One of the most unfortunate things that can happen to anyone is losing the roof over their heads. When disaster strikes, it’s ruthless and unforgiving. Natural calamities like hurricanes and earthquakes can wipe everything in their path. This includes people losing their homes partially or entirely because of elemental damage.
What helps people return to normalcy is the road to recovery and rebuilding. The better you understand the process, the quicker you can salvage what remains and return to your regular life. So, if you’re home has recently incurred severe damage, the followings steps will help you fix the mess:
Assess the Damage
source: insurancejournal.com
If shit hit the fan while you were inside, ensure that your family and you are safe before contacting your insurance provider. Move out for at least a few nights if the conditions are unlivable. When you return, assess the damages very thoroughly.
To file a claim and increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation, you’ll need to make a detailed list of all the damage to the house and your belongings. Collect and record as much information as possible; your insurance provider will need it. Also, get professional help to assess the site and to start creating an estimate for repairs. For instance, if your home suffered severe damage due to flooding, contact a water damage advisor for help. An expert service will provide you detailed information on the extent of the damage and tell you what to do next. It might help you save costs on repairs and whatnot.
Notify your insurance company and file a claim
If you don’t have insurance, you can skip to the next step. After collecting all the evidence of damage, call your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. You should check with the company’s policies regarding the type of damage your house has suffered and what your plan offers. Many insurance companies may not cover a certain type of damage or may have time limitations depending on company policies and state laws.
As soon as you file a claim, you’ll need to submit the necessary documentation, photos, and other evidence of property damage. Your home insurance provider will likely assign a claims adjuster to your case for an extensive examination of the property. So, be ready for some scrutiny.
Do damage control
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If there is no chance of finding temporary residence, then you’ll have to manage further damage upon returning home. Depending on the extent of it, you’ll have to do minor yet necessary repairs to make the living space safe for the time being. This may include running a structural check of the house on your own until you sort out things with a contractor and the insurance company.
Check for cracked foundations, damaged roofs, buckled walls, and eliminate any risk of collapse. If you suspect gas and water leakage, exposed wires, or damaged sewer lines, immediately contact your utility company or a contractor to fix these problems. Short-circuits, electrocution, and fire blasts can happen if things mix up badly. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of further and more expensive damage and potential loss of life. Finally, do not undertake any significant or unauthorized repairs without checking with your insurer first.
Find a reputable contractor
In desperate circumstances, unsavory contractors would try to lure you into doing unnecessary work or increase their rate. While the ethics of such practices are debatable, you should do your homework before zeroing in on a contractor. Do a background check and a little research before hiring a reputable contractor to make the necessary fixes. Ask your friends and family or read reviews and testimonials online to get an idea.
It would be best if you steered clear of contractors who try to recommend you a specific restoration company. Such contractors will try to make you sign a contract that gives the restoration company ownership of the compensation received from the insurance company and removes you as the claimant. Until the adjuster sent by the insurance company assesses your claim, do not sign any contracts, especially for any demolition work.
Document everything and prioritize repairs
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Recovery and rebuilding are crucial steps if you can’t afford to live anywhere else for too long. You’ll need to make a detailed list of the things that require immediate attention and fix them first. Create a list of priorities if the damage is across multiple levels.
After you receive the payout and hire a reputable contractor, now is the time to focus on rebuilding and renovation. Start from the ground up if your house has a basement because it’s best to start with a strong foundation. After that, prioritize strengthening the interior of the house to fix apparent signs of elemental damage.
Learn from your experiences and use sturdier and more robust materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Use water and fire-resistant materials wherever possible, along with installing windows designed to withstand high winds. You should pay extra attention to the roof and hire only a highly qualified roofer. Finally, keep check of all the repair costs and receipts for insurance purposes. Home renovation isn’t cheap, and if left unchecked, the bills can quickly pile up into a mountain of expenses.
After you receive the payout and hire a reputable contractor, now is the time to focus on rebuilding and renovation. Start from the ground up if your house has a basement because it’s best to start with a strong foundation. After that, prioritize strengthening the interior of the house to fix apparent signs of elemental damage. Learn from your experiences and use sturdier and more robust materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Consider installing storm protection and select the best hurricane shutters you can afford.
Use water and fire-resistant materials wherever possible, along with installing windows designed to withstand high winds. You should pay extra attention to the roof and hire only a highly qualified roofer. Finally, keep check of all the repair costs and receipts for insurance purposes. Home renovation isn’t cheap, and if left unchecked, the bills can quickly pile up into a mountain of expenses.
Conclusion
source: thecrazytourist.com
Disasters and accidents are unpredictable, but we can always prepare ourselves to deal with the aftermath. After your house has endured severe damages, you’ll need to act efficiently and quickly. You’ll immediately need to notify your insurance company and start assessing the damages and collecting evidence. Ensure that your house is safe for you and your family by making temporary repairs and adjustments. The road to recovery can be rocky, but a little research, patience, and resilience can make it easier.
