How to Repair Hurricane Damage

Recent years have shown the world the kind of damage hurricanes can bring. Cleaning up after a hurricane can be almost as devastating as finding the damage. When you’re home has been damaged, it is best to begin repairs as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as you know the state of your property following the hurricane call your insurance company to open a claim and begin reporting items. Make a detailed list of damage including items in the house, refrigerator, freezer, cabinets, closet and garage or storage sheds. All property damage should be photographed and detailed notes written down for future reference.

Begin Immediate Demolition

As soon as you have photographed the evidence, immediately remove wet carpet and other wet items that are susceptible to mold. Cut away wet drywall left after standing water including an extra six inches to reduce the likelihood of mold. Rotten and warped wood flooring should be removed as well. Wet furnishing, drapes, clothing and bed linens should be taken outside the home.

Handle the Claim Details

Your insurance company will come to inspect your claim and once your claim is processed will release funds to cover the costs of all items. If your claim is substantial, the funds might be released to both you and your mortgage holder to ensure the job is well supervised. Once you have funds available and your claim is dealt with, it will be time to do major repairs.

Hire a Contractor

Once the basic demolition is complete, or you’ve removed as much as you’re physically able to do, call in a contractor to aid in your repairs. Insurance money should pay for all damages if you’re properly insured. Regardless, be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama or Louisiana contractors are numerous, but finding a quality contractor means calling references and checking for licenses and insurance.

Work Quickly to Fix Your Hurricane Damage

Work quickly once you know your claim is being processed correctly. New Orleans contractors were swept up immediately after Katrina and the same is true for any storm-hit areas. Don’t settle for a bad contractor, but don’t wait around waiting for one to find you. Be proactive and get your repairs completed as quickly as possible.

Save Documents

Save all documents related to the repairs. Invoices, receipts and payment records may be required by your insurance company if recoverable depreciation was held back for major repairs. Having proper documentation should make it easy to show what was done when and how much it cost. This is required for the insurance company to release funds held back initially.

Easy Step By Step Instructions To Repair Hurricane Damage

• Immediately document damage and file a claim
• Remove items that could cause further damage including mold
• Follow up on the claim to see it processed
• Hire a quality contractor to handle repairs
• Keep and submit all documents to release any recoverable depreciation

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions When Repairing Hurricane Damage

Never pay a contractor all funds upfront. Any solid contractor will have credit for supplies and will not require more than 50% initially. If you pay the full cost upfront, the contractor has very little incentive to finish the job correctly with so many other hurricane damaged homes.

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