Find a Trusted Partner after Storm Damage
Experiencing property damage due to bad weather can be an extremely emotionally draining experience for a family to go through.
Looking at your home and realizing how much time, money and energy will be required to get it back to normal can be completely overwhelming.
While storm damage is normally covered by homeowner’s insurance, it is not uncommon for insurance providers to recommend the bare minimum repairs. At Freedom Home Design, we provide storm damage recovery for Ohio residents spanning from Columbus to Dayton. We will not only provide exceptional repair work, but we will also partner with you to make sure you get the most money out of your insurance claim.
The following steps can help you pick up the pieces after weather tears apart your home.
Make sure your family is safe
Living through a storm can be scary, so the very first step is to make sure your family is safe. Call emergency services immediately if a family member is injured. Do not reenter your home if it is unsafe. Get in touch with your support system if you need help with necessities like food, clothing and shelter.
Document the damage
One of the best ways to get the most assistance out of your insurance is to document all damages in detail. Take photographs of anything that was damaged by the storm, even if it seems minor. If you have any photos of the same locations before the storm, gather those for comparison. You should also take photos of any possessions that were damaged by the storm. If you are unable to photograph all damaged possessions, include a list of possessions that were involved.
Contact your insurance agent
As soon as everyone is safe and you have documented the damage, call your insurance agent to report the damage. Insurance agencies work on a first-come, first-served basis, so calling quickly is important. Provide as much information as possible, including the photographs of before and after and the list of inventory. The insurance company will recommend a company to perform the home repairs because they likely have special pricing arrangements with them, but it is your right to select your own company.
Select a restoration company
You have the right to choose the company that will perform the repairs to your home. Trustworthy contractors will clean up the damage, gather evidence, get estimates, deal with the insurance adjuster, negotiate to get the most money from claims, and help you rebuild and restore your home. The right contractor will be your advocate with the insurance companies to get you the most money for restorations.
Consider the following when selecting a contractor:
- Be sure to select a licensed and insured contractor.
- Are their employees trained and certified?
- Do they have fast response time?
- Check with the local Home Builders Association or consumer protection agencies to determine if any complaints have been filed against the contractor you are considering.
- Get a written estimate before any work begins.
- Ask for explanations for prices.
Having helped countless families through disasters, we are experts in recovery projects. At Freedom Home Designs, we will talk you through the process and will visit your home at the same time as your adjuster and give clear, direct and needed recommendations so that you can get the products and services you need.
With our diverse number of services, we can complete all of your recovery projects and ensure that the entire project is done correctly.
If you need a trusted partner for storm damage, contact us today!