8.2 inches of rain is what I measured in my rain gauge from this latest storm.  And yes, I live in southwest Sioux Falls.

Oh, and I discovered before it was too late that one of our two sump pumps had a bad switch.  Whew!

If you are one of the unlucky that has water damage please read this release from the Home Builders of the Sioux Empire.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK WHEN HIRING COMPANIES FOR STORM DAMAGE REPAIRS

Friday, August 28, 2015 - When homeowners have been impacted by an event like the flash flooding throughout the Sioux Empire on August 28, 2015, they will be faced with hiring a professional contractor or subcontractor to make repairs to their home. Flood water can have a drastic impact on a home while damaging things like flooring, drywall, electrical and much more.

If you’re going to need repairs to your home, do your homework and choose a remodeler, contractor or restoration specialist with care. It’s common that after a disaster like this, contractors from other areas of the country will temporarily relocate here and begin to solicit their services to homeowners in need. Be careful in which company you hire to do the work. Be wary of low bids as the lowest bid is not always the best. If time allows, try to get more than one bid but be sure to compare the type of work being proposed by each contractor. 

The following are other things to consider when hiring a contractor, remodeler or subcontractor: 

• Do your homework - everyone will want to get their homes repaired or replaced as quickly as possible but be patient
• Make a detailed sweep of your home (both interior and exterior), then contact your insurance agent before you hire a contractor
• It’s important to stay calm so you don’t make rash decisions under pressure
• Verify the company’s permanent business address is in this area and not from out of state
• Be wary of a contractor who wants full payment before the job begins
• Ask for proof of a Sioux Falls contractor’s license or South Dakota excise tax certificate
• Ask for proof of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance
• Ask for references from the remodeler or contractor and actually check those references
• Check with the Better Business Bureau for any history of unsatisfied complaints
• You should understand your contract and warranties that the contractor will provide for the work performed. The contract should outline the scope of the work, the price, and at what points of completion payment is due.
As tempting as it may be to try to fix the damage on your own, it’s best to hire a professional to do the work. They are properly trained and know the building codes for the area so the job is done correctly the first time. Often times “do it yourself” projects of this magnitude don’t hold up long term and can cost you more money in the end by having a professional come back later to redo the work.

It’s also very important to understand that flood damage to your home can lead to future problems that are hidden behind the walls. If you attempt to repair the damage on your own, just because you can’t see any mold doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Mold can lead to serious health problems if gone undetected by a qualified professional. It’s crucial to get the water damage taken care of within a matter of a couple days after the flooding since mold begins to grow shortly after.

And most importantly, visit the Homebuilders Association of the Sioux Empire’s website at hbasiouxempire.com or call 605-361-8322 for a complete listing of contractors, remodelers and subcontractors. These are business owners that live and work in this community every day and have a vested interested in the housing industry. They will be here long after this disaster is over should you need them again. 

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