word of mouth, can be a source of business for years to come. Good reviews are earned most easily by honesty and trustworthiness in all your business dealings. 

For more information regarding news and tips for contractors, contact the Contractors Association of Minnesota and sign up for membership today.

Two of the most basic premises of a construction contract are that the contractor expects to be paid, and the property owner expects to own the work after payment is complete. Therefore, pre-liens are an important tool for protecting contractors and property owners. Executed properly, pre-liens ensure owners are made aware of any contractor working on their property, and they give contractors and sub-contractors means to assure payment for their services.

Protection for Property Owners

Real estate improvement projects, both commercial and residential, can involve a surprising number of contractors and paperwork. You may have one general contractor that hires sub-contractors that, in turn, hire their own sub-contractors. When payment is made, the property owner must be able to trust that each company will be paid as agreed. One way this is assured is through the pre-lien process. 

Within a prescribed amount of time after any agreement, the property owner must be notified of any contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers working on their property. This way, the person writing the check can keep records to make sure each contractor is paid their portion of the contracted price. If they pay an invoice received directly from a sub-contractor, that amount may be deducted from the balance paid to the general contractor. In turn, as each contractor is paid, most states require the contractor to sign a lien release.

Protection for Contractors

Paperwork is, for many contractors, a necessary hardship. It can be easy, especially for small businesses, to fall behind in paperwork such as invoicing and issuing pre-liens. It is especially important to issue pre-liens as required by law. As with any company, the amount owed to your company for completed work is considered an asset, and it may help to remember the old mantra: C.Y.A. – Cover Your Assets. Establishing a process to ensure pre-liens are submitted promptly can aid your cash flow and help reduce costly legal battles. If you are unsure of pre-lien requirements, detailed information regarding liens can be found with the county recorder where the work was performed. 

For property owners needing a contractor in the construction field and contractors interested in learning more, visit the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota online for contractors in your area and other resources related to construction in Minnesota.

As one year ends and another begins, a household may find itself with a little extra cash, and the question of home repairs may arise. Whether from annual employment bonuses, financial gifts, a tax refund, or basic frugality, spare funds may be invested in home improvements that can have substantial benefits. Some common upgrades considered are:

• Appliances – dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Roofing and insulation
• Siding

Finding the Funds

Recent years have seen increased energy and fuel efficiency in all appliances. These improved efficiencies result in lower carbon footprints and energy bills which can lead to significant financial savings over time. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not aware of public programs in place to help with appliance and home upgrades. These funds may be available in the form of rebates or low-interest loans to property owners and, in some cases, may cover the entire cost of the upgrade.

Gathering information about the various programs can be tiresome and frustrating, to say the least. Fortunately, the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at NC State University created the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency as a tool for learning what incentives are available across the United States. Each program or policy listed has information linked regarding requirements, contacts, and a general summary to explain the reasons for the funding.

Finding an Installer

Many publicly funded rebates have requirements that must be met to qualify for the program funds. One of the more common specifications is a list of approved appliances to be used. Additionally, there are times when the appliance or upgrade must be installed by a qualified technician or contractor, but no list of installers is provided. The Contractor’s Association of Minnesota maintains its list of contractors available to assist with home improvement needs. Contact the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota when you’re ready to get started on your New Year home improvements.

These simple fall home maintenance measures can safeguard and beautify your home year-round. You can accomplish these tasks one at a time in the coming weeks. They are simple and will reassure you about your home’s safety during the hostile winter weather to come.

Clean Your Gutters

Clean gutters protect roofs and siding from moisture. On the other hand, overloaded gutters can rip away from the building and cause roof leaks and structural damage. So, clean your gutters before the season changes to prepare for the wet, frigid weather.

If you can securely access your gutters with a ladder, tackle the task yourself with work gloves and a garbage bag for the leaves, dirt and muck. You can remove whatever you cannot grab with your hands (like drain-blocking muddy silt or rotting leaves) by gently sliding a hand towel along the gutter bottom. Finally, flush the gutters with a garden hose to remove mud and ensure adequate drainage.

Do not put weight on gutters, climb on your roof or shake shingles. If you require professional gutter cleaning or repairs, call an experienced company.

Conduct a Roof Inspection

Your roof keeps the elements out and protects your family. A successful fall strategy usually involves a roof health assessment.

To avoid shingle damage and injury, examine your roof from the ground. Walk around your property with binoculars to check the top for problems. Look for:

• Missing, cracked, curled or discolored shingles
• Debris-blocking ridge and eave vents
• Stains in the attic signal a roof leak (mildew, watermarks, etc.)

When in doubt, a CAM-certified roofing contractor can provide an expert diagnosis and identify problems before they require costly repairs.

Weatherproof Your Home

Drafty windows and doors are easy to weatherproof. A properly air-sealed home can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%, saving you money while keeping your family comfortable.

First, inspect the condition of the weather stripping on all the windows and doors. The weather stripping should contact and compress against both surfaces. If not, replace it. Also, check the garage door because cold winter air can seep in from the garage.

Ready the Lawn

Rake leaves and trim potentially damaging tree limbs or bushes that can break away during a storm and damage your house.

Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources

Outdoor faucets, pipelines and irrigation drip lines expand as water freezes. To prevent damage by frozen pipes, shut off water valves for exterior faucets and irrigation drip lines. Also, remember to program your sprinklers to turn off before winter strikes.

Do You Need Help Preparing Your Home for Winter?

If you need a hand with your fall housekeeping tasks, contact a CAM-approved contractor immediately – winter is right around the corner!

The construction industry takes several precautions to guarantee the safety of the public and its personnel during construction. However, there are several risks and dangers inherent in the construction industry, and it is your responsibility as the project owner to constantly monitor the site and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities so that you may always maintain the workers’ health and safety. Furthermore, the associated costs will be your responsibility to pay in the event of an accident or injury. For this reason, construction firms need to have liability insurance.

A Definition of Construction Liability Insurance

“Construction liability insurance” is a broad term for numerous policies that help reduce the risks of building. In the event of property damage, worker injury, or public injury, a builder may rest easy knowing their construction liability insurance policy covers them. However, without this safety net, you will have to pay for unanticipated costs yourself.

Insurance company policies are typically flexible, and you can purchase plans that only cover the necessities. However, cheaper insurance coverage may not protect your business enough in the event of a claim, so keep that in mind. 

Always seek the counsel of an insurance broker, as they will be in the best position to advise you on the type of coverage most suited to your requirements and to negotiate favorable terms on your behalf. Also, before you buy construction liability insurance, you should read the policy information carefully to find out what is covered and what is not.

Using an Insured and Reputable Contractor Protects You from Liability Risks

There are always dangers present throughout building projects, even when every precaution is taken. You will not have to worry about covering the costs of a disaster if you have the right insurance. Doing so can keep the project profitable and make clients comfortable hiring you. In addition, you can join the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) to enhance your public image as a contractor further.

The public sees members of a contractor’s association like CAM as reputable. Such firms are dedicated and constantly learning about the latest advancements. They also have better access to legal counsel, making them more likely to have good construction liability insurance. Contact CAM immediately to join and set yourself apart from the competition while getting information that will help your business.

If you want to distinguish yourself in the construction industry, joining a contractors association is the way to do it. 

There are several benefits to joining one. For example, you gain access to resources like legal counsel and the latest advances in materials and methods. You can also make connections with other dedicated professionals and more. A few other advantages of becoming a member of a contractors association are listed below.

Acknowledgment in One’s Field

Becoming a member of a state construction group like the Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) is a fantastic way to establish credibility and trust with clients. In addition, it demonstrates that you are a reliable contributor to the community by employing locals and doing business with them.

Showing others that you are a seasoned professional and not just floating through the neighborhood will reassure potential clients who are hesitant about hiring a contractor or independent construction worker.

In a related manner, membership in a professional construction group is indicative of honest dealings and a commitment to quality workmanship. Therefore, customers are more likely to do business with people who are members.

Support System

Competition and high expectations in the construction sector can be daunting. However, organizations can offer members instant access to resources that can help immediately. The association also provides invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth through interaction with like-minded individuals.

Being part of a group of individuals who share your professional interests can be very helpful, whether you are just starting in Minnesota or searching for a sense of camaraderie in your sector.

There are many kinds of help that trade groups can give. For example, it can enter the political sphere if necessary, advocating before state and federal lawmakers for legislation that might benefit their sector. Also, it makes public service announcements highlighting concerns crucial to the building industry.

Staying Informed

Contractors associations are excellent resources for in-depth knowledge of the field. Understanding and adapting to the ever-evolving dynamics of one’s domain is crucial to long-term success.

Make the Most of Being a CAM Member

Making the most of your membership requires putting it in the spotlight with prospective clients, taking advantage of learning opportunities, and networking. Set yourself apart by joining CAM today.

Throughout history, innovators have used a wide variety of materials for home roofing projects. Based on the supplies available, roofs have been covered with everything from grasses used in thatching and split bamboo, tiles made from clay, rock and even metal sheeting. Early in the twentieth century, asphalt shingles were invented, and in the 1920s, they became increasingly popular in a push to eliminate the fire hazard of wood shingles in construction. More than a century later, asphalt shingles continue to be a preferred material for roofing projects. 

Asphalt Shingles are Cost-Effective

According to Home Innovation’s Annual Consumer Practices Report, approximately 80% of roofing projects in the United States use asphalt shingles. Several factors influence asphalt shingling’s popularity as compared to other materials:

• The starting cost per square foot is about half as much as wood, steel or concrete roofing.
• The weight of an asphalt roof is considerably less than those of slate, tile or concrete, lessening the need, and therefore the cost, for roof reinforcements
• Asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install. Some experienced homeowners choose to cut costs even further by installing themselves. However, it is highly recommended that a contractor be used, keeping safety and speed of installation in mind.
• As with many markets, suppliers generally keep asphalt shingles in stock, ready for the consumer because they are in high demand. In contrast, other materials may need to be selected and ordered well ahead of the actual date of installation.

Asphalt Shingles are Recyclable

Many homeowners may not be aware that asphalt shingles can be recycled. On average, the shingles removed from a modern home can be processed and used to pave about 200 feet of a two-lane highway. Fortunately, there are a few locations in the Minneapolis area that accept shingles for recycling. In your search for a contractor, be sure to communicate your desire to have your roofing materials recycled if possible.

Design Options Galore for Asphalt Shingles. 

Regardless of the style of roof on your home, there is an asphalt shingle that will achieve the look you have in mind. Some architectural shingles are made to mimic cedar shakes, tile or slate roofing. They are available in an assortment of colors and textures, helping to tie all the elements of exterior home design together. 

The Contractors Association of Minnesota is a great resource for finding a roofing contractor or inquiring about any contracting question in the Minneapolis area. Email or give us a call when you’re ready to top off your roofing project.

Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying, “Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today,” but some jobs are okay to delay until fall or winter. Spring and summer can be hectic for many contractors with long warm days and homeowner renovation plans after a long winter. However, for those willing and able to wait, fall and winter may be the time for projects that stretch the dollar a little further. 

The cost of building materials and labor has fluctuated dramatically recently, but costs generally go down between October and March. So, you can start planning now for the upgrades and repairs you want to complete when the chilly weather arrives.

Autumn Gold

When the breeze gets that familiar chill, and you can smell the leaves changing colors, we start to think of warm sweaters and snuggling up by the fire. But instead, it’s a great time to complete outdoor tasks that would be miserable in the summer heat.

• Have a home energy audit completed – you may find you have cracks to seal around windows, doors or vents, or appliances that need replacement.
• Roof repairs or replacement – after the storms of summer have done their damage and before the cold of winter settles in.
• Cleaning the gutters – clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup and damage in winter and water damage with the spring runoff.
• Tree pruning – once the growing season concludes, it’s time to prepare the foliage for the coming spring, and it’s somewhat easier in the fall to see which branches need to go.
• Replacing windows or doors – with an experienced contractor, the exposure to the outdoors can be minimized, and the energy savings can be remarkable.
• Landscaping projects – especially if you want to plant bulbs and other perennials to beautify your yard yearly.

Old Man Winter

As the cold settles in, we want to spend less time in the cold. However, plenty of projects can keep a house busy all through the winter months.

• Air Conditioning Systems – upgrading an existing unit may be completed at a discount; be sure it includes a seasonal checkup to make sure it works well in the heat of summer.
• Basement renovation/completion –most of the work can be completed indoors, so this is a great way for contractors to keep working and may offer a labor cost reduction.
• Insulate the attic, ducts and foundation – insulation can be added any time of year, but summer heat can be dangerous.
• Painting – whether you just need a touch-up or want a whole new color scheme. You may even consider painting a cement garage floor.
• Tree removal – especially old or dying trees. The colder ground may make the removal less upsetting to the surrounding vegetation.
• Repair or replace cabinetry in bathrooms, kitchens and garages – perhaps even consider a built-in set of cabinets or bookshelves.

As you plan your cold-weather undertakings, the Contractors Association of Minnesota is an excellent source of information and professionals in the Twin Cities area to aid in your home improvement.

Renovating can be a terrific way to freshen up the look of your home, but it can be incredibly stressful without a solid plan in place. The interruptions in your daily routine and critical decisions can feel overwhelming and leave you frustrated. Here are three tips to help ease the stress of a home renovation. 

Find an Alternative Living Situation

The construction process during a home renovation can be time-consuming and messy. Depending on the extent of the work being done, you may want to consider an alternative living situation until everything is done. Getting a good night’s sleep in a space away from all the noise and mess can do wonders for easing your stress. 

Protect the Rest of Your Home

A home renovation can lead to drywall and debris infiltrating every area of your home. If you are only renovating a section of your home, you may want to section this area off from the rest of the house. Plastic sheeting and painter’s tape can help protect non-construction zones and ease your stress from an extensive clean-up. 

Plan Ahead with Home Renovation Purchases

Planning ahead can help you ease many headaches that can happen during a home renovation. Buy all the materials and have the items delivered before the start of the project. Consult with your professional contractor concerning all the building materials you need to prevent construction delays. 

Professional Contractors for a Less Stressful Renovation

While you may not be able to as all your stress when renovating your home, choosing the right contractors can save you from many of the headaches associated with construction. The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) can help you find the best professional contractors that can help you reduce the stress of a home renovation. These local contractors have a compelling reputation in the community for delivering high-quality results. Contact us for more information today. 

Summer is the best time to get outside and accomplish those home improvement chores. With ice, snow, and cold weather out of the picture, the season provides ideal circumstances for most renovations, whether inside or outside.

Home Improvement Project Ideas to Tackle This Year

Unsure of where to start? Here are some ideas to inspire and get you going!

Replace Siding

Over time, aged siding develops rot, mold, and mildew, making it challenging to paint. Also, missing or damaged boards diminish your home’s weather protection and lead to increased energy bills.

Replace Old Windows

You do not want to cope with a chilly, drafty dwelling and soaring heating costs when the winter season arrives. Replacing old windows in the summertime ensures you avoid such a situation. In addition, new windows improve your home’s curb appeal.

Reseal Your Asphalt Driveway

You can extend the lifespan of an asphalt driveway by resealing it.

Revive or Add Outdoor Decking

Summer is all about outdoor activities and living spaces, so adding a deck to your home is a fantastic idea. Plus, installing a hardwood deck will dramatically raise the value of your property.

If you already have one, touch it up. Porches and decks suffer significantly during the harsh winter months.

Build a Shed or Convert an Existing One into a Living Space

If you cannot fit your car in the garage, it might be time for a storage shed.

If you already have a shed, but it is not being used, you can convert it into a home office or a guesthouse.

Replace Gutters

Sagging or leaking gutters require replacement to effectively direct water away from your roof and home’s foundation.

As a bonus, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much new gutters improve the appearance of your home.

Replace Your Roof

Delaying a new roof increases the risk of water damage, which exacerbates leaks and mold.

Painting

Painting a house increases its value and curb appeal quickly. Nothing else can make a property presentable in such a short time.

When to Hire a Contractor

Start planning as soon as possible if you want to take on one of these projects this year. A project requires careful preparation, so contractors will not begin immediately.

Therefore, hire a contractor a month or two before you expect to start the project. You should anticipate waiting three months for all-out renovations and half that time for more minor projects.

Choosing a Professional Contractor

The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) is a great place to start your home-improvement-project contractor search.

Choosing a CAM contractor gives you peace of mind knowing other contractors trust them, that they are local, have a longstanding presence in the area and have outstanding company ratings. In addition, using a reputable contractor protects you from liability risks.