Contractor help in Yuma

[Sitkaspruce]

I am reaching out where I can for help for my Mom. Not sure if this is the right place, but will post here anyways.

She is a snowbird from up here in BC that lives 6 months of the year in Yuma. We lost Dad 5 years ago, she is on her own, with the help of friends and still enjoys her park model home.

Just after Christmas, she discovered that her hot water tank was leaking and had produced black mold in the tank area and saturated the drywall in her kitchen and bedroom. Insurance has been and moved her out of the her place until it can be fixed. I believe the cleanup of the damaged area is on going right now. Once cleanup is complete, insurance will estimate the cost to rebuild and give her a cheque.

I am looking for help from fellow hunters and fishers on any suggestions for reputable contractors/renovation companies that will give her an honest estimate and does good work. I am worried about shady deals etc. and taking advantage of her due to her being a senior (77) and widower. It is tough for me to get down there and help as wok gets in the way.......so I am reaching out where I can.

PM with any suggestions please.

Thanks and Happy New Year!!

Cheers

SS

 

[woods89]

Well, I may not be of much help because I'm from halfway across the country, but as a contractor who does quite a bit of remodeling, here are a few things to keep in mind.

If the Yuma area is anything like my area, honesty and quality work won't come cheap or fast. As with any trade, look for a good reputation. In my area our local lumberyard will point people in the right direction. This is not always the case, but usually they know who has integrity. A backlog of work is a good sign, but not an absolute, especially in January. Ask for certificates of Worker's Comp and General Liability insurance. If you have any employees in a construction trade Worker's Comp is required.

A lot of good contractors do very little advertising as once you establish a reputation, the good customers find you. This means you will likely have to do a bit more homework than just looking in the Yellow Pages.

A lot of people say to never make a down payment before work begins. However, realize that we can be taken advantage of also, and if materials are being ordered ahead of time, usually a down payment will be required. I will many times not require it until the first day on the job. Some guys will want a down payment to get a spot on the schedule, however.

I would say it's a lot like booking with an outfitter. Do your homework, find someone with a proven reputation, and hire with confidence.

Good luck! Your concerns are valid. We have some elderly customers that would be very easy to take advantage of if it were not for our conscience.

 

[Jauwater]

I am currently a plumbing contractor in the southeast. I’ve done insurance adjusting on property damage claims all over the US. Not always the case, but quite often insurance companies won’t cover costs of mold removal, or extended damage from a long term water leak. They like to claim negligence. Claiming mold and/or extended damage from water leak was caused by negligence. I’ve seen it happen all the time. Unless I could prove the water leak came from “improper installation”, and not “normal wear, and tear”. The insurance side can get sketchy. Not always, not trying to make ya worry. Just something to keep in mind when the insurance adjuster comes back to look at overall damage. If you get a good adjuster, and are good to him he will typically be good to you. Good luck on the contractor.


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[Sitkaspruce]

Well, I may not be of much help because I'm from halfway across the country, but as a contractor who does quite a bit of remodeling, here are a few things to keep in mind.

If the Yuma area is anything like my area, honesty and quality work won't come cheap or fast. As with any trade, look for a good reputation. In my area our local lumberyard will point people in the right direction. This is not always the case, but usually they know who has integrity. A backlog of work is a good sign, but not an absolute, especially in January. Ask for certificates of Worker's Comp and General Liability insurance. If you have any employees in a construction trade Worker's Comp is required.

A lot of good contractors do very little advertising as once you establish a reputation, the good customers find you. This means you will likely have to do a bit more homework than just looking in the Yellow Pages.

A lot of people say to never make a down payment before work begins. However, realize that we can be taken advantage of also, and if materials are being ordered ahead of time, usually a down payment will be required. I will many times not require it until the first day on the job. Some guys will want a down payment to get a spot on the schedule, however.

I would say it's a lot like booking with an outfitter. Do your homework, find someone with a proven reputation, and hire with confidence.

Good luck! Your concerns are valid. We have some elderly customers that would be very easy to take advantage of if it were not for our conscience.

Thanks for the info!! She does have a couple friends (male) down there that are helping out. I have her writing down everything that is being told to her and keeping a log of all conversations. She is not signing anything or agreeing with anything until she has a witness. I am sure she will be OK, she is a strong willed and smart individual and no fool, but I worry about those who could sell ice to an eskimo getting the better of her.

I am currently a plumbing contractor in the southeast. I’ve done insurance adjusting on property damage claims all over the US. Not always the case, but quite often insurance companies won’t cover costs of mold removal, or extended damage from a long term water leak. They like to claim negligence. Claiming mold and/or extended damage from water leak was caused by negligence. I’ve seen it happen all the time. Unless I could prove the water leak came from “improper installation”, and not “normal wear, and tear”. The insurance side can get sketchy. Not always, not trying to make ya worry. Just something to keep in mind when the insurance adjuster comes back to look at overall damage. If you get a good adjuster, and are good to him he will typically be good to you. Good luck on the contractor.


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Thanks for the information!!

The insurance guy was great and because the water in Yuma is pretty strong and the tank developed pin hole leaks from corrosion, they are covering the damage. She did have water damage as part of her coverage, so there has been no problems so far.

Cheers

SS

 

[ramont]

Lived in Yuma for over 10 years, I know it's not politically correct but in the interest of being honest I've got to say that she needs to be very careful and ask for references, and actually call those references. Being on the border most contractors are just illegals that claim that they can do the work but they aren't licensed and/or have no experience with Arizona/Yuma building and plumbing codes. Checking with the Yuma Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce can be useful too, they are more reliable in regards to knowing who shouldn't contract than who you should, they'll have access to complaint information that help cull out the really bad guys.

 

[HuntHarder]

post on Coueswhitetail.com and ask for some help. I know there are a bunch of members from Yuma on there as it is basically an Arizona forum.