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BUILDING TRUST BLOG
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we wanted to acknowledge the extensive damage done to homes throughout our community. Amidst the devastation, we are grateful for the compassion and tenacity of the hurricane heroes in our midst. As hurricane recovery efforts continue, many people in our area are eager to learn how to repair hurricane damage to their homes. Here are a few questions you might be asking and ways we can help.
Where do I begin?
Stay Safe - first & foremost, keep yourself out of harm’s way. Climbing on your roof with a chainsaw is highly inadvisable. Damage to your home is far better than personal injury or death. Your safety is the priority. Damaged homes and trees present many ongoing safety concerns. Please be aware that many potential hazards remain. Additional trees and branches on your property may be compromised and fall even after the storm subsides. Proper chainsaw usage is essential. Physical injury is a risk to homeowners who underestimate these dangers. Rely on experienced professionals to help prevent injury and additional damage to your home.
Take photos of the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company - You’ve likely communicated with your insurance company already. If not, start there. Your insurance company/adjuster can guide you through tree/branch removal and initial remediation.
Be Patient - Fixing true structural damage is a process that requires careful planning and craftsmanship. Making unwise decisions to “speed up the process” causes more time-consuming problems.
How do I minimize further damage?
Quick, temporary repairs prevent further damage until the major structural issues can be corrected by a contractor. Find a reputable tree arborist to remove fallen trees and heavy limbs from your home. (This blog might help!) The arborist can also examine the structural integrity of the trees still standing on your property. Immediately tarp the area and remove valuable belongings to minimize further water damage.
How can I ensure a qualified builder repairs my home?
We understand your urgency to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Unfortunately, in this situation, there will be those who seek to exploit others for personal benefit. Here's a few tips to avoid scams:
Choose Your Contractor Wisely - Verify the hurricane repair contractor you partner with is licensed and insured. Get references, read reviews, and ask the 7 interview questions. Reach out to your local Home Builders Association. Be wary of anyone overpromising a quick repair process. Misleading promises will only compound your stress.
Stay Local - Local contractors understand local permitting laws, and their reputation isn't a major mystery if they've been in the area for a while. Plus, they're less likely to skip town without warning.
Get Everything in Writing - Verbal agreements don’t mean much until they’re in writing. Written agreements not only protect against fraud, but they also minimize disputes and misunderstandings regarding project expectations. Obtain a documented scope of work and price clarity before turning your home over to a builder.
Meet the Project Manager - Meeting face to face with your “point person” (ie. person responsible for completing your repairs) ensures A) you're communicating with the right person and B) you're comfortable with this person being in and around your home once the project is underway.
How can Daniel Builders help repair my damaged home?
We realize our team is best suited for certain situations. Calling us can be clarifying, even calming. Our commitment is to Build Trust whether we help you directly or refer you to someone who can. We communicate on a regular basis (in many cases daily) to eliminate confusion about what happens next. During our initial conversation, we will request photos to expedite the process. This assists our team with initial evaluation prior to a site visit.
Are you seeing major storm damage in your area? Let us know how Daniel Builders can be a resource to you, your family or friends. Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here!
