4 Steps for Post-Storm Roof Restoration

Okay, you had a storm—and your home’s a little worse for wear. Now what? There are many steps you should take to get the damage assessed, repaired, and paid for. This can be a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is knowing what to expect and following the right steps in the right order. 

Contact your insurance company

As soon as you suspect your home has been damaged by a storm, contact your insurance company. You have exactly two years from the date of the damage to file a claim, but there’s no reason to delay. While you can’t begin the claims process until damage is documented, there are some questions you should ask immediately.

• Will the damage be covered under the terms of your policy?
• Do you have “replacement cost” coverage or “actual cash value” coverage that factors in depreciation?
• How long will it take to process the claim?
• Will estimates be required for repairs?

Contact a trustworthy contractor

Most homeowners can’t access home damage and don’t know how to field insurance claims. This means your payout can be thousands of dollars less than what you need to cover the full extent of your post-storm repair. That’s why it’s important to have a trustworthy contractor who knows what to look for and how to assess the damage. It will give both you and your insurance company a better idea of the damage. Get a detailed, written estimate for your repairs, but keep in mind your signature is not required to receive an estimate.

Schedule an appointment with an insurance adjuster

Once you’ve had a contractor inspect the damage, schedule an appointment with an insurance adjuster at a time when your contractor will also be present. Your contractor will be able to share notes, photos, and estimates with the adjuster to make sure nothing gets missed. The adjuster will provide a proof-of-loss form for you to use to file a claim with your insurance company. If the adjuster’s estimate and your contractor’s estimate don’t jive, have your contractor speak with your adjuster. If you can’t reach an agreement, a public insurance adjuster may be able to help.

Hire a contractor

Now that your claim has been approved and the cost of repairs has been agreed upon, you can hire a contractor. Be sure to ask for references, licensure, and proof of workers compensation insurance. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is a good resource for checking license status and any disciplinary actions. Once you select a contractor, prepare a written contract agreement that specifies the work to be done, the materials to be used, the price breakdown for both, and a clause stating that you will pay in full once the work is completed.

Keep it local

Storms bring out-of-town “storm chasers” who go door-to-door, make cold calls, and blanket the area with advertisements to try to convince you to hire them for your repairs. But once the work is done, they disappear, never to be heard from again. Work with a local, reputable contractor who will stand behind their work. Keyprime is the only Twin Cities contractor that does just that with a True Lifetime Warranty™. If your home has been damaged by a storm, let us help walk you through the process and remedy the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible.

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