Page 25 - BB_Oct_2017WebSize

George “Geep” Moore, owner of Moore-Built
Construction & Restoration in Elm Grove, La., has
extensive experience in this area, having managed
thousands of insurance claims over the course of his
career.
While enroute to Houston to meet with builders and
remodelers this week, Moore gave NAHBNow some
insights on navigating post-disaster insurance claims:

Determining Scope and Price Document EVERYTHING
Insurance estimates need to Thorough documentation is the
be extremely detailed: room by most critical element of the entire
room, line item by line item. Moore process, and a lot depends on how
strongly encourages builders to comprehensive your photos are. Take
consistently use estimating software, pictures at each phase of the project,
which will allow them to more efficiently and clearly define especially before any work begins, and then again once all
the scope and calculate costs. of the furniture and other household items are removed.
“The estimate has to be in that type of format if you want More photos will need to be taken after the tear-up is
to sell it to the insurance company, and do so quickly,” said completed, and again when all of the drying equipment is
Moore, who served as NAHB Remodelers chairman in 2012. in place.
“Adjusters will use a similar program, so it makes it easier to
compare your estimate with theirs instead of typing it all up
in a different format.”
Also, whether the adjuster or the builder completes his Staying On Top of the Claim
estimate first, the other party can easily use that initial
estimate as a starting point and, if need be, modify it If your client’s insurance makes
during the subsequent walk through. The most important payment to the home owner
thing is to ensure the scope of work is agreed upon by all and the mortgage company, the
parties before initiating discussions about price. mortgage company most likely will
control the cash flow. Make sure you know
their rules before you start so that you can make sure they
release funds in a timely manner.
“You will have to be involved to help your client get your
Negotiating the Claim money,” Moore said. “It may not be what you want to do,

It’s the home owner’s job to but to help your client and yourself, you must help guide
pay the deductible and any this process with your best negotiating skills.”
other out-of-pocket costs that are Also, continually follow up with the adjuster so that your
required. But it should be solely on the client’s claim isn’t neglected or put on hold. This frequently
shoulders of the builder – who has the most happens, especially if another storm (i.e., Irma) occurs in
expertise in the field of construction – to negotiate with the another part of the country and your adjuster gets pulled
insurance adjuster. to that area.
“No one knows the scope of work needed to get the job Above all, take every precaution to stay safe while working
done right better than the builder,” Moore said. “Often in homes that sustained structural damage. NAHB has
times, [the builder] will need to educate the adjuster on created a list of resources to help keep volunteers and
certain aspects. But by demonstrating your knowledge of workers safe during the cleanup and reconstruction efforts.
the subject and breaking it down as much as possible, you More information is also available in NAHB’s Natural
can come to an agreement much more easily.” Disaster Resources Toolkit.
NAHB SEPTEMBER 2017
OCTOBER 2017 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 25