Post-Storm Property Check: Damage Assessment & Scam Prevention

Massive storms can wreak havoc on your property and leave you with costly damages. Throughout many parts of Greater Peoria we have seen two powerful storm systems roll through in the past week. In the aftermath of such an events, it's crucial to assess your property, identify potential issues, and ensure that you are working with a reputable company to carry out any necessary repairs. Unfortunately after storms come through an area and cause any sort of damage its very common for predatory companies to start making calls and social media posts about how they can “help”. Don’t fall victim to these companies, educate yourself and due your due diligence before hiring anyone to work on your property. To help your cause with insurance claims take as many pictures as you can of anything you think may be damaged, it may be helpful later.

The Importance of Checking Your Property After Massive Storms

Severe weather events can cause a range of issues for your property, from minor cosmetic damage to significant structural problems. It's essential to inspect your property as soon as it's safe to do so, to identify any potential hazards and prevent further damage. A thorough inspection can also help you with insurance claims, as you'll need to provide accurate documentation of the damage sustained. Get outside as quickly as it is safe to do so and when you have adequate light to help you assess any damages. As always be mindful of standing water, any downed power lines and ensure you have good footing when using ladders to access your roof.

Identifying Damage: What to Look For

When inspecting your property after a massive storm, keep an eye out for the following signs of damage:

a) Roof Damage: Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles, as well as any visible dents or leaks. Check for debris in gutters and downspouts, as this can lead to water damage if not addressed. You may think assessing this damage from the ground is ok, but you really have to get on to the roof and check this out. Hail damages especially, could be difficult or impossible to see from the ground. In some cases it could crack or chip off corners of the asphalt shingles.

b) Siding Damage: Inspect your siding for cracks, chips, or dents, as these can allow water to penetrate your home and cause further damage. If you can repair loose siding yourself quickly that will greatly help reduce your costs and protect your home. However in more severe cases only remove loose sliding if it becomes a hazard, but consider taking pictures and/or video of it before. You may want to run this by your insurance company before doing any work unless this poses an extreme risk to people or the property.

c) Window and Door Damage: Check for cracks in glass, damaged window frames, or broken seals. Ensure that doors close properly and that there is no visible damage to the frame or hinges.

d) Foundation Damage: Inspect the perimeter of your home for cracks in the foundation or signs of water intrusion. This may indicate a more severe structural issue.

e) Landscaping Damage: Fallen trees or branches can cause damage to your property, and standing water can lead to soil erosion or even flooding. Focus on clearing roads, driveways then sidewalks. If power lines are affected contact your electrical company or first responders before trying to remove any limbs or trees touching downed lines. It’s quite possible they have crews that will be taking care of that work to help restore power.

Avoiding Predatory Companies: How to Ensure Legitimacy

Unfortunately, some companies prey on homeowners in the aftermath of massive storms, offering quick repairs at inflated prices. To protect yourself from scams and ensure you're working with a legitimate business, consider the following tips:

a) Research the Company: Look up the company's history, reviews, and ratings online. There are a few places you can check for reviews and feedback from past customers of theirs, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local Chamber’s of Commerce, Facebook pages, Google Business Listings, Yelp Pages. They may not have all of these and the BBB is a pay to play organization so not every business will have a profile, likewise they may not have some of the listed social media pages or a Yelp page listed. However research what you can on this company before signing any documents or handing over any money.

b) Verify Licensing and Insurance: Make sure the company is licensed and insured to work in your area. Request a copy of their license and insurance documentation for your records. All roofing contractors must be licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You can look up their licensing status here: https://online-dfpr.micropact.com/lookup/licenselookup.aspx

c) Obtain Multiple Quotes: Get at least three quotes from different companies to compare prices and services. This can help you gauge what's reasonable and prevent you from overpaying.

d) Don't Pay Upfront: Beware of companies that require full payment before starting work. A reputable company should be willing to provide a written contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule.

e) Ask for References: Request references from previous customers and follow up with them to get their feedback on the company's work and professionalism. They should be able to provide these easily with contact information for those references.

f) Website: Not ever contractor will have a website but many will, and those more reputable companies will have ones with information, testimonials, services listed, etc. This can be an indicator that a company takes their business seriously and puts effort into what they do. That being said, some less than reputable companies also have websites so be cautious and don’t use a website as the sole indicator of why you should do business with a company.

Preventing Scams: Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you avoid scams and ensure you're working with a trustworthy company:

a) Be Wary of Door-to-Door Sales: Scammers often go door-to-door after a massive storm, offering their services. It's best to be cautious and do your research before agreeing to any work.

b) Phone Calls: Companies that start to robo call homes in affected areas directly after a major storm may not have regular business or be ones to at least be very cautious of. Most reputable contractors will likely already be busy and massive storm damage events add to an already large workload for successful companies. Typically that means these companies will not be taking the time to call up random people and offer free roof inspections or quotes.

c) Don't Feel Pressured: Reputable companies won't pressure you into making a decision on the spot. Take your time and get all the information you need to make an educated decision.

d) Request a Written Contract: Always ask for a written contract that outlines the scope of work, materials, labor costs, and a timeline for completion. Ensure that any warranties or guarantees are included in writing as well. This protects both you and the company, and provides a clear understanding of the work to be performed.

e) Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your state's regulations and consumer protection laws. This can help you identify red flags and understand your legal rights in case of any disputes with the contractor.

f) Document Everything: Take pictures of the damage before and after the repairs, and keep a record of all communication with the contractor. This can be useful for insurance claims or legal disputes.

g) Pay with a Credit Card or Check: Avoid paying in cash, as it's harder to trace and doesn't offer the same level of protection as credit cards or checks. If a company insists on cash payment, consider it a red flag.

h) Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut. It's better to take the time to find a reputable company than to rush into a decision and regret it later.

Conclusion

Checking your property after massive storms is essential for identifying damage, ensuring safety, and protecting your investment. By being thorough in your inspection, knowing what to look for, and partnering with a legitimate, reputable company, you can effectively address any storm-related issues and avoid falling victim to predatory scams. Take the necessary steps to research and vet potential contractors, secure written contracts, and keep detailed records of your interactions and work performed. By doing so, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges that come with post-storm property repair and recovery.