Storms are always bad news. Storm damage repair experts know that a particularly strong storm can cause damage to your home. Damage can vary from a small hole in your roof or a few missing shingles to a completely torn-off roof, a submerged basement, or even a flooded ground floor.
This is a time when you’ll be thankful you have home insurance. However, before calling your insurance agent, make sure to take these steps:
Document the Damage
Avoid touching anything for now. Make sure your family is safe, then proceed to your preliminary inspection of the damage to your home. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes while doing this to protect you from any broken glass or other sharp objects strewn all over the floor.
Get a camera or a smartphone and take lots of pictures and even a video of the damage. You can use the footage as part of your documentation. Take out a notebook and a pen and list the damaged items in as much detail as possible. Don’t forget to write the estimated prices.
Call Your Contractors
To start a more thorough inspection of the damage, call your contractors. You may have to call different contractors for different home components: siding contractors, roofing contractors, plumbers, etc.
Here are the things your contractors should take a closer look at:
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Roofing system
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Paint
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Siding
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Windows
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Doors
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Gutter system
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Decks, especially pool decks
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Vents
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HVAC components or air conditioning units
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Electrical
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Plumbing
You should also inspect your appliances. An electrician can make sure they are without water damage and are still safe to use. Have a professional check your stoves, as well.
If any component of your home is damaged so that your interiors are exposed to the elements, hire a restoration contractor immediately. Remember, if you don’t take steps to repair and protect your home, your insurance company might take that against you.
One more thing to remember: as much as possible, hire contractors that are at least approved by your insurer to avoid complications and delays in getting your check.
Be Ready When the Adjuster Arrives
Now that you’ve done your part, it’s time to call your insurance provider. They will send an insurance adjuster to your home; make sure you’re there when the adjuster arrives. Some insurance companies also send an advance team right after a storm to check in with their clients and to help move the claims process along.
Use your notes, pictures and videos as part of your documentation. Most insurance providers appreciate this initiative on the part of the homeowner.
Pro tip: Take note of the deadline that your insurer has set for the filing of claims. Even if nothing is leaking just yet, if your home has obvious signs of damage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your insurer right away.
It’s important to work only with reputable home exterior renovation companies in case of storm damage. Allstar Construction is a trusted contractor. We offer storm damage restoration. Get in touch with us immediately. Call us at (763) 479-8700 or (763) 479-8501. You can also use this form for a free consultation.
