Tips for Dealing With Storm Damage Repairs

When you’re facing the aftermath of severe weather that has damaged your home, you may know that there’s a lot of work ahead without being sure where to begin. At A. Caspersen Company, Inc., we understand how stressful this can be. In addition to wondering whether your home will ever be the same, you may also be worried about the insurance claims process and your family’s safety. We can help take a load off your shoulders through our streamlined storm damage repair process.

Learn more about our tips for handling this scenario safely and efficiently below.

1.    Remember that your safety comes first.

It can be hard to avoid the temptation to rush over to the storm damage and start trying to figure out if there’s anything you can salvage. However, doing so without giving your safety a second thought can bring about a number of hazards. Storm damage often comes along with broken glass, splintered wood, and dangerous debris, so it is important to keep a close eye out for potential dangers as you approach the affected area.

2.    Investigate structural damage.

Next, you’ll want to overview the area to determine the extent of the damage, which will be necessary for formulating further course of action. See if you notice any holes, dents, leaks, or missing or broken shingles on your roof. Also note signs of structural damage to your property’s walls, windows, and doors.

3.    Photograph the damage.

Bring your camera as you take the above steps and be sure to capture evidence of damage that you find. This will provide a crucial record for both you and the insurance adjuster. In this case, it’s always better to have an abundance of photos rather than too few.

4.    Contact your insurance provider.

Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible; you’ll usually have only 60 days to submit your claim. The average homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage, roof damage, tornado damage, and even hotel expenses. If you find you do not have this level of coverage, you may still be able to receive some help from FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency).

5.    Don’t make any extensive storm damage repairs yet.

You may be eager to start fixing things right away, but it’s important to leave major damage to be inspected by the insurance companies. Limit repairs to essential or temporary needs, and be sure to keep any receipts or invoices. Once the insurance adjuster has finished the walkthrough, you can move on to looking for a trusted storm damage repair service to complete the work.

6.    Be sure you understand how insurance adjusters work.

Some insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies, while others are independent adjusters contracted by the company, or even public adjusters who are not affiliated with any insurance companies. Those in this last category work for you and can assist you with negotiating your claims.

7.    Take part in the inspection process.

As your insurance adjuster conducts a walkthrough, be sure to stand by their side and bring to their attention any damage that could otherwise go unnoticed. This is important to ensure you receive coverage for all the damage that has occurred, rather than only what the adjuster takes note of. The photos you took previously can also be useful here as a reference.

8.    Consider the timeline of your insurance company.

While you want to get on top of storm damage repairs as soon as possible, it may take a bit longer than you think to have your claim processed. Insurance companies are typically required to respond to claims within fourteen days, and the process of accepting or rejecting the claim can take up to a month. If the claim is accepted, they have 90 days to send you a check.

9.    Investigate the Federal Disaster Loan Program.

You may be eligible for a disaster assistance loan through the United States Business Administration. These low-interest loans are available for businesses, non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters that meet certain criteria.

10.  Contact your area’s trusted storm damage repair experts.

When it’s time to call a professional team to handle your storm damage repairs, it’s important to know who you can trust to act promptly while maintaining a detail-oriented approach. At A. Caspersen Company, Inc., we have a team of highly trained technicians who are prepared to handle the many different forms of damage that a harsh storm can leave in its wake. With two decades of experience under our belts, we’ve earned a reputation for providing high-quality repairs delivered with integrity.

Are you in need of storm damage repairs? Simply reach out to A. Caspersen Company, Inc. for a consultation.

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