Four Ways To Protect Yourself When Hiring A Contractor To Remodel Your Home

Remodeling a home is a major financial investment. There are many pitfalls that you may encounter during the process. Among of the most potentially costly are those that involve disputes with the contractor. Even with the best of contractors, misunderstandings and communication gaps can turn what should be happy experience into a situation filled with acrimony and financial loss. Here are four simple things you can do to protect yourself from contractor related losses:

1. When signing a construction contract, be sure the General Contractor adds the homeowner as an additional named insured on his liability policy. He should also provide a certificate of liability and workers compensation insurance. The certificate must state that the homeowner is given two weeks prior notice of cancellation and if no insurance is in place, the work will either stop or the homeowner can purchase replacement coverage at the contractor’s cost.

2. Ensure that all payments to subcontractors are made only by the General Contractor. This places primary liability on the General Contractor and his insurance.

3. Ensure that the General Contractor’s policy limits are more than the complete value of the home. If the coverage is not sufficient, an additional amount can be added at a nominal cost.

4. Before buying into an HOA, check who is responsible for replacement, repair and/or rebuilding of damaged property. Every HOA is different but the most common split is that the HOA is responsible for rebuilding all the original building from the interior walls out. The unit owner is responsible for floor coverings, interior walls, fixtures, plumbing, appliances, cabinets etc. along with all of the unit owner’s personal property.

To know more about the insurance precautions that you should take before remodeling your home, contact Allied Brokers. Our many decades of experience in all types of insurance and our focus on client service means that we provide not just the best in insurance policies, products and services but also the advice you need to stay protected at all times and under all circumstances. Visit our website: http://www.alliedbrokers.com/ for information on the services and insurance policies we offer. Call 1-888-505-7988 (toll free) for a free rate quote.

The above information has been provided courtesy of the Law Office of Peter N. Brewer Esq. Palo Alto, CA (phone: 650-327-1900)

Blue Shield and Lucile Packard Work It Out- Finally

Two of the region’s leading pediatric care providers were locked in protracted negotiations with Blue Shield of California which caused them to remain outside the Blue Shield network from August 31st to October 19th of this year. With the signing of a new two year contract, both Lucile Packard Children’s Medical group and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital are once again part of Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company Networks.

It must be noted, however, that since the new contracts are not retroactive, any services provided by the Medical Group and Hospital during the out-of-contract period will be treated as out-of-network or as being non-participating and will be paid at out-of- network rates. However, if the member was approved for Continuity of Care (COC) during that period, services that are covered under the COC will be paid at the old contract rates. These agreements will once again allow Bay Area residents to have a wider choice of pediatric care providers.

Such contract negotiations with health care providers are Blue Shield’s attempt to contain the ever rising costs of medical care. As a result, Blue Shield customers enjoy lower co-payments, deductibles and premiums.

Health insurance is a complex and often confusing subject where potential health risks and care costs have to be balanced against the cost of the policy. Working out the best balance is something that requires both experience and an expert knowledge of health care costs and options. Allied Brokers has over 50 years of insurance experience and expertise which is always at the disposal of our clients. Contact us for all your health and other insurance needs. Call 1-888-505-7988 (toll free). Visit our website at http://www.alliedbrokers.com/ to find out more about us and the insurance products and services we offer. You can also ask for a free rate quote.

Attention GEOVERA policy holders!

There is a new 10% earthquake retrofit discount available to you at no cost. If your home was built after 1975 it is almost certainly already up to current earthquake building codes. If your home was built prior to 1975 but has been retrofitted, you are still eligible for the discount. If you have your contractor complete the attached form we can apply for the discount.

If you do not have a contractor we would like to refer you to our client Guillaume Peters, owner of Sunviva construction who has done quality work for many of our existing customers in the past. Email him at gheeom@sunviva.com or call him at 650-380-4804. Guillaume will inspect your home to determine whether it meets the GEOVERA requirements. His inspection fee is $125.00. However, as a special promotion Guillaume has agreed to credit the cost of the inspection as payment towards any retrofit work that you hire his company to perform.

Download Retrofitting Information Form!