Hurricane season is in full swing and with Hurricane Hermine on the path to becoming the first hurricane to hit Florida since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Florida residents along the Gulf Coast and in the interior areas of the state, including Oviedo real estate property owners, need to be prepared for post-storm repairs.
When severe weather hits, damage often occurs to the roof. Owners of Oviedo real estate know that a home can be rendered uninhabitable if it is left in disrepair. The best approach is for an Oviedo real estate property owner to act fast to repair any problems but not too hastily.
Some tips to keep in mind:
1. Call your Insurance Company.
Following a storm, there will be many claims made to insurance companies. Agents will be sifting through so calls it is important to get your Oviedo real estate property on the list as soon as you can. When you speak to an agent ask if there is anything you can do in advance to help the insurance adjuster and the entire process go quickly and smoothly.
The insurance company may need any requirements regarding the materials that will be needed for repairs, such as brand, type, source, cost, etc. You may be able to do some of this legwork in advance of the insurance adjuster’s arrival.
You also may want to document the damage by taking pictures and making detailed notes. As you assess the property, note any missing shingles or damaged gutters. You may want to access the attic and see if there is any evidence of leaks. All of this will help the insurance adjuster quickly see the type of damage suffered by your Oviedo real estate property.
2. Don’t Try to Do It Yourself.
Trying to do roof repair by yourself is a dangerous proposition. Besides the possibility of actually injuring yourself, you don’t want to haphazardly attempt to repair the roof on your Oviedo real estate property. If it is not done well, water damage may cause even bigger issues for homeowners in the future. Only qualified roofers should make repairs to a roof.
3. Hire Certified Roofers.
There always are disreputable roof contractors, but after a storm, the numbers will double. Before you hire anyone to repair your Oviedo real estate, do the following:
- Interview three: At a minimum, you should consult with at least three roof repair professionals before hiring one.
Be sure they are licensed: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation covers the licensing requirements for the construction industry including roofers. Verify a contractor’s license by visiting the state’s website.
• Get an address: You will want to hire a local contractor so that if there are any issues, they are within reach and can provide reliable in-town references.
• Make certain they insurance: You want to hire a fully insured reputable contractor that has liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
• Storm restoration specialty: This may have been your first storm in Florida, but if you live here long enough, it won’t be your last. Try to hire a contractor with storm restoration experience if you can. It will be beneficial in the insurance claims process.
