How to Choose the Right Contractor After Your Insurance Claim Is Settled

Disasters like storms and fires can turn your life upside down. Insurance can help pay for repairs, but once the check arrives you still need a trusted contractor. Choosing the right person is key: a good contractor will restore your home without delays or surprises, while a bad one can waste time and money. This guide, written at an eighth‑grade reading level, explains how to find a quality contractor, what to watch for, and why public adjusters and contractors must remain separate roles so you stay in control of your repair project.

Why the Right Contractor Matters

Hiring a contractor is not just about finding someone to swing a hammer. A contractor will be in your home, managing the people and materials needed to rebuild. They will talk with you about money, schedules and how things should look when they are done. A bad contractor may show up late, cut corners or try to overcharge you. In the worst cases they may disappear with your deposit.

Your insurance claim only goes so far. If repairs cost more than your settlement, you may be responsible for the extra amount. A reputable contractor will give you a clear estimate and stick to it. They will also know how to work with an insurance settlement. Choosing well is therefore about protecting your home, your wallet and your peace of mind.

Finish Your Claim First

Before you sign any contracts, make sure your insurance claim is settled. Do not hire a contractor to handle your claim for you. In many states, including Florida, public adjusters handle insurance negotiations. Contractors do the repair work after the claim is approved. This separation protects homeowners. A contractor who also tries to manage your claim may not understand insurance policies. They might push you to sign paperwork that gives them control of your claim money. Avoid this.

Before you start calling contractors, complete your insurance claim. Public adjusters handle negotiations and contractors do the repairs after the claim is approved. Do not sign repair contracts until you know how much money you have to work with. In simple terms:

1. Report and document the damage. File the claim promptly and photograph everything.

2. Cooperate with your adjuster. They will visit, assess the damage and agree on a settlement. Ask when you will receive payment.

3. Wait for the settlement check. Once it arrives you know your budget and can move on to hiring a contractor.

With your claim settled you know what needs to be fixed and how much money is available. Now you are ready to find the right contractor.

Where to Look for Contractors

Finding good contractors is easier when you know where to search. Start by asking people you trust—family, friends and neighbors often provide the most honest feedback. You can also check local trade lists from builders’ associations or the Better Business Bureau to find licensed professionals with good records. Finally, get several estimates from different firms; you are not required to use the contractor your insurer suggests. When evaluating options, choose a local company whenever possible. Local businesses are easier to reach if problems arise, and a well‑known Florida firm like Orange Contracting and Roofing understands local building codes.

Check Licenses, Insurance and Experience

Once you have a list of contractors, verify their credentials. This protects you from scams and poor workmanship.

Contractors should be licensed, insured and experienced. Ask each candidate for their license number and verify it with your state board. Unlicensed operators may ignore required permits, lack insurance and provide poor quality work. A reputable contractor carries general liability and workers’ compensation coverage and has been in business for years. Choose someone who has experience with projects like yours and is comfortable working with insurance‑funded repairs. Specialized certifications, such as mold remediation training, can be a bonus but are not a substitute for a valid license and insurance.

Questions to Ask Prospective Contractors

Meeting with several contractors helps you see who is the best fit. Prepare a short list of questions, such as:

• Can you provide references? Call past customers to ask about quality, timeliness and communication.

• How long have you been in business? Local experience shows they understand codes and have a track record.

• Are you licensed and insured? Write down the license number and ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation coverage.

• Will you pull permits and who will be on site? A responsible contractor handles required permits and uses qualified workers or subcontractors.

• What warranty do you offer? Understand the guarantees on workmanship and materials.

• How is the payment schedule structured? Deposits should be small and progress payments tied to completed work stages.

These questions let you compare companies beyond price and show contractors that you expect professionalism.

Comparing Estimates and Contracts

After the interviews, ask each contractor for a written estimate. Estimates should spell out labor, materials, permit fees and other costs. Collect several estimates and compare them on more than price. Consider the quality of materials, the projected timeline and how quickly the contractor responded. Beware of high‑pressure sales, vague promises or requests for large cash deposits.

When you choose a contractor, insist on a detailed written contract. It should state the start and finish dates, describe exactly what work will be done, explain how and when payments are due, outline warranties and specify how any changes will be handled. Both you and the contractor need to sign the agreement. If anything is missing or confusing, ask for clarification before you sign; it is easier to fix issues up front than to fight over misunderstandings later.

Payment Tips

Paying for home repairs can be stressful, but a few simple rules help protect you. Pay only a small deposit up front—many states limit this to around 10–20%—and make the rest in stages as work is completed. Always use traceable methods like checks or bank transfers rather than cash, and match your payments to your insurer’s release of funds. Avoid contractors who demand full payment before work begins or pressure you into paying in cash.

Avoid Assignment of Benefits and Other Scams

An assignment of benefits (AOB) is an agreement that lets a contractor collect your insurance money directly. While this may sound convenient, it can give the contractor control over your claim and open the door to abuse. Some unscrupulous firms have used AOBs to inflate repairs or take checks without finishing the work. Florida has passed laws limiting AOBs for this reason. If someone asks you to sign an AOB, think twice. Keep control of your claim by handling the insurance money yourself and only signing documents you fully understand. Watch out for other scams too: high‑pressure sales, demands for large cash deposits or offers to “handle everything with your insurer” are warning signs. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away and find another contractor.

Monitor the Work and Close Out the Project

Signing a contract is not the end of your involvement. Stay engaged during the repair by visiting the site, asking questions and keeping records of communications, invoices and change orders. Organize key dates—such as inspections and payment milestones—so you know what to expect. When the work is finished, do a final walk‑through with your contractor. Check that everything promised in the contract is complete and collect a final invoice, warranty papers and proof that subcontractors have been paid. Only make the last payment when you are satisfied with the result.

Keep Roles Separate

Throughout your recovery, remember that public adjusters and contractors serve different purposes. A public adjuster negotiates with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement. They understand policy language, depreciation and claim procedures. A contractor’s expertise is in rebuilding. Having the same person handle both roles can create conflicts of interest and may even be illegal in some states. By keeping these roles separate, you ensure each professional focuses on what they do best.

When it is time to rebuild, choose a contractor who knows how to work with insurance settlements but does not overstep into adjusting. For example, companies like Orange Contracting and Roofing focus on quality roof repairs and general construction. They are licensed, insured and experienced in working with homeowners after storms. They respect the boundary between claims and repairs, ensuring you stay in control of your insurance benefits while still getting skilled workmanship.

Wrapping Up

Rebuilding your home after a disaster can be one of the most challenging times of your life. By settling your insurance claim first and then carefully choosing a contractor, you reduce stress and protect your investment. Start by asking trusted people for recommendations and research several companies. Verify licenses and insurance, ask the right questions and compare written estimates. Look out for red flags like high‑pressure sales tactics and assignment of benefits agreements. Once you sign a contract, stay involved and keep detailed records until the project is complete.

Choosing the right contractor takes time, but it pays off in quality workmanship, clear communication and fewer problems. Your home deserves a professional who will treat it with care, not just someone who offers the lowest price. With careful selection and a focus on professionalism, you can move from disaster to a fully restored home with confidence.