Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are located in the Live Oak, Florida along the banks of the Suwannee River, but we serve all of North, North Central & Northeast Florida. Don’t let our location deter you, we have a very efficient process and can finish most shingle roofs in one – two days.

Prior to the recent hurrican the owner would have been onsite for the duration of the project. The Building Butlers does not employee salesmen. You will deal directly with the owner from the initial contact until completion and again in the rare case of a warranty claim. We also have production and project manager’s to communicate with you during the project timeline.

Yes. This is a typical scenario. This is most common when the property owner files a claim without a contractor involved but happens with contractors as well. It is typically based on an insurance estimate with an improper or reduced scope of work. Most adjusters are not trained in construction but are highly trained in cost savings. We can put together a proper scope of work and Xactimate estimate to obtain proper payment.

This is very common as it is one of the Dirty D’s of insurance. Interesting enough, owners typically come to us after they have been denied as we are commonly are able to have denials reversed. Schedule a free appointment to have us evaluate your claim.

Xactimate is the insurance industry standard pricing database used for estimating. Insurance companies like for the cost to be broken out so they know what they are paying for. This program allows for that. It also allows contractors to input every item that needs to be repaired – many of which are left off by the insurance appraiser either intentionally or ignorantly.

Possibly. It depends. We typically settle everything up front so that there are no delays in payment after the project is complete (we have seen this take up to 18 months by not settling payment up front). If the project total has been agreed upon then we should be able to start. Every project is unique. If you have a mortgage, then the first check will likely have to go to them for endorsement. Depending on the amount of the claim, the check will be endorsed and returned.

Each project is unique. As co-payees we have witnessed incorrect mortgage companies, names of deceased persons on checks (try depositing that one), names of persons not on the policy, attorneys, etc. One of the most interesting things about insurance restoration is seeing what they will try next. When you think you’ve seen it all, get ready for a surprise.

Unfortunately this is one of the downfalls of property insurance claims. Once the check has been endorsed the mortgage company can hold it as long as they want. They commonly make everyone jump through hoops signing papers that have already been submitted or asking for additional information as delay tactics to hang on to the money longer. As long as it is in their account, they can loan it out and gain interest on it. It is just part of the process that there is not much control over. We have paid for a check to be overnighted in return only to receive an empty envelope. Most of the time mortgage companies are worse than the insurance companies when it comes to holding money. It is best to ask all of the questions up front to reduce the delay as much as possible.

Appraisal is one of if not the best tool when it comes to insurance claim construction. It has been around since the early 1900’s, however, Insurers have been removing in from the policies recently. Appraisal is like an arbitration in the field (on job site). When a price is not agreed upon between the owner/contractor and the insurance company, appraisal can be selected to determine the fair market value of the claim. Once the price is determined it is final (make sure you choose the right appraiser), although appraisal can be evaluated by the court system if you choose to go that route. Appraisal is typically the fastest and best way to get a claim dispute settled.

In our experience, you do not. That is, not if you choose the right contractor. The contractor will create a detailed estimate for the job just like a public adjuster will, however, the PA will take 20% off of the top which allows the 80% balance for the completion of the work. Using a contractor, 100% of the claim payment goes to the construction costs. Of course this is your decision and you may choose a PA if you feel more comfortable.

Possibly, It depends. Every project is unique and every insurance company is unique. Some are worse than others. If you see them advertise on TV, be aware that they are very likely to short change your claim payment. Consider starting with a competent contractor. They can only charge for the work being completed. Depending on the attorney and state, you may incur charges up front for work completed by an attorney. Some attorneys only charge if they win and some states allow for fee shifting (this means that the insurance company pays your attorney fees if they lose). In our experience the owner can normally work everything out with a competent contractor but there are times when an attorney is absolutely necessary.

We do. We offer consulting as well as a training program to get contractors up to speed with insurance restoration. It has taken many years and tens of thousands of dollars to get to where we are. If we can help another contractor cut the learning curve and expense we would love to help.