If you’ve just experienced storm damage to your house, you know how devastating it can be. Repairs can be costly, and you may have to wait for reimbursement from your insurance company. The most important thing is to keep your family safe and return your home to normal.
Preparing ahead of time for a weather event relieves anxiety and provides for a seamless recovery once the storm has passed. If you reside in a storm-prone area, for example, having a shelter to wait out the storm is recommended. If damage occurs, an emergency fund might be used to meet unforeseen bills. Knowing what to do after a storm might also help you go back to your normal routine quickly.
When a storm strikes, you must act rapidly to mitigate the damage. You can examine the damage, file a claim with your insurance company, and hire a general contractor. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can resume your normal schedule.
This blog post not only provides you with some useful advice for overcoming storm damage but also explains how to manage storm damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. Let’s get going.
Storm Damage Inspection
Following a storm, a walk-through with an experienced storm damage expert will help you assess whether your family requires temporary shelter or if the house is habitable. Your storm damage specialist will assist you in keeping an eye out throughout the walk-through.
- Broken glass
- Slippery floors
- Exposed or broken power lines
- Standing water
- Collapsed roofing structures
- Gas leaks
- And more
If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main valve and open the windows as soon as possible. Go outside and notify your gas provider and the authorities after that. You must not return to your home until it is safe. If your home has been severely destroyed, you and your family will be relocated to a safe location, such as friends, family, or a hotel. Having a place to stay will ease stress and cut down on unneeded costs.
Examine the Damage and Take Photographs
Take photos of the damage before calling your insurance company, as the photos will help guarantee you are completely paid. Your storm damage expert will examine the following areas:
- Roof lifting and shingles: If broken limbs or heavy debris are visible on the roof, be extra cautious because this could indicate a weakened roofing structure. On the roof, keep an eye out for holes, leaks, and damaged seams. Dented, fractured, or missing shingles, vents, gutters, and flashing are all possibilities. Check the gutters and downspouts for debris as well.
- Outside siding: Paintings and bricks may be damaged by the storm, but entire walls may be torn down.
- Doors and windows: Flying debris can create cracks, holes, and even broken window glass and frames.
- Outdoor appliances, such as air conditioning units, are vulnerable to storm damage. Dents, holes, cracks, splits, and dings should all be looked for.
- Basement flooding: If the ground around the house is saturated, flooding can occur, causing damage to the foundation. Mold can form as a result, posing a health risk.
- Fire damage: Water entering power outlets can cause a fire, just like downed energized power lines.
- Moisture: Rainwater seeping into your home can harm the insulation, furnishings, and floor, as well as lead to mold growth.
- Personal belongings: Keep track of any personal property damage because home insurance will cover it up to a specific level.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Document whatever additional expenses you incur, such as hotel charges and other temporary living expenses, in addition to images of the damage to your property. Save all receipts for reimbursement, including those for labor and supplies used during the repair. Armed with the proof, you can call your insurance provider or agent.
Select the Right Contractor and Begin Repairs
It will take the services of the proper contractor to restore your home to pre-storm condition. Half-baked work can result in major health risks and, in some cases, an uninhabitable home. For example, if floodwaters are not removed, mold can develop, and flooding damage can lead to a weakened foundation. The sooner the repairs are completed, the sooner you can resume your daily routine.
Collect estimates from various contractors and compare them to see which is the best fit. But keep in mind that the lowest is not always the best.
To avoid being conned, do your homework. If you want the repair work to be completed on time, the business you hire should be efficient and quick.
Getting Ready for the Next Storm
If you reside in a storm-prone area, consider fortifying your home to protect it from more damage during subsequent storms. After a hurricane damages your property, all you can worry about is getting repairs done and getting back to normal. However, now is a good opportunity to discuss your property’s strengthening needs with your contractor.
It will be easier to complete the task if the reinforcements and repairs are completed simultaneously. You can’t stop the storm from happening, but you can minimize the damage to your property and the disruptions to your life. Furthermore, knowing that you have taken precautions to secure your family and house alleviates your concerns.
Do you require storm damage restoration?
At Sahi Contracting, we prioritize the demands of our clients. We understand that storm damage can cause severe disruption to your schedule, therefore we work quickly to complete repairs on time. Our builders devote close attention to the finest details, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. During this difficult time, we’ll help you with your insurance claims. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.