Nature is beautiful, but its power can wreak havoc on your property. Homeowners who’ve had to face storm damage know this truth all too well.
Being in this boat is challenging, especially when you realize that it’s not something you have to deal with daily. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Check out this complete guide on what to do after storm damage. We walk you through the process step-by-step so that you can successfully rebuild.
Inspect Your Home
There’s nothing more devasting than seeing your home after a brutal storm. A caving roof, broken windows, and other damage are enough to make anyone emotional.
However, you should inspect your home to know what you’re dealing with.
Before you do a walk-through, make sure the area is safe. Use caution and avoid broken glass, electrical lines, and other hazards.
Other safety measures you should take are as follows:
- Do your inspection during the day.
- If you do your inspection when it’s dark, use a flashlight instead of an open flame.
- Keep an eye (or should we say a nose) out for gas leaks and shut off the mainline.
- Avoid standing water.
- Be aware of the possibility of a collapsed roof or walls.
Document the Damage
While inspecting your home, be sure to document the damage.
Photographs and videos will help you file your claim with your insurance company. Use your phone to capture leaks, split seams, gutter dents, and any other kind of damage.
While getting pictures is important, you should never sacrifice your safety for a shot.
Aside from photographs, you should also document expenses. Save receipts for hotel stays, repair work, and anything else related to your situation. If your insurance company approves your claim, it may reimburse you for these expenses.
Contact the Insurance Company
After conducting your inspection, you should contact your insurance company right away. An agent will use your documentation to help you file a claim.
Know that as long as you aren’t facing flood damage, your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover damage from hail, window, snow, and other inclement weather.
Make Minor Repairs
It can take some time for your insurance company to send out a contractor. In the meantime, you should strive to prevent further damage.
Minnesota restoration contractors recommend making minor repairs such as boarding up windows and setting up tarps. These fixes are temporary but will make the restoration process easier.
Follow Up With Your Insurance Company
When you call your insurance company, realize that it’s not a one-and-done interaction. You should keep in contact with your agent throughout the entire claims process.
Good communication will ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. For instance, you’ll be able to provide additional evidence, answer questions, and stay up-to-date on the status of your claim. Some providers even offer SMS/text alerts for convenience.
Additionally, you’ll know which contractors your insurance company is sending to your home. This information will help you avoid the all-too-common roof repair scams. It’s unfortunate, but some crooks who won’t hesitate to take advantage of families during the aftermath of a storm.
Rebuilding After Storm Damage — The Bottom Line
We know that facing storm damage is overwhelming. But as a homeowner, you must remain calm.
After doing an inspection and taking pictures, you should contact your insurance company. An agent will help you through the rest of the process and send out the pros. In the meantime, you can prevent further damage by doing minor repairs.
Throughout this process, remember to always put your safety first. Nothing is so urgent that you should risk injury. As long as you follow our guide, you should be able to successfully rebuild once the clouds clear.
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