Your home’s roof is one of its most important features; while not necessarily the most alluring of Why can storm damage restoration be such a nightmare? The insurance claims, repair timelines and the whole assessment process can be tedious and draining. Anyone who’s had their house ravaged by mother nature can attest to this. With hurricane Ida making landfall this summer, more and more insurance claims are going to be filed this year. Whether a storm has hit your home or you just want to be prepared for the worst, here are 4 scary things you should stay away from when addressing your home’s storm damage.
Not Documenting Damage
After the storm is done and over, it’s time to inspect the aftermath. As you head outside to examine the damage, be careful of your surroundings. Broken glass, metal, wood splinters, and many other hazardous materials will more than likely be strewn about. As you inspect the exterior (and interior) of your house, it’s a great idea to take photos as you go. This way, you won’t forget any signs of damage when the inspector examines your home. Try to maximize your insurance claim as much as possible. Here are some things to expect when contemplating storm damage restoration.
Waiting to Contact Your Insurance Provider
It’s important to contact your insurance provider about storm-related damage as soon as possible. Luckily, most homeowner’s insurance should cover the following: tornado, water, and roof damage, as well as food spoilage or hotel costs. If you don’t have any of these insurances, you may contact the Federal Emergency Management System (FEMA) at 1 (800) 621-3362 for extra-governmental assistance.
Being Unfamiliar with How Adjusters Work
There are different types of adjusters that are either provided by your insurance provider, contracted by the insurance company, or are public adjusters that can assess your home for insurance claims. It’s important to know the benefits and distinctions of each kind in regards to legal questions and reconstruction. Make sure to participate in the inspection with your adjuster or insurance representative. This would be a great time to show them the photos you’ve taken previously so no signs of damage go overlooked. Don’t forget to perform a thorough roof inspection when assessing storm damage restoration.
Waiting Too Long to Repair
The storm damage restoration insurance claim process can be arduous, taking many weeks to negotiate and receive a check for repairs, but the sooner you can begin to repair your home, the better. As your home sits damaged, more structural problems can occur. Mold, water damage, sagging infrastructure, sinking foundation, and many other problems can occur if they go unfixed. Also, very important, as you begin to repair your home, be sure to keep and document all expenses. Keep the receipts, credit card statements, and all similar information for your insurance company and storm damage adjuster.
Want to Learn More?
We know that addressing storm damage restoration can be a difficult process. Reach out to the house repair professionals — 3JM Exteriors Inc. — at (630) 491-4145 or contact us online to learn more about our storm damage repair services and insurance claims support. Let 3JM Exteriors Inc. be the trusted expert you can count on for all your housing repair solutions!
Leave a Reply