Remodeling after Storm Damage
1/6/2022 (Permalink)
Remodeling after Storm Damage
If you’ve experienced storm damage from a natural disaster, the process of getting your house back to its preloss condition can be overwhelming. If you’re an optimist, you might look at this as an opportunity to renovate your space. That’s a great idea, but before you start ordering new fixtures, you’ll want to reach out to some storm damage repair companies and find one to help you make sure your home is safe and structurally sound. The faster you get a professional restoration team on the job, the less likely your home will sustain long-lasting effects from the storm. Here’s what you can expect from the process.
- If you’ve been away, prepare for a depressing sight. A natural disaster can wreak havoc on your home, so expect the damage to be dramatic. Just keep reminding yourself that once it’s done, it will be better than ever!
- Find out for sure what your insurance covers. Remodeling is an expensive endeavor. You’ll need various contractors to tackle different aspects like drywall, painting, electrical work, and so on. If, because of storm damage, roof repair is required, that’s an additional contractor and expense. Call your insurance company as soon as the damage occurs and have them send an adjuster as quickly as possible. It’s imperative for you to know exactly what will and will not be covered, and the extent of that coverage.
- The home will need to be dried out as quickly as possible. The longer a property stays wet, the more potential for damage. Standing water needs to be removed immediately, using a wet/dry vacuum, wet furnishings and carpet need to be removed, and dehumidifiers need to be utilized to dry the building further. It’s wise to contact a professional to handle this part of your storm damage repair because the situation could be extremely hazardous, especially if electrical damage is involved.
- You’ll need to have your property inspected for mold. Water left to sit on a surface for any amount of time can provide a hospitable environment for mold spores. Before you do any remodeling, have a mold inspector come to determine if there’s any dangerous mold on your property that requires remediation.
- Be prepared for it to take a long time. Try to remain patient with the process, because rushing it could end in a result that’s less than ideal. The house must be dry and clear of mold before reconstruction can even begin, and construction is a lengthy and messy process.
- Expect to make plenty of decisions. There will be negotiations with contractors, decisions to be made about materials, and so many details you’ll be exhausted. Take your time and give careful consideration to each step of the process, including upgrades you might want to make.
Before you can start remodeling after a storm, your property needs to be repaired and restored by professionals like the ones at SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra area property and get everything back to normal. A trusted leader in the storm damage cleanup and restoration space, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 246-6118.