How do I get into Hurrincane/Storm Restoration?

[Eric Day]

I am looking to expand my opperation to provide restoration services to storms and hurricanes where a large enough area is effected to were I can be of assistance as a licensed out of state contractor. I have worked in the water damage industry in southern California for 10 years, and have opperated my own business for the past 4.

I have tons of experience with damage caused by plumbing leaks, roof leaks..etc, but know very little about how to go about getting into stom damage restoration, and what special procedures might need to be implemented to provide proper restoration service. I would like anyone with experience working large hurricanes/storms to share your knowlege on this subject, what I can expect, and what I need to know to get into this line of work. ie.. procedures, supplies and equipment needed, marketing, logistics, licensing issues, and anything else I should know about first. Ive done a lot of digging on line, and havent come up with a whole lot from the restoration contractors point of view.

Thanks.

[Allyequip]

Eric,


I have worked every major storm since 2000. Most of the big companies have national accounts. Some of our accounts are Macy's, Sears, Kmart, JC Penny to name a few. Luckily these types of accounts have stores and offices all over the united states. So we already have a foot in the door and a reason to travel if a disaster happens. I would recommend seeing if any of your accounts in Cali have offices in other parts of the country. Proceed to market them on a national level.


Another thing we always do is send a scout or two in to the front lines. These guy's should have a great amount of sales experince and the ability to be there right as the storm goes through. This way you don't send lots of people, trucks and equipment until you get feedback from your scout. He or she could say I am securing business right and left or the strom didn't do that much and there's just not as much work as anticipated. Now you deploy the troops or hold back and wait for the next one.


Cat work is a whole other beast. You really have to have, Man power, Equipment and the ability to either make a ton of money or possibly take a hit. I would also recommend a mobile command center. These come in to use greatly for CAT work. Could be a motor home or a pull behind. Something you can run your office out of in the middle of ground zero.


Good luck!!! I hope I shed some insight on it for you and if you ever need any equipment or consulting for CAT work. My contact info is below.
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Ally Equipment Rental is the nation's premier disaster recovery and restoration equipment rental company. Our large inventory, fast response, and immediate service mean you'll have the equipment you need, when you need it most.

[Eric Day]

Thanks for the advice. It is much appreciated. I like the idea of having a scout go in to check it out, thats a good idea. Were not a huge company, so even if we could do a commercial building or three I would be fine with that. I have looked into scooping up a decent RV and enclosed trailor for a command post and to hual more equipment.

Anyone know how licensing works on major storms? We are a GC with 2 million in liability, 12k bond etc, but that is here in Cal. I have found a few things on line about being able to get a waiver to work temporary out of state when there is a major area hit, and its too big for locals to handle in a timely manner, but nothing definitave. Im sure it varies depending on the states rules.

Im currently looking into possibly doing overflow work for a Huge restoration contractor out here in Cal that does work nation wide for disastors, and just giving them a fair percentage of the invoice.

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[restopro]

Eric,

Before you start this work a couple of questions should be answered (and forgive me if this is remedial, but it bears mentioning).

If you are handling overflow for a huge company, how huge are they? Are they a big local player, regional player, or national player? Sure they are your friend today, but are you feeding the beast that you will have to fight tomorrow.

How solid are they about payment? Just because they are big doesn't always mean they are solvent. Trust me, I have stories. If you think payment is slow on regular work wait until you see how bad it is on CAT work. Big companies will, in many cases, not be held out 30-60 days on payment, but rather 360-540 days so they can get hammered down on price. Make yourself VERY AWARE about lein filing laws in all states you will be working in. States like Georgia and North Carolina are far more forgiving than Alabama where you have 8 days from first furnishing to enact a lein (which means you better file a lein on the property the second you have signed paperwork to start). How long can you and your business go without money away from home?

While you are gone chasing the big ones that this huge company doesn't want how much local work are you missing? Forsaking your base customers is a VERY poor idea unless the work is easily handled at home. Many contractors make the mistake of running after the big cat work, including some of the largest companies in the restoration industry, only to see that when they return home the base has suffered because marketing and ability to respond to local work has suffered.

What is the toll on your personal life? If you are married and you love your spouse, but things are a little rocky CAT duty is not where you need to be for the next 6-18 weeks. Not entirely applicable to business, but really needs to be said and understood.

Licensing? Check with the states in the areas you are possibly looking to go into now. Start with the most frequently hit states, and move to the peripheral. Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Louisiana is a good place to start. Then look to the large coastal areas and find out about local requirements. If you have a general contractors license see if they are reciprocal with your state. The Secretary of State, or in some states the state department of revenue can help with that.

I have been in the industry for about 15 years. I have been in the southeast for hurricanes, the midwest for floods and tornados, out west for mud slides, up north for big commercial fires. I say that not bragging, but to show you how many times and ways I have been burned. My first four years of CAT work was done at a loss. It is very tough to make money unless you have a really strong plan.

[Allyequip]

Dear restopro,


Who are you working with now? and I appreciate your feedback in one of your messages you left me. All though I don't believe you know the whole story, it does sound like you know your way around.
_________________
Ally Equipment Rental is the nation's premier disaster recovery and restoration equipment rental company. Our large inventory, fast response, and immediate service mean you'll have the equipment you need, when you need it most.

[jerryjacson]

Hi!
I am jerry and work in damage restoration company. you can take help from this type of damage repair companies.