With hurricane season just around the corner, homeowners are taking crucial steps to keep their homes safe from damage. Unfortunately, severe hurricanes cause inevitable damage. It is important for homeowners to be knowledgeable on the steps they should take after a hurricane. Below are some tips to guide you on where to start after such a disaster.
Document the Damage. The first step that a homeowner should take when their home has endured a hurricane is to note all the damages. Taking a full inventory of the home will help support insurance claims. It is also beneficial to take documentation of the destruction including videos and pictures. It is meaningful to check all aspects of the home for loss such as the interior, exterior, sides, and roof. Ensure to capture photos of each room, as well as individualized pieces of property that were damaged in the event. There are areas of the home that are less obvious when checking out the extent of the damage. For instance, electrical lines may be exposed or in poor condition. Your floorboards and ceiling tiles are other factors of the home to assess during this time. Making a thorough walk-through during this time could save a homeowner trouble in the future. It is best to take this first step as soon as possible after the hurricane has passed. As additional time passes, there may be speculation from insurance companies as to whether the damage was caused by the storm. Restoration companies, like OneRestore often offer free inspections. A good restoration company will provide a thorough inspection and evaluation of the damage.
- Be careful!! It is important to note that a home can be incredibly dangerous after a hurricane occurred. Therefore, one should take the necessary precautions before proceeding with this walk-through. Something to consider before entering the area is that exposed power lines could still be energized and pose a great risk. Standing water should be avoided, especially if there are powerlines nearby. Furthermore, a homeowner should take caution and keep an out for broken glass, exposed nails, and other hazardous materials. After a hurricane, a home’s infrastructure is compromised due to heavy winds and rain. This poses physical hazards such as potentially collapsing roofs, windows, walls, and more. Odd smells could be gas and is an immediate sign that you should go outdoors and call the gas company. Again, restoration professionals are experts at detecting damage as well as danger. Often it is best to enlist the help of a reputable local restoration company.
- Prevent Further Damage. In the case of any natural disaster, a homeowner’s goal is to prevent damage at all costs. However, taking certain preventative measures may be more obvious to some individuals than they are to others. For example, it is your responsibility to apply tarps, plywood, and other defensive efforts after a hurricane. A home is at risk for flooding when it is exposed to the outside. Insurance companies will make great attempts to limit your insurance coverage. To avoid this, a homeowner should mitigate the need for further repairs.
- File a Claim. With the stress of everything else that comes along with a natural disaster, filing an insurance claim might get pushed to the back burner. However, it is very important to act quickly and file as soon as possible. It can take up to 90 days or longer for insurance companies to deny or accept your claim.
- Storm Repair. A contractor is going to help your home return to its pre-damaged condition. During this phase of the process, it is critical to do your due diligence in finding a trustworthy and professional contractor. A poor restoration job could mean problems in the future and unsafe living conditions. This is why it is important to find a contractor who specializes in storm and water restoration. If water is not adequately extracted, mold will grow especially in warm moist Florida summer months. This not only affects the health of the individuals living inside the home but also the integrity of the home itself. It is the responsibility of a restoration company to relieve homeowners of stress during this time. They will initiate contact between contractors and insurance companies working with you from the beginning of the process until the end.
If your home has suffered from hurricane damage and you need storm damage repair, contact OneRestore! We are One-Stop-Shop handling all your restoration needs! We can help tarp your roof, provide a complete inspection and evaluation of damage, and help you file your claim. We then work with your insurance company to complete the necessary repairs, restoring your home to pre-storm condition.
OneRestore wants to provide you with the services to get your life back on track as soon as possible. During this time, it is our goal to provide our customers with a business that is friendly and efficient. Let us provide you with a free estimate!
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