faq's

JH Construction provides a wide range of construction services including but not limited to: commercial construction, residential construction, remodeling, renovation, general contracting.

JH Construction has been in business for over 17 years, providing top-quality construction services to clients in the local area.

We stand out through dedicated service, expert craftsmanship, and competitive rates, ensuring your project is completed on time, within scope, and to your satisfaction.

Most insurance policies include “duties after loss” that must be followed to protect your claim. You must notify your insurer promptly, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage while saving receipts, document all damaged or destroyed items, cooperate with inspections, and submit a proof of loss if requested. 

You should act fast to stop further damage, but limit work to emergency and temporary repairs. Steps like roof tarping, water shutoff, drying wet areas, boarding windows, and removing saturated materials help protect the property. Photograph everything first, keep receipts, and save samples when possible. Avoid permanent repairs or discarding damaged items until the adjuster has inspected or approved them, since early removal risks coverage issues. If items must be removed for safety, document heavily and notify the insurer. Temporary mitigation protects your claim. Permanent repairs should wait for adjuster review and agreed scope.

Mold starts growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage, so fast drying matters. Remove standing water right away and dry affected areas using ventilation, fans, and dehumidifiers, or call a professional restoration crew for large losses. Remove and discard porous materials that stay wet after one to two days, such as carpet, drywall, insulation, or mattresses, and photograph everything for insurance. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces once dry, wear protective gear, and keep strong airflow for several days. Never cover, paint, or enclose damp areas. If visible mold or musty odors appear, limit exposure and bring in a mold remediation professional after fixing the water source.

Small repairs work for minor damage, like boarding a window or drying a small leak, as long as you document work and keep receipts. Larger fire or water losses need licensed professionals. Restoration contractors handle hidden moisture, smoke odor, hazardous debris, and code compliance using specialized equipment. Licensed work includes insurance coverage, warranties, and required permits. DIY major repairs risk denied coverage, failed inspections, or safety issues, especially for electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Insurance carriers often prefer qualified contractors, but the choice remains yours. Always pull permits when required.is item.

Choosing the right contractor protects your property and your insurance claim. Verify state licensing, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage before signing anything. Favor established local contractors with strong references and experience handling insurance claims, including documentation and adjuster coordination. Require a detailed written estimate and contract with clear scope, timeline, payment terms, and warranties. Avoid large upfront payments, vague agreements, or high-pressure tactics. Use traceable payments, confirm permits and bonding where required, and trust your instincts. You always have the right to choose your contractor, so take time to select one with proven insurance restoration experience.

No. You always have the right to choose your own contractor. Insurance companies often recommend preferred vendors, but they cannot require you to use them as a condition of coverage. Preferred vendors offer convenience and direct billing, but the choice remains yours. If you select your own contractor, the insurer might review pricing more closely, so keep estimates reasonable and aligned with local costs. Stay involved either way, keep communication in writing, and avoid signing contracts far above the insurer’s estimate without discussion. It’s your property and you decide who repairs it.

Insurance adjusters often rely on software pricing like Xactimate, which sometimes fails to match real local labor and material costs. When estimates fall short, get a detailed line-item bid from your contractor and submit it for review. Ask for written justification on cost differences such as labor rates, materials, permits, or debris disposal. Local contractor pricing carries weight because it reflects site conditions and current market rates. Request a scope review or joint meeting to reconcile gaps. Negotiation is normal. If large differences remain, the appraisal process exists to resolve pricing disputes. The insurer owes the cost to restore the property to pre-loss condition using like kind and quality materials.

Overhead and profit (O&P) covers a contractor’s cost to manage and coordinate a rebuild, often calculated at 10 percent overhead and 10 percent profit. Insurers sometimes try to delay O&P payment, especially on large losses, but when a general contractor is reasonably required and under contract, O&P is part of the replacement cost and should not be withheld until the end. Contractors cannot start major work without proper funding. Push back in writing, explain the financial impact, and request O&P be included upfront or issued through a joint check. If needed, escalate the request. Withholding O&P on a complex rebuild places the homeowner in an unfair financial position.