Flood aftermath: How to rebuild


  • May 5, 2014
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   community-dashboard

If your path out of the epic rain event of last week includes repairs or rebuilding on your home, city and county officials want to make sure you have as smooth a path as possible.

Bill Weeks, director of inspections services for the City of Pensacola, says permits for most repairs in the city limits can be obtained with a 15-minute-or-less visit to the fifth floor of City Hall. Call 436-5600 with ANY questions.

A big note: If water got to your electrical outlets, you’ll need a permit to replace the wiring.

“If you’re repairing Sheetrock typically that means water got in your electrical,” Weeks says.

Weeks says he took Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to several areas of the city that were flooded, including Aragon, Guillemard Street and the Cordova Park area.

The request for a presidential disaster declaration was approved by President Obama. Residents should visit www.disasterassistance.gov to register.

Though obviously amount will vary, typically, FEMA will make available $30,000 to $40,000 for individuals, Weeks says. Anything that’s not covered by flood insurance, then Small Business Administration makes loans available, (even for residences) and the interest on those loans is anywhere from 1 to 4 percent.

A major concern for Weeks and officials in both counties is the number of contractors coming in from out of state who do not have licenses or insurance, including worker’s compensation insurance for the State of Florida.

In the city, call inspection services at 436-5600 to check on whether a contractor is licensed and to ask specific questions about what you need repaired.

In Escambia County, Sheetrock damage will need a building permit to complete the repairs; electrical permits are needed to replace outlets and wiring. County public information officer Bill Pearson says officials strongly suggest that people hire a licensed electrical contractor.

Permits are available at the Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola. Pearson says, home owners seeking permits to repair a storm damaged home will not be denied.

Inspections may be scheduled by using our Interactive Voice Response, 24 hours a day, at(850) 471-6400. For questions or additional information, contact the Building Inspections Department by email at [email protected] or call (850) 595-3550.

If you have questions about a particular contractor working in Escambia County, call 850-595-3509 or visit: http://www.myescambia.com/business/ds/online-contractor-and-citizen-access

An at-a-glance guide:

Homeowners (own and occupy their home)

If flooding occurred in the home and reached the electrical receptacles, a permit will be required to replace any wiring that was covered with water.

A building permit will also be required to repair the sheetrock, replace doors and windows, and replace any insulation that was ruined by water.

A homeowner is allowed by Florida Statute to obtain their own permit without having to obtain the services of a contractor if they choose. This is a walk-in type permit and can be issued while you wait. The permitting office is on the fifth floor of City Hall and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

If you have a question, call permitting and inspection at 436-5600.

Rental Property

The same permit requirement as homeowner, but the services of licensed contractors will be required.

Commercial Property

If the property is in the name of the owner and not an LLC or any other type of corporation and is for the use of the owner, they may obtain their own permits. LLC’s and such of rental commercial property will require the services of licensed contractors.

BEWARE

Be ever mindful of unlicensed and unpermitted work.

If you hire unlicensed contractors, you as an individual, can be charged with aiding and abetting unlicensed activity. If a contractor asks you to obtain the permit for them, chances are they are working illegally. If you do obtain the permit for them and there are problems later, the City of Pensacola cannot assist you if you have problems later down the road. Protect yourself and always ask for a copy of their insurance, license, and permits.

You may call inspection services at 436-5600 to check on whether a contractor is licensed.

Joy Tsubooka, spokeswoman for Santa Rosa County, also stressed the importance of having repairs done under proper permits.

In Santa Rosa County, to check whether a contractor is licensed in the county, checkhttp://data1.santarosa.fl.gov/gopermitslive/

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In Santa Rosa, a permit is required for but not limited to:

o   Foundation repairs.

o   Drywall replacement.

o   Roofing repairs.

o   Electrical repairs or replacement.

o   Water line or gas line repairs or replacement.

o   Air conditioner/heating repairs or replacement.

Warning Signs of an Unlicensed Contractor:

o   The contract offers a verbal contract only.

o   The contractor does not have proof of insurance. A licensed contractor in Santa Rosa County is required to have workers compensation and general liability insurance.

o   The contractor asks you to obtain the permit. The permit holder is held responsible for making any changes needed to pass inspections. If you hold the permit then we expect you to make the corrections.

o   The contractor states that a permit is not required. Most often a permit is required except for minor repairs.

o   The contractor only provides a copy of a Business Tax Receipt as proof of a license. The State of Florida requires an individual to hold a State Certification, State Registration of Specialty Trade License in the field they are contracting to lawfully engage in contracting. Each will have a wallet card labeled with their name and scope of trade.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL Santa Rosa County Development services between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (850) 981-7000.

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