The Importance of Licensed Remodelers in Insurance-Supported Restoration Projects

When disaster strikes, whether from fire, flood, hurricane, or another catastrophe, speed matters. But so does quality. In the rush to mitigate damage and rebuild, many property owners and adjusters overlook one critical factor: hiring a licensed remodeler for the restoration phase.

In insurance-supported projects, working with a licensed contractor isn’t just a best practice, it’s essential to ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term value. At Maloney Homes, we’ve worked with dozens of disaster relief companies, insurance carriers, and property owners throughout Southwest Florida to restore commercial and residential spaces properly, and legally.

Here’s why licensure matters more than ever in post-disaster remodeling.

1. Licensing Protects Everyone: Owners, Carriers, and Contractors

A state-licensed remodeler meets specific qualifications related to experience, training, financial stability, and legal compliance. This protects all parties involved:

• Property Owners get peace of mind knowing the work is being done to code.

• Insurance Companies reduce liability by partnering with proven professionals.

• Adjusters and PMs benefit from faster approvals and fewer roadblocks during claims processing.

In Florida, for example, all major remodeling work, especially involving structural, electrical, or plumbing components, must be completed by licensed contractors per state law.

2. Licensed Remodelers Understand Insurance Protocols

Insurance restoration isn’t typical remodeling. It requires working within strict claim scopes, using Xactimate or similar estimating platforms, documenting losses thoroughly, and aligning construction phases with the claim lifecycle.

A licensed contractor with insurance restoration experience knows how to:

• Communicate with adjusters and mitigation teams

• Submit correct documentation for draw payments

• Maintain compliance with code upgrades covered by policies

• Avoid errors that delay or deny reimbursements

At Maloney Homes, we’re fluent in these processes and can partner directly with carriers and restoration companies to streamline the project from estimate to final inspection.

3. Unlicensed Work Risks Denied Claims and Failed Inspections

Hiring an unlicensed remodeler after a loss may seem cost-effective in the short term, but it often backfires. Insurance carriers may:

• Refuse to reimburse costs tied to unlicensed labor

• Fail inspections, causing delays and added expenses

• Decline future claims if work doesn’t meet required codes

The last thing any stakeholder wants is to repeat work or lose coverage eligibility due to poor craftsmanship or missing permits.

4. Compliance Isn’t Optional, Especially After Disaster

After natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, Florida enforces heightened permitting and inspection requirements. Projects may involve:

• Structural engineering reports

• Moisture mitigation certifications

• Mold remediation clearances

• Wind load or flood zone compliance

Only a licensed remodeler can legally navigate and execute on these requirements. Maloney Homes works hand-in-hand with permitting departments, inspectors, and restoration partners to keep projects moving forward legally and efficiently.

5. It’s About Building Back Better, Not Just Building Back

When restoration is supported by insurance, it’s a chance to rebuild stronger, with code-compliant, storm-ready materials and modern designs that protect against future loss.

We help clients and partners:

• Incorporate hurricane-resistant features

• Upgrade to mold-resistant drywall or materials

• Reconfigure spaces for better long-term usability

• Improve ventilation, electrical, and energy systems

Done right, a restoration project adds long-term value, not just a patch-up.

Work with Maloney Homes: Your Licensed Commercial & Residential Remodeler in SWFL

As a state-certified contractor with over 40 years of experience, Maloney Homes is a trusted partner for:

• Insurance adjusters

• Disaster mitigation companies

• Property management firms

• Real estate investors

• Commercial building owners

We understand the urgency and complexity of insurance-backed restoration, and we know how to deliver results that meet both building codes and policy requirements.

Let’s Build It Back Right, and Stronger

Whether you're an adjuster, a disaster response company, or a property owner dealing with a major loss, make sure you're working with a licensed remodeling team that can protect your investment, and your claim.