Particularly after major disasters, reconstruction is an opportunity for individuals to replace aging, damaged buildings with new structures, built with the latest techniques and equipment to lower heating and cooling costs, improve indoor air quality, and increase your family's comfort.

Whether recovery means putting damaged homes back together or building new ones, the process creates numerous opportunities for incorporating newer and better technologies and materials. Energy efficiency and passive solar technologies can be incorporated into new or renovated buildings. The site design for new buildings can take into account the natural topography and provide for solar access, and appropriate landscaping can provide shading during the summer and wind protection during the winter Recycled and resource-efficient products can replace their virgin counterparts to conserve energy and landfill space. Energy-efficient windows and increased insulation levels can retain heat during the winter and reflect heat during the summer. Increasing your home's airtightness will lower its space heating and cooling requirements, allowing you to install a smaller, less expensive heating or cooling system.

Rebuilding or repairing with efficiency in mind means using tomorrow's technologies, not yesterday's. But the benefits are tangible: Incorporating energy-efficiency features conserves energy, reduces pollution, and reduces energy costs. Today's most energy-efficient homes are heated and cooled with one-third to one-tenth the energy of a typical home. Generating less waste during construction or remodeling activities means using fewer natural resources and conserving precious landfill space. And using non-toxic materials creates healthier indoor air quality for your family.

Insurance and Contractor Tips for Rebuilding

Take the following steps to ensure effective repairs on your damaged property:

Adjusters are required to properly identify themselves and, if requested, show you their Virginia license.

If you feel the settlement offered by your insurer is not fair or complete, contact the company to provide additional information to support your claim.

You are not required to use the contractor the insurance company recommends.

You should use reliable, licensed contractors like Richmond Rebuilders, Inc.

Get a written estimate and read the fine print. Deal with a local contractor if possible.

You should ask for (and check) references.

Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

Obtain a complete contract that states the tasks to be performed and all associated costs including, if applicable, costs for permits or licenses.

Ask for a written guarantee stating who is responsible for equipment and materials.

Avoid on-the-spot cash payments. The safest route is to write a check made out to the contracting company or use a credit card.

If you need to cancel a contract, cancellation should be done within three business days of signing. Be sure to follow the agreements stated in the cancellation clauses and send the notification by registered mail.

If excavation work is being performed, make sure a qualified inspector approves the work before it is hidden from view.