To say we’ve seen our share of rain this year is an understatement. In fact, through June, we had the third-highest rain total on record! While the lawns certainly love it, the consistent rains and heavy storms have led to extensive storm damage to many homes in our area.
The clean-up and repair from these storms can be frustrating – especially when navigating your way through an insurance process most homeowners are not familiar with. However, choosing a professional remodeling contractor who understands the system, can provide added peace of mind during a difficult time.
If your home sustains damage from a storm, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They will typically send out an adjuster to assess the damage and generate a claim.
This blog uses information from an article on the website NerdWallet, whose mission is "to provide clarity for all of life's financial decisions." Their site has lots of great information on many subjects that impact your financial wellbeing, and is a great resource when you have personal finance questions!
In a blog posted by NerdWallet writers Doug Sibor and Sarah Schlichter, your insurance claim will come in one of two forms. Some policies will cover the value of replacement while others cover the cash value of the damaged property. The cash value "will account for... years of depreciation and pay only what the insurer thinks (it) was worth right before it was destroyed," It’s important to understand how your policy is structured to have a realistic budget in mind for your home repairs.
After the adjuster visits your home, they determine a dollar value for the cost of restoration and will instruct you to find a contractor to complete the repairs.
As with any remodeling project, when interviewing contractors, there are several factors to weigh before making the final decision. Trust, timeliness and their ability to match the reimbursement from the insurance policy are key.
Sibor and Schlichter write, "Insurance fraud is a common problem after serious storms. Unscrupulous contractors take advantage of people's desperation by inflating costs or taking money in advance and not completing a job."
As a trusted contractor in our area since 1972, Stebnitz Builders has navigated varying degrees of challenging renovation projects with homeowners and their insurance companies.
The difference working with us is evident right from our first appointment. We understand insurance companies and use our expertise to advocate for the full coverage of all repairs, which can be missed by insurance adjustors without proper knowledge of the building industry. With over five decades of experience remodeling homes in Southeastern Wisconsin, our clients have a team in their corner that can make the most out of the insurance coverage they deserve.
Another benefit of working with a professional remodeling team is the experience we offer during the restoration. The last thing anybody wants while their home is damaged is to be left in the dark. With a team of 14 carpenters and a support staff of two production managers, we not only maintain a consistent schedule, but effectively communicate construction updates and progress throughout the project.
The renovation of your home after storm damage and water infiltration can be a stressful experience. Partner with a professional remodeling contractor to ensure make the experience is as stress-free as possible.