What Do You Look Out for When Getting Your Home Fixed After a Storm?

Talk to your insurance. They can tell you who they like to use for such damage even if you don't make a claim. Try to get several names from the insurance or BBB. Even if they come recommended by your insurance agent, I would still get quotes from 3 different companies.

Also, have them write out a detailed scope of work to ensure that everything is covered by the estimate. I used to work for a restoration company and we always did a complete detailed scope of work, room by room.

Check with the Better Business Bureau for sure, and if they tell you they can't do any work without you paying up front, be wary. You should not have to pay until the work is finished to your satisfaction.

We were going to have a company work on my Grandmother-in-law's roof and they said she had to pay it all up front or they wouldn't do her roof. We said bye bye and found a new company that waited until we were satisfied with the work before we had to pay.

You should also be wary of any company that comes to your door with an awesome deal because all of your neighbors are doing it. That happened to us when we needed a new roof and we said no, thank you, and called our insurance and they recommended a couple of companies they knew to do good work in our area.

I am not sure what you mean by renovated? I have heard of storm repairs, replacing a home after a storm but not renovated.

I ask because each part of the home brings out different creatures. Each one has something different to look out for.

In general if they are traveling your subdivision don't answer the door. Those are to storms like ambulance chasers are to accidents. Just not good enough to get work on their own.

Always get a reference from your insurance agent because they know who is real and they know about some of the scammers.

Also follow up those references with the BBB to make sure you are getting someone who does quality work.

Talk to your neighbors, etc word of mouth but NEVER use people to solicit you.

Don't go with the lowest bidder. That does not mean go with the highest bidder, you need to find a good medium ground and someone who does quality work. Don't be cheap

My dad and brother are in the siding/window/home improvement business. I've also had storm damage repaired. First, if you have insurance you need to talk to them. They should have a list of approved and recommended contractors. Some even require you to use certain contractors. If that isn't the case, as a general rule avoid the "storm chasers." They are usually individuals who follow storms from state to state and will solicit at your door. They often provide lower quality work and some have even been known to take off for the next storm before the job is done. That said, sometimes legitimate companies get too busy after a big storm and have to bring in employees from other locations. Check with the BBB. Ask for and check references. The lowest bid isn't always the best bid. Ask about the types and quality of materials they use. Timeline for finishing the work. Make sure the company is bonded and insured. Do not pay for all of the work up front. Have a written contract with a payment schedule. Good luck!

good morning,

whew i feel your dilema-i work on this huge property-weve had some of the crappiest vendors here-half done jobs,no after clean up etc.then charge thru the nose,so i jumped on the net and started researching,calling and asking a billion questions the one i finally found is called "A PANE IN THE GLASS"..(.###-###-####)..this company does everything from a-z..their clean,punctual,prices are very reasonable,owner calls and checks,then after the project is done-before billing he comes and checks over the work,unbelieveable manners and proffessional.they have been here to fix everything from windows,metal railings,siding,patio doors etc.i dont use any other vendors for fixing now except this company.good luck..ps from my understanding they do travel around different states.there were some churches in chicago that got hit pretty bad by storms-they went out there and fixed them up-plus went to new orleans after katrina did alot of work-both volunteer n paid jobs.