Navigating Home Repairs After Storm Damage
In the aftermath of the hurricane, homeowners across Western North Carolina are dealing with incredible damage due to water, fallen trees and structures. Understanding and navigating insurance claims is additional stress while trying to simultaneously get back into the normalcy of daily routines. We want to provide guidance during this difficult time on what to do if your home has been damaged during a storm or if a tree falls on your home.
1. Safety is the Most Important
The most important thing after experiencing damage to your home, such as a fallen tree, is to ensure the safety of your family. A home is an essential piece of our lives and holds memories, but nothing is more important than family. If the damage from the storm has punctured the roof or opened the interior to the elements, it may be necessary to find an alternative place to stay while waiting for an inspector to come and assess the safety of staying in your home. If you are unsure, it may be best to relocate, especially if wires are exposed or the structural integrity has been compromised. If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services.
2. Document the Damage
After safety is ensured, the next step is to thoroughly document the damage. Take detailed pictures and videos of all damaged aspects of the home, both internal and external. If the damage is from a fallen tree, be sure to obtain photos of the tree, close up photos of damage, and any internal damage due to the impact. Also be aware of potential damage that could be underlying, such as structural, and be sure to photo document that as well.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
After documenting the damage, the next step is to contact your homeowner’s insurance provider and notify them of the damage. Majority of homeowner insurance policies have coverage of storm damage, including fallen trees, but the specific coverage can vary between policies. It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, provide your documentation if possible, and request that an adjuster can be sent to your home to assess the damage. Damage from water or flood may not be traditionally covered under your homeowner policy and may require an additional rider, but it is best to check your policy, as it can vary by provider.
4. Protect From Further Damage
After contacting your insurance company, it is important to prevent further damage to your home. If damage to your roof has occurred, it is a good idea to tarp over damaged sections of the roof, board up broken windows, and remove any debris that could cause additional harm. Be wary of beginning any repairs prior to the insurance adjuster arriving. The insurance company needs to see the damage firsthand before finalizing claim details and authorizing repairs. Be sure to keep receipts for any materials purchased or services utilized, as the incurred expenses could be reimbursed by your insurance company.
5. Choose an Experienced Contractor
Choosing an experienced contractor to repair your home after a storm can be difficult and it is important to find one that has experience working with insurance claims. At Third Eye Builders, we have tangible experience working with insurance claims and provide detailed reports to ensure that the insurance company understands the full extent of the damage. We take the time to document and provide updated reports when repairs begin and if originally unseen damages have been incurred.
Most insurance companies will allow you to choose your own contractor, and though they may have suggestions, you are not obligated to use them. Third Eye Builders provides detailed estimates for submission to your provider, so you can move through the overwhelming process with ease.
It can be common for insurance companies to offer less than what is actually needed to complete the full repair and restoration of your home after storm damage. Choosing an experienced contractor, such as Third Eye Builders, is important so that we can provide the proper documentation and estimates to best assist you in negotiating the proper compensation.
6. Bringing Your Home up to Code
Having your home brought to code or remaining within building codes during the repair process is essential to maintaining the longevity of your home and ensuring the resale value of your home. Third Eye Builders is both knowledgeable of and thorough in making sure that your home is up to current building codes and any repairs are in compliance.
7. Temporary Living Arrangements
If your home has been deemed uninhabitable after storm damage, many policies will provide coverage for temporary living. In the case of Hurricane Helene, or other events that are deemed natural disasters FEMA or additional government or local agencies may provide guidance and assistance as well. In the case of insurance claims, be sure to check the guidelines of your policy to understand the details of what is covered. Be sure to keep track of all expenses incurred for reimbursement and your records.
8. Your Home Restored
Third Eye Builders focuses on making your home better and potentially safer than it was before. We provide home construction and remodel rooted in honesty, communication, and loyalty and believe in thoughtful, sustainable craftsmanship to deliver on not just a house, but a home.
Navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene can be incredibly stressful and was devastating to our community. Third Eye Builders is here to help you process every step of restoring your home after damage, by providing local support, detailed estimates, and continued reports to provide to your insurance company. Our team is dedicated to helping you restore your home to safety.
If your home has been damaged by the storm, please contact Third Eye Builders to help guide you through the process and restore your home.