The 2020 hurricane season was more active than meteorologists could have ever predicted. And although the season officially ends in November, there’s still plenty of time for another strong storm to rip through Louisiana.
If you’ve suffered from hurricane damage, you’ll want to track down an experienced contractor to help you make repairs. We have a few recommendations that can help you find the right professional for the job.
Choosing a Contractor to Deal with Hurricane Damage
It’s no secret that hurricanes can wreak havoc on your home and property. The recovery process after a storm can be long and stressful—but working with a contractor that has experience with hurricane damage can make the situation more bearable.
While it may be tempting to go with the first contractor you speak with, you’ll want to hire someone who will complete repairs and prep your home for the next storm. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can help you make the right decision!
Contact your insurance company after the storm
After a natural disaster, demand for quality contractors will far outpace available supply. That’s why it’s important to act quickly—and the first thing you should do is call your insurance company.
From there, an adjustor will come out and assess your home’s damage to determine how much you’ll get paid. You may need to combine your insurance money with some savings if you want to make long-lasting repairs.
Be wary of scammers
As you begin searching for contractors, you’ll want to ensure you’re working with a reputable company. Unfortunately, many illegitimate contractors try to take advantage of frantic homeowners after natural disasters, which makes it crucial to do your due diligence before making a decision.
The easiest way to find a credible contractor is to check state or local homebuilders associations, as well as the National Association of Home Builders or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. You can also ask your neighbors or social media for trusted recommendations.
Get multiple bids
Most well-respected contractors will be extremely busy after a major storm. This means that they may not be able to provide an in-person quote—and they may also charge you for their time.
Consider asking for rough estimates from multiple contractors over the phone before making any kind of commitments. From there, you can review potential offers and call back the ones you’re seriously interested in.
Ask plenty of questions
When a contractor comes to your home for an in-person estimate, be sure to ask them any questions you might have. Now is the time to learn about their experience with hurricane damage, as well as their payment policies.
If they refuse to provide referrals or ask for you to pay for most of the project up front, you may want to go with someone else!
Need Help with Hurricane Damage?
If you’re a New Orleans homeowner dealing with hurricane damage, the Nugent-Freeland Team would be happy to offer contractor recommendations. You can also call us for all of your real estate needs!
Let us know if you’re buying or selling a home any time soon. As local experts, we have the knowledge you need to navigate the Big Easy’s competitive housing market!