What To Do At The First Sign Of Roof Damage
Maintaining the home’s roof is essential to ensure that no further damage is done to the interior. Like any type of major repair, it is important that the homeowner always negotiate with their insurance company and any contractor that will be performing the repair or replacement. Negotiation always provides the homeowner the opportunity to obtain the lowest price for the replacement or repairs while still receiving a high quality of value.
The initial action to take at the first sign of roof damages to contact the insurance company that holds the homeowner’s policy. The company will likely send an agent or an insurance adjuster to the home to fully evaluate the problem. At this time they can calculate exactly how much they are willing to reimburse the homeowner for any of the repairs or replacement that is due.
Even with a visual inspection, not all problems are calculated into the problem. There may be signs of damage that are not visually obvious, meaning that there will likely be the need to call the claims adjuster back out to the site when a contractor finds other issues.
With a firm number in mind of exactly how much the insurance company is willing to pay to have the damage repaired; it is time to go shopping for contractors. It is important that the homeowner shop around for all of the available experience contractors in the area to receive a number of quotes. Every contractor will offer their own estimate after coming out to the property and thoroughly evaluating what needs to be done.
It is imperative that the homeowner be there at the time of the inspection of the roof, and before any estimate is provided. This will allow the homeowner to discuss any of the replacements or repairs that might be necessary, along with the materials that are going to be chosen, and the cost of labor. In addition, the homeowner can ask for a variety of options including what it might cost to get a better grade of asphalt shingle or roof tiles, or other roofing material.
Once the list of roofing contractors have been narrowed down, it is important to interview each one specifically to determine exactly what will be performed on the job. It is necessary to evaluate that each bid has calculated the same type of materials. In addition, they should all state clearly exactly how much they charge for additional problems that will arise once the old roof system has been torn away.
It may be necessary for the contractor to meet directly with the insurance adjuster. This will allow them to provide any additional information on exactly why the cost of repairs might be higher than what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Remember that the homeowner is likely responsible for paying their deductible on the policy to get the job started. If the funds are not available, a discussion with the roofing contractor may be necessary to get the job started before the next rain.
