- Assess storm damage to property, identifying repairs and insurance claims needed, ideally with a licensed contractor’s assistance.
- Declare an emergency if the damage is extensive, expediting insurance claims and accessing local government help.
- Secure your property to prevent further damage, documenting the process for insurance purposes.
- Hire licensed contractors for repairs and consider updates that improve your home’s storm resistance and value.
When it comes to property ownership, a severe storm can be a major setback. Even a small storm can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you wondering what to do next. Storm-damaged homes not only become a safety risk but can also negatively impact the property’s value.
As a real estate investor, developer, or homeowner, it is essential to know what to do if your property gets damaged by a storm. This blog will discuss essential tips that can help you restore your storm-damaged home and mitigate the impact on its value.
Assess the Damage
After a storm, the first step is to assess the damage to your property. Assessing the damage will help determine what repairs are needed and how much it will cost to restore your home. Assessing damage also helps determine the extent of storm damage, which will help you determine which insurance policy would cover the damages. Contacting a licensed contractor specializing in storm damage repair is always a good idea to help you thoroughly assess the damage.
Declare an Emergency
After assessing the damage, you may find that it is extensive and requires immediate attention. In such cases, it is essential to contact relevant authorities and declare an emergency.
An emergency declaration will aid the local government in responding quickly to your needs and help you access resources you may need to restore your home. Declaring an emergency will also help you expedite your insurance claim process and get any financial assistance.
Secure the Property
After declaring an emergency, the next step is to secure your property. Storm damage can leave your home vulnerable to further damage and unauthorized access. Boarding up windows and doors or covering holes in the roof with tarps can help protect your property from further damage. Take pictures of the damages before and after securing your property, as it will help substantiate your claim when you file for insurance.
Hire Licensed Contractors
Once you have assessed the damage and taken the necessary steps to declare an emergency and secure your property, the next step is to hire licensed contractors to repair your home. Hiring a licensed contractor ensures the repair work is up to code and meets safety standards.
You might also need to hire specialists such as flood damage repair service providers if the storm damage includes flooding. They can help diagnose the extent of water damage and appropriate remediation. They can also help prevent the growth of mold, which can cause health issues and damage to your home.
Make Updates
Finally, take advantage of this opportunity to make any desired updates to your home. Storm damage repair can involve extensive repair work, which sometimes requires replacing significant parts of the property. This presents a perfect opportunity to make updates that protect your home from future storms and add value to your property. Here are a few examples of such updates:
Replace wood siding with a damage-resistant material.
Replacing wood siding with a damage-resistant material like stucco or vinyl siding can help protect your home from damage and reduce maintenance costs. This update is especially important in areas that experience severe storms.
Install hurricane-resistant windows and doors.
Installing hurricane-resistant windows and doors can significantly reduce your home’s vulnerability to damaging winds and debris, protecting it from further damage in the case of a severe storm.
Upgrade your roofing.
Upgrading your roofing with high-quality shingles can protect your home from water damage and impacts from hail and debris. This upgrade is especially important for flat or low-slope roofs, which can be more vulnerable to water and wind damage.
Install storm shutters.
Installing storm shutters is an effective way to protect your windows and doors from wind and debris. These shutters come in a variety of designs, so you can easily find one that complements the look of your home.
By making these upgrades to your home, you will not only protect your property from future storms but also increase its value.
Storms can bring about significant damage to your property, but with the right approach and resources, you can restore your home and even enhance its value. The process may be daunting, but remember, you don’t have to face it alone. Local authorities, insurance companies, and licensed contractors are there to help. By taking the opportunity to upgrade your home during repairs, you can make it more resilient to future storms and potentially increase its value.
