What to Do If a Contractor Damages Your Property? Here's What to Do Next
TLDR: What to Do If a Contractor Damages Your Property: Quick Guide
Stop the damage immediately and ensure safety
Document all damage and contractor communications
Request contractor’s insurance info and review contracts
Notify your insurance company promptly
Hire a public adjuster to manage and maximize your claim
How to Handle Property Damage Caused by Contractors
Hiring a contractor usually comes with a certain level of trust. You expect that they’ll improve your home, not leave it worse off. But sometimes, despite contracts and expectations, things go sideways. Maybe it's a plumbing job that leads to a flooded kitchen. Maybe they cracked your foundation, punctured a pipe, or installed a roof that started leaking two days later. Whatever the damage, one thing is true—it creates a mess you didn’t sign up for, and you’re left holding the bag, wondering what to do next.
If you’re in that position, you’re not alone. Plenty of homeowners and property managers run into contractor-related damage and aren’t sure where to start. The process of fixing things, sorting out responsibility, and dealing with insurance can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the middle of an emergency. This guide walks you through it—step by step.
We’ll cover:
What to do immediately after discovering the damage
How to record and save the right evidence
Who might be responsible (and how to tell)
How insurance comes into play
The role of a public adjuster in protecting your claim
Let’s break this down so you can handle it with confidence.
Step 1: Stop the Damage From Spreading
First things first—don’t let the situation get worse. If there’s active water, shut off the water main. If there’s electrical risk, cut power to the area. If a portion of your roof is missing or damaged, cover it with a tarp. Safety and damage control come before anything else.
You're not looking to make full repairs yet. That can come later. For now, just make sure the damage doesn’t escalate while you sort out the details. Temporary measures like blocking off unsafe areas or setting up fans to reduce moisture can make a big difference.
This kind of immediate response helps protect both your property and your future insurance claim. Insurers—and even the contractor’s own insurance—will expect you to have taken reasonable steps to prevent further harm.
Step 2: Get Everything on Record
Documentation is your friend. When you’re dealing with damage, especially from a contractor, having proof is everything. Start by grabbing your phone and taking photos and videos from multiple angles. Make sure you capture:
The damaged area clearly
The surroundings (to give context)
Any debris, tools, or equipment involved
Evidence of water intrusion, fire, or structural shifts
If anything changes over time—like mold starting to show up—take photos of that, too. Keep notes of dates and times as things happen.
Also, hang onto every text, email, voicemail, or written agreement you’ve exchanged with the contractor. These can be helpful later if the situation becomes a legal or insurance matter. If you talk by phone or in person, jot down what was said. Even a simple summary like, “Monday, 2 PM - told me the crew forgot to seal the vent,” can help build your case.
Step 3: Have the Conversation With the Contractor
This part can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Reach out and let the contractor know about the issue. If it’s a good-faith mistake, they may own up to it and offer to fix things or pay for repairs. Ideally, they’ll also provide their insurance information voluntarily.
But let’s be real—not every contractor responds this way. Some might get defensive. Others may avoid your calls altogether. If that happens, don’t push too hard. You’re not trying to argue. You’re building a paper trail. Note that they refused to respond or denied any responsibility. That’s important documentation too.
Step 4: Revisit the Contract and Ask for Their Insurance Info
Go back to the paperwork you signed. Many contracts have clauses that address what happens if property is damaged during work. Look for sections about liability, damages, or insurance. Also check for details about how disputes should be handled.
Then, if they haven’t already given it to you, ask for the contractor’s general liability insurance details. That policy is what usually covers accidental property damage caused while they’re on the job. It may also cover injuries to people on your property.
In some situations, you might be able to file a third-party claim with their insurance carrier directly. You’ll usually need proof that they were at fault—and that’s where your documentation and possibly a public adjuster can help.
Step 5: Contact Your Own Insurance Provider
Even if the contractor was clearly responsible, it’s still a good idea to notify your own insurer. Depending on the type of policy you have and the specifics of the situation, your insurance company may:
Advise you on how to handle the claim
Help you recover costs and then go after the contractor’s insurer (this is called subrogation)
Cover part or all of the damage under your own policy, especially if waiting on the contractor stalls things too long
When you call, give them a clear summary of what happened, when it happened, and what areas of the property were affected. Keep it factual and detailed.
Step 6: Bring in a Public Adjuster (Early, if You Can)
Here’s the thing—insurance claims aren’t always straightforward. When contractor liability is involved, it can get messy. A public adjuster is someone you hire to represent your interests in the claims process. They’re different from the insurance company’s adjuster, who works for the insurer.
Public adjusters help by:
Doing a full inspection of your property
Spotting issues you might have missed
Creating detailed reports and repair estimates
Filing paperwork and communicating with insurance reps
They know what insurers look for and what kind of evidence gets results. They can also act as a buffer if things get tense between you, your insurance provider, and the contractor. You’re not required to hire one, but if the damage is extensive or your claim is getting delayed, it’s worth serious consideration.
Common Types of Contractor-Caused Damage
Not every mishap is created equal, but there are a few types of damage that show up again and again:
Water Damage: From broken pipes, poor sealing, or untested installations. This often leads to mold.
Roof Leaks or Collapse: Especially common when contractors walk on tiles, misplace flashing, or leave areas exposed.
Structural Damage: Mistakes like cutting into load-bearing walls or misaligning beams.
Fire Risks: Usually due to bad wiring, overloaded circuits, or careless installation of electrical components.
Mold and Mildew: From moisture problems caused by improper HVAC work or blocked drainage.
Some of this damage shows up right away. Other times, it takes weeks to become visible. That’s why documenting everything and watching for changes is so important.
Why Public Adjusters Matter More Than You’d Think
Even if you’re a detail-oriented person who’s good with paperwork, dealing with insurance companies and unclear liability can be a grind. A public adjuster brings clarity to a frustrating situation. Their entire job is to advocate for you, and they know how to:
Make sure the claim includes every bit of damage
Back up the claim with evidence that’s hard to dispute
Keep things moving when insurers or contractors drag their feet
They’re also familiar with local and state-level insurance laws, which can play a big role in how claims get handled. Having someone who speaks the language of insurance and construction can save you a lot of time, energy, and stress.
Don’t Put It Off—Time Matters
It’s tempting to wait and see if the contractor makes things right. Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. But waiting too long can seriously hurt your chances of a successful claim. Evidence fades, damage can worsen, and insurance deadlines come and go.
As soon as you notice a problem, take action. Even small steps—like snapping a few photos or emailing your contractor—can make a big difference later on.
Key Takeaways
Stop damage quickly and safely—don’t wait for it to spread
Document everything: damage, conversations, timelines
Ask for the contractor’s insurance details and review your contract
Notify your insurance provider and ask about your options
Consider hiring a public adjuster to guide the claims process and protect your outcome
If you’re stuck dealing with property damage caused by a contractor, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to Shoreline Public Adjusters for a free consultation. We’re here to help you make sense of the mess—and get the compensation you deserve.
Shoreline Public Adjusters, LLC
780 Fifth Avenue South
Suite #200
Naples, FL 34102Email: hello@teamshoreline.com
Phone: 954-546-1899
Fax: 239-778-9889
