Red Flags When Hiring a Storm Restoration Company

As a homeowner, you’ve probably felt that crushing blow when you realize your siding has been pitted and cracked by hail or when forceful winds tore off sections of your shingles. Then the panic sets in, and you start worrying about how and when you can fix your exteriors.

After a storm has gone through and your worry is peaking, that’s when a storm-chasing company swoops in and tries to charm you with promises too good to be true. Don’t fall for these pushy scam artists! What may seem like a quick fix to your problems often results in shoddy workmanship, unfair pricing, and a bigger hassle for you down the road.

Instead, always rely on a reputable, local company, like Expert Level Remodeling, for storm damage repairs to your home, and be on the lookout for these red flags as you choose the right restoration company for you.

License Issues

It is 100% in your right to ask a contractor to see their Minnesota builder's license. In fact, we recommend it, especially if you aren’t sure the company is local. If the contractor refuses to show you or ignores you and tries to change the subject, that’s a sign to be wary of.

If the contractor does provide you with a license, it’s in your best interest to look them up via the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry license and registration lookup platform. You can see if any disciplinary actions have been taken against them and how reputable they are in the community.

Inaccurate or Muddled Inspections

Always ask how experienced a contractor is as they inspect your home. An inexperienced inspector may not thoroughly examine your exteriors or miss small factors, like window frame damage, that will cost you in the long run.

Also, verify your contractor’s inspection. They should be totally transparent with you and should share their inspection report, weather event report, and photographs of the damaged areas of your home.

Their inspection should include:

• All areas of your roofing, shingles, and overhangs

• Your gutter systems and rainspouts

• All of your siding, including where it meets with your roofing and foundation

• Any porches, sunrooms, decks, and where they connect with your house

• All of your windows, exterior doors, and frames

Failure to show you this documentation should be a warning to you.

Aggressive or Predatory Sales Tactics

Be on the lookout for pushy salesmen or contractors making guarantees that seem farfetched.

If you experience any of these warning signs, take a step back and re-evaluate this restoration company:

• Do you feel pressured into filing an insurance claim or signing a contract?

• Are you being asked to contact your insurance agent on the spot?

• Are you told you must file a claim but aren’t given any proof of damage?

• Are they offering to cover your deductible or negotiate with your insurance? (Those are illegal.)

A reputable company will be honest with you about the significance of the damage to your property and give you control when deciding how best to proceed and when you want to file an insurance claim.

Trustworthy companies will also assist you when making your claim, not rush you into doing it.

Do Your Research

While you should have your home inspected and repaired promptly after a storm, you deserve to have it done well and with long-lasting results from a qualified, insured restoration company.

In preparation for a storm or right after one hits your home, ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, and your insurance agent. When you find a few that seem reputable, check out their websites, social media pages, and reviews, and even verify their licensing through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry site.

You have a right to hire the best for your home, so take the time to do that due diligence. Your home and family will be thankful you did after you receive a high-quality repair from a caring and supportive team of Experts.

Hire Trusted Experts for Storm Damage Restoration

Let our Experts check every box in your search for dependable and exceptional storm damage restoration. With over 20 years of experience performing beautiful home exterior renovations and working with insurance agents on timely inspections and repairs, our team is ready to provide you with transparent customer service and high-performing craftsmanship.

Read our reviews to see how our teams have helped families throughout the Twin Cities metro area bounce back from storms quickly and confidently.

Then restore your home to its original grandeur with our Experts today! Schedule a free inspection by calling 763-205-0400 or messaging us online.