Midwest storms can be violent, especially in West Michigan where the lake effect really does its worst. At this time of year, storms can bring wind, snow, rain, sleet, ice, and hail, or a dangerous combination of those things. If your home has been damaged by a storm, you might need to take quick action. Here’s where to start, so you get your home back in shape as soon as possible:

Document Damage

When it’s safe to go outside or return to your home, do your best to document any damage as best you can. Take plenty of pictures, and work to find “before” pictures if possible, so you can show your insurance agent the full extent of damage caused by the storm.

Check Your Insurance Policy

This is also a good time to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see how much coverage you have. If your insurance company will cover the storm damage, great! Call your insurance agent and make a claim as soon as possible. If your insurance does not cover or won’t cover your storm damage completely, now is a good time to update and re-evaluate your insurance coverage, before another storm hits.

Fix Major Issues Immediately

If storm damage is causing an emergent situation, like a roof leak that is dripping onto your furniture and flooring, don’t wait for the insurance check to clear; if you can afford to, get it taken care of right away, then be reimbursed for the cost by your insurance company. Otherwise, more damage could occur, which your insurance company might not cover.

Contact Contractors With The Right Experience

If you’ve experienced any damage to your home that requires a professional repair, find a builder or contractor with experience completing storm damage repairs. Finding a builder who understands your situation, and knows how to resolve the problem quickly will make things much easier for you, especially if your builder can work with your insurance company.

If there’s been a large storm, and many in your area are affected, do your best to choose a trusted local contractor. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who flock to areas following a storm to scam and collect money for repairs they’ll never complete.

Get a Few Estimates

Get multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting a fair price, but don’t just go with the lowest bid —  you don’t want to be left with a low-quality repair job that falls apart the next time a storm comes through.

A big storm can wreak a lot of havoc, in nature, in our plans, and to our homes. If your home is damaged by a storm, don’t panic. Contact your insurance company, check out local builders, and get quotes on repair costs — soon, your home will be repaired, and your worries will be relieved.

If you need to make home repairs after a storm, Zeeland Lumber & Supply has what you need, from materials to an extensive network of skilled builders and contractors we can connect you with. Contact us online, give us a call at 888-772-2119, or visit us in person today at one of our convenient locations.

 

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