Homeowner Answers From Core Contracting
Straight answers to the questions we get on every job: water damage, insurance, frozen pipes and roofs. Written by Ben, owner of Core Contracting in Elk River.
Sump Pump Failed and the Basement Flooded: What to Do Tonight
What to do in the first hour, what not to do, and when to call for help.
What Your Water Damage Contractor Should Send You Every Day
Moisture readings, photos and a plan, and why they matter for your claim.
Will My New Flooring Match? What to Ask Before It's Ordered
How to avoid cheaper replacement flooring that doesn't match the rest of the house.
Found More Damage Behind the Wall? How Insurance Supplements Work
What a supplement is and what you should see in writing before extra work starts.
Do I Have to Use the Contractor My Insurance Company Recommends?
Your insurance company can suggest a contractor. Here's what that means, what to ask, and how picking your own works.
Why Water Damage Repairs Stall After the Dry-Out
The fans are gone but your walls are still open. Here's why rebuilds stall for months and what to ask so yours doesn't.
Before You Sign the Completion Certificate, Check These Things
A walk-through checklist so you don't sign off on unfinished work.
Change Orders on Insurance Jobs: What's Normal and What's a Red Flag
When extra charges are normal, what Minnesota law says a change order needs, and the red flags to watch for.
Ice Dams: Why Water Leaks Into Your Ceiling in the Middle of Winter
Ice dams push melting snow back under your shingles and into your ceiling. Here's how they form, what to do when one leaks, and how to stop them.
Sewage Backup in Your Basement: What to Do and What Not to Do
A sewer backup is a health hazard, not just a mess. Here's what to do first, what not to touch, and how cleanup works.
7 Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Your Home
Not every leak shows up as a puddle. Here are 7 signs water is getting somewhere it shouldn't, and when to get it checked.
Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Right Now
A failed water heater can dump 40 to 50 gallons on your floor. Here's how to shut it down safely and what happens next.
How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell After a House Fire
Smoke odor gets into drywall, insulation and ductwork. Here's why airing it out isn't enough and what actually removes it.
How to Choose a Water Damage Company (Questions to Ask)
When your basement is wet, you have to pick a company fast. Here are the questions that separate a good one from a bad one.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Burst Pipe in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota homeowners policies cover sudden burst pipe damage. Here's what's usually covered, what isn't, and how to document it so your claim goes smoothly.
What to Do in the First Hour After Your Basement Floods
Basement flooding? Here are the steps to take in the first hour to limit the damage, protect your stuff and set up your insurance claim.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Out a Wet Basement?
Most wet basements take 3 to 7 days to dry with the right equipment. Here's what changes the timeline and how you know it's actually dry.
Can I Dry Out Water Damage Myself With Fans?
Box fans help, but they can't pull water out of walls and subfloors. Here's why commercial dehumidifiers matter and when to call a pro.
Water Damage in a Rental: Who Pays, the Landlord or the Tenant?
In a rental, the landlord handles the building and the claim. Your belongings are on you, which is why renters insurance matters.
How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing in a Minnesota Winter
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter water losses in Minnesota. Here's how to keep the house warm, winterize outside and what to do when it hits below zero.
Roof Leak Repair or a New Roof? How to Tell
A roof leak doesn't always mean a new roof. Here's how to tell whether a repair makes sense based on the condition of the rest of the roof.
Mitigation Company vs Rebuild Contractor: What's the Difference?
Mitigation stops the damage and dries the house. The rebuild puts it back. Here's how the two fit together and why using one company for both is easier.
Call or text Ben: (612) 991-5525 any time, day or night.