5 Steps for Smart Storm Restoration
Nowadays, it seems that no matter where you live in the US, your home is at risk of serious storm damage. As the climate continues to sustain damage, we’re seeing worsening storm systems, including bigger and more destructive hurricanes.
Every homeowner should have a disaster preparedness plan, but this is especially the case for anyone who lives in a high-risk storm zone.
What does disaster preparedness look like? It isn’t just about evacuating safely and protecting your most precious documents. It’s also about tackling storm restoration the smart way.
Read on for five tips that will help you put together a smart storm restoration plan for your property.
1. Assess and Document the Damage
When, and only when, you get the all-clear to return to your property, it’s time to start documenting the damage caused by the storm or weather event. Keep in mind that it is not worth jeopardizing your safety to get started on this process. If necessary, wait for disaster professionals and first responders to verify that it is safe to walk in and around your property.
What kind of damage should you be looking for? Make sure to inspect:
- the roof
- exterior siding
- windows and doors
- appliances such as the oven, water heater, and air conditioning unit
- interior walls
- staircases
- the basement, attic, or crawl space
Look for safety hazards, structural damage, and other issues that require immediate attention. Be sure to photograph every sign of damage, record the types of damage in writing, and take videos to establish how severe the damage is. You should also make an inventory of any personal property that was lost or destroyed in the storm.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have thorough documentation of the damage your property has sustained, it’s time to call your insurance company. We recommend pulling up a copy of your insurance policy to reference while you speak with a representative. That way, you can be sure that the insurance coverage they’re offering aligns with what you’ve paid for.
Although you may not want to deal with your insurance company so soon, it’s imperative that you get them involved as soon as possible. They will need to send an adjuster to your property, who will take their own documentation of the damage. Until this process is complete, the insurance company will not be able to provide clear answers regarding the dollar value of the coverage they’re offering.
3. Prevent Further Property Damage
Even if you believe that your home insurance policy is going to cover most of the damage, you will need to do your best to prevent further property damage. What do we mean by this? Why would there be further damage to your property when the storm has passed?
One reason why property restoration is such an urgent matter is that damage begets more damage. For example, if your staircase is beginning to sag, putting more weight on it over time is going to speed along the process of collapse. If your roof has missing shingles, any moisture is going to break that barrier, leading to water damage and mold growth in your attic or uppermost floor.
Plus, if the insurance company believes that you have allowed your property to fall into further disarray, they may offer you less money to restore the damage. Because you probably won’t break ground on damage restoration right away, the goal is to take precautionary measures in the meantime. That means covering a damaged roof or broken windows with a waterproof tarp, staying off of structurally unsound fixtures, and more.
4. Start Hiring Damage Restoration Professionals
Oftentimes, insurance companies are not interested in funding DIY restoration projects. Plus, it’s not a bad idea to take the opportunity to upgrade materials and build back the damaged areas so that they’re stronger in the face of the next storm system. That means that it’s time to consult the professionals.
If you’re dealing with something like water damage or fire damage, start with disaster restoration specialists. Living with water and fire damage is dangerous because mold and soot are both serious health hazards. Specialists can mitigate the damage and remove the toxic or hazardous substances so that your home is safe to live in.
Next, start hiring the right contractors for the individual projects you will have to undertake. That could mean roofing contractors, window specialists, plumbers, electricians, and even landscapers. Don’t pick the cheapest services just to save a buck; screen your contractors for proper licensing, good reviews, and appropriate experience.
5. Keep Track of All Expenses
As you move through the process of restoring your home and work to rebuild stronger, keep track of every associated receipt. That includes the bills associated with your contractors and damage restoration specialists but it also includes the bills associated with temporary housing.
Your insurance company will need to see all of this information in order to reimburse you. Be aware that while many types of storm damage, such as wind or fire damage, are covered in typical home insurance policies, some major ones aren’t. Take the time before your home gets hit by a storm to familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage and take out additional policies if necessary.
Are You Prepared for Storm Restoration?
All across the country, it’s becoming imperative that homeowners make disaster preparedness plans. When you think about how you’ll handle the next major storm system to head your way, be sure to use this guide to create a storm restoration plan. You never know when you’re going to need to use it.
Looking for more ways to protect or improve your home? Take a look at our home content for DIY tips, real estate industry trends, contractor hiring guides, and more.
