For everyone that has a home destroyed or damaged by the recent fire outbreaks PLEASE take the time to read this. This is not a solicitation for my services, just some thoughts on how to go about putting your life back together after it has been completely torn apart. Although I have not personally had my home destroyed by fire, I have had family who has, and I have rebuilt other homes destroyed by fire in the past, so I have some professional thoughts on how to start the process of putting things back together that are tempered from both personal experience as well as 17 years of home building expertise.
First of all, I want you to know that I am deeply saddened by all the destruction here in central Texas, but I know that with all the local community, business, and churches organizing aid, I am hopeful that we can rebuild and put this disaster behind us. I pray that you receive the help you need and get your home back as soon as possible.
Once you are able to start thinking about rebuilding, please realize it is not a fast process. Expect up to a year for your new home to be finished. In order to get started though you need to make sure you are HAPPY with your builder! Do not just offhandedly use one suggested by your insurance company. They may be good, but you DO have a choice and the FINAL say in who does the construction (provided they are a legit, established builder). In order to make the best choice possible read a previous blog I wrote about the process. I renamed the title so as not to sound like I am making a pun, and it was written from the original thought process of CHOOSING to build, not having to build, but the info is good for understanding the process. Here is the link to that blog: http://bit.ly/kYIr4C.
Also, realize that there are MANY people who are flooding into the area to try and take advantage of the work that will be coming up. There would be enough of a problem cutting through just the local people, but I would recommend that unless you already know them and WANT to use them – stay away from those contractors for two reasons. One, if they were top notch contractors they would be working in there own local communities, not just scrambling to areas of need; and unless they bring ALL their subs, they won’t have a team in place here that they know how the finished product will turn out. That is not a good scenario for anyone to be involved in. Second, knowing how we are all struggling through this economy, it would be beneficial to help out those that are helping you out. Let’s do our best to keep any money spent in reconstruction local and help the entire area, not ship it off to other areas or states when possible.
I realize that this is not just a tough time, but probably the most horrific time you have had to overcome. I offer you this information to hopefully help you collect your thoughts and not have another whole year of misery, but to be able to start again and even if it is not a happy time, to be able to enjoy it and not regret it even more. My best wishes to you and your loved ones. Please feel free to share this with anyone you know that may have been effected and I hope that everyone can expedite this process and LOVE their new home.
Please feel free to call me any time about any question you have with this tip or anything else on your mind at 512.413.9281.
