No homeowner really wants to ponder what might happen if their home sustains weather-related damage. But being prepared and proactive comes with the territory of owning a home.
At Kiser Construction, we understand navigating the storm damage repair process can feel overwhelming and confusing, and we’re here to help. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most common questions we receive about storm damage repairs and the insurance filing process.
Learn what to expect if your home ever becomes a victim of severe weather so you can be prepared to protect your property.
What Should I Do If I’m Not Certain My House Was Damaged in a Recent Storm?
If you believe your home suffered hail damage, wind damage, water damage, or any other type of weather-related damage during a storm, give the area a once-over when it’s safe to do so.
Next, call a storm damage repair contractor to schedule a damage inspection. You may not be able to detect the damage yourself, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
How Many Storm Damage Repair Estimates Should I Get?
Ideally, you should get at least three estimates from different storm damage repair contractors. Make sure all of them have experience working with insurance claims and handling the type of damage your home sustained.
Does a Builder’s Warranty Cover Storm Damage Repairs on a New Home?
It’s a bummer, but no.
Your builder’s warranty only covers damage related to building materials or workmanship issues. It doesn’t cover damage caused by outside factors that are completely outside the contractors’ scope of control.
If you want to be totally sure, take a look at your warranty. You’ll likely find that storm damage is a named exclusion.
Are Basement Floods Covered?
In short, the answer is yes! However, the type of basement flood or damage to your basement will ultimately determine if you're covered or not.
Due to frozen pipes bursting, a flooded basement may be covered, bearing specific requirements. You must keep your house at a minimum temperature during the cold season while also living in the house at the time of the basement flooding. Finally, for coverage of basement floods, you must keep up with general home maintenance year-round.
So, if your water heater leaks, an overflow happens, or bursting pipes occur, you should be covered for water damage restoration as long as you have a history or maintenance.
When Is a Flooded Basement Not Covered?
Unfortunately, flooded basements resulting from a storm most likely won’t be covered in your insurance. When a basement floods from heavy rain, an improper gutter system along with a sieve of a foundation is to blame.
These variables are up to you to maintain, and if you receive water damage, as a result, insurance will turn away your claims.
Suppose you are unsure what causes flooding in your basement after a storm. In that case, Kiser Construction offers trusted inspections and assessments as well as affordable and effective solutions to your property damage.
Are Door-to-Door Storm Damage Repair Contractors Legit?
Honestly, it depends. But we encourage you to be cautious about working with these types of contractors. They have a reputation for being dishonest and performing low-quality work (if they do the job at all; sometimes, they totally fall off the map).
Most people refer to these guys as “storm chasers” because they have a way of showing up when severe weather damages several homes in a concentrated area. If you can’t find a website, ratings with the BBB, or reviews from past customers, it’s in your best interest to work with a different company.
Will My Insurance Premium Increase When I File a Claim for Storm Damage?
Damage caused by wind, hail, tornadoes, and other severe weather conditions is considered an “act of God” by insurers. In most states, insurance companies can’t raise premiums for damage that the homeowner had no way of preventing or controlling.
Sometimes, however, when there’s widespread and severe damage to many homes in a concentrated area, insurance companies may raise their premiums across the board. Usually, though, it takes some time for the new rates to set in.
What’s the Time Frame for Filing a Storm Damage Claim?
Most insurance companies require that you file a storm damage repair claim within 12-24 months after the damage occurred. If you don’t file within that time frame, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the repairs.
It’s also important to note that allowing the damage to sit unrepaired will inevitably lead to ongoing deterioration. If that happens, your insurer may refuse to pay for comprehensive repairs since the lasting damage occurred due to neglect.
Kiser Construction: Your Twin Cities Source for Comprehensive Storm Damage Repair
If your home suffers hail damage, wind damage, water damage, or any other type of weather-related damage, get in touch with our team at Kiser Construction to schedule an inspection right away. We specialize in comprehensive storm damage repairs, water removal, and household restoration, and we can help you file your insurance claim from start to finish.
To get started or learn more, give us a call today at 763-633-2010 or send us a message with your information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.