There are many natural disasters that can negatively impact your house, but hurricanes are amongst the most destructive.
If your property has been affected by a hurricane and is in need of restoration, it can be intimidating – looking at your damaged home, but wondering where exactly you should start. We have 5 tips to help you get started with your home’s restoration after a hurricane.
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#1 Utilize External Resources
It’s important to remember that there are resources out there to help you out when natural disasters strike. First, check out your insurance policy and see what exactly it covers.
While there are many types of homeowners insurance that do not cover damage from flooding – the primary cause of damage after a hurricane – there’s a good chance you have flood insurance if you live in an area prone to hurricanes. If your insurance covers any of the damage caused by the hurricane, be sure to take that into consideration to reduce costs.
You can also reach out to your local FEMA branch to see what types of assistance are available. If you are unable to live in your home due to damage, you may be able to receive temporary housing and meals for you and your family. They can also support you with insurance claim guidance and help with repairs to your home.
#2 Take Long-Term Precautions
While your home being damaged by a hurricane is upsetting, it’s a good idea to take the time to take long-term precautions amidst the distress. This includes thoroughly assessing the damage done to your home and documenting everything.
You should take photos of the damage to compare to photos of your home prior to the hurricane, prepare an itemized list of all of your belongings and noting which were damaged or destroyed, and save all receipts you receive to submit as part of your deductible.
Another way to take long-term precautions is to make a game plan as soon as you can so that the process of restoring your property after a hurricane can go as smoothly as possible. After you have ensured you and your family’s safety, you can make a list of everything that needs to be done.
This will allow you to prioritize repairs and find professionals to assist with everything. If you are in the Florida area, Property Renovations and Construction, LLC is happy to schedule you with a free estimate to assist in any restorations your home might need.
#3 Start Big, Not Small
There are two types of repairs to tackle first: urgent repairs and your most used rooms. Urgent repairs are arguably the most important part of restoring a property after a hurricane because this will help prevent further damage to your home or you and your family.
Some damages can put you and your family at risk such as water or gas leaks, broken doors or windows, mold, fallen power lines, and weak or fallen trees. If any of these types of damage are present, be sure to address them first.
After your urgent repairs are addressed, you can take on restoring your most-used rooms. These primary rooms are typically considered to be the kitchen and bathroom, since we can technically sleep in any room of the house but we can’t cook and shower in any room of the house. If you repair the rooms you need the most first, you can begin utilizing them again quickly.
#4 Don’t Be Afraid to Feel
Restoring your property after a hurricane will not be easy. There will be a lot of emotions running rampant, and you should expect to feel stressed, frustrated, upset, and confused.
At the end of the day, something like a hurricane or losing your home is traumatic and you will need to heal. Juggling that healing while also repairing your home is a lot to take on, so it’s important to let yourself feel.
But you don’t have to feel on your own. Allow friends and family to support you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can also look around you and see if others need help, because oftentimes, people don’t ask for what they need. If you were affected by a hurricane, remember that your neighbors were affected too – check on your neighbors to see if you can help them at all.
#5 Take Your Time With Repairs
Don’t rush into anything – be sure to research anyone you hire to repair your property to ensure they are the right fit. Read reviews, get estimates, and take your time.
This includes an electrician to check on your power – a hurricane can leave water in places like your wiring and appliances, which can cause electrical fires. Don’t jump back into things without double checking that they are safe first.
