Spokane home builders offer first steps for recovery

As Spokane homeowners start the long road to recovery from the damage or total loss of their homes, the Spokane Home Builders Association has some tips to avoid even more heartbreak during this difficult time.

1. Stay calm

Once the shock begins to wear off it's important for you to be strong and lead your family through this difficult time. Seek out help and support from friends and community members as soon as possible. Don't make rash decisions under pressure

2. Contact your insurance agent BEFORE you hire any contractors

Most insurance agencies have a claims center that can be contacted 24/7/365. Seek out their help for next steps - especially if professional help is needed for clean-up and repairs. NEVER sign a contract for work from a company that approached you after the incident without checking their references.

Also, be sure you're dealing with a local, licensed, reputable business with proper business insurance coverage versus the first person that approaches you and offers to help. Be very careful about paying any up-front deposits until you're 100% sure the decision to move forward with the selected contractor is the right one. The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) maintains a searchable website list of all members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also has helpful consumer resources. Read more tips on how to hire a reputable contractor.

3. Prevent further damage

It's very important for you not to ignore structures that are repairable. When it is safe to return home, make a detailed sweep of your home/property to make sure you can prevent additional damage from exposure to the elements.

Consult with your insurance agent to see if they have specific recommendations or procedures. Tarps, ropes, plywood, and other items you may need can be purchased quickly at most discount and hardware stores. Again, it's very important to be safe and consider professional help if it's needed at this time.

4. Make informed decisions related to repairs contracts and costs

Always be cautious when you're vulnerable and upset. Talk to recommended contractors and make sure they understand how to work with your insurance company related to timelines, payments, etc.

Also, don't be surprised if your basic homeowners insurance isn't enough to cover the actual cost for certain major repairs. If you find yourself unable to make your home identical to what it looked like before the damage, set a dollar amount to spend on quality repairs that make sense for your financial situation.

However, don't just choose the contractor with the lowest price based on the price alone. Become comfortable with the entire scenario being proposed by each contractor you plan to hire.

5. Begin the repairs

By now, many crazy things have probably happened. For major repairs or complete rebuilds, it's possible that weeks or even months have gone by. Continue to be strong and work with reputable people.

When you're working with hired contractors, you can do your part to keep the work flowing by making selections in a timely manner for things like windows, doors, shingles, siding, cabinets, plumbing/lighting fixtures, flooring, etc.

The Spokane Home Builders Association has developed a Disaster Recovery resource page with other valuable information to help homeowners recover from these horrific fires. They will update it frequently as new information becomes available.

The association is also raising funds to support wildfire disaster recovery. Donors can contribute to the SHBA Wildfire Disaster Recovery Fund to help local families rebuild.