5 Way Process of Handling Water and Storm Damage.
So imagine the situation.
While you were on holiday for your 3 week skiing trip to the Alps (Yes, this is an imaginary story!) The weather in the UK whipped up a storm and blew off a nearby tree branch which deposited itself through your roof.
The damage was bad enough to let in the next weeks’ worth of rain which caused your whole internal property to be completely devastated. You arrive back to an absolute catastrophe and have to deal with the aftermath and the slow journey back to normalcy.
So where do you begin?
Here is a simple guide to take you through the necessary steps needed when dealing with a horror natural disaster on your home such as this.
- Make sure all damage has been recorded.
This seems obvious but in a crisis situation the natural reaction is to start the clearance project right away. But, hopefully you are insured and if you are the insurers are going to need details of exactly what has been damaged.
Try to take as many photographs as you can making sure you cover everything that has been involved. Starting with the tree branch, its point of entry from the outside, then onto the internal shots which need to show every room affected. You will need to prove that this is an external leak and not a mistake by yourselves overflowing a bath or similar.
- Use a Professional Roofer to conduct Roof Survey
The contractor will be part of your evidence to what’s happened. Make sure in their report they describe not only the exact damage but also how they think it had been caused. They will need to provide a written estimate on the work that will be required to put the roof back to its original state. At this stage do not be tempted to include work that needed doing, but wasn’t caused by the storm. Insurance companies are very experienced at spotting false claims and this could come back to bite you.
- Call The Insurance Agent
Before you make the all-important call its well worth reading through your policy details and finding out exactly what you are covered for and check whether there are any discrepancies in the small print. If you know what these are you may be able to reword your report so that it fits in line with the wording of your policy. This helps to get the maximum pay out and stops the insurance company from pulling the wool over your eyes with jargon and minutia.
- Making the Claim application
Your company representative should help with this procedure. It can be quite a lengthy process and seem a bit of a drag, especially when you just want to get on with instructing the contractors to get going with fixing your roof. Do a bit of research and ask what the most common filing mistakes are so you avoid having to redo any of it and the form being sent back to you.
This happens more often than not.
- Instruct Your Roofer and Other Property Maintenance Contractors
First of all you are going to have to wait for the claim files and reports to go to the underwriters so that the amount for the claim can be agreed. This is the annoying part because you have now done everything you can do, its in the hands of the people who are going to pay for your house to be put right so you have to be patient. Most companies will be fairly quick but don’t be alarmed if you have to wait a week or more for final confirmation.
Don’t be tempted to start instructing contractors before this has been finished, you could end up with work being done that won’t be covered by your claim.
So when the OK comes through…. Get going and press on with fixing your home!
Most decent property maintenance companies will be able to deal with all the internal refurbishments but you have to check that they will be approved by your insurance companies. Some policies require that you use specialist water damage companies, especially when there is a high risk of future mould being caused by heavy dampness.
With large extensive damage to the roof we really would recommend using a well-known specialist roofing contractor to make sure that this roof is going to be like new again. A lot of property contractors will claim to be able to do roofing work but this is a skilled trade that takes years to master — get the experts in.
This article was written and provided by Harry Maguire of Birmingham roofers.
Harry has worked in the roofing industry since his teen age years taking on holiday work within his father’s contracting business.
Harry has seen great changes with the way insurance claims deal with natural disasters and storm damage. His extensive knowledge working alongside property maintenance projects means his company have the know-how and the logistical support to take a homeowner from start to finish through this process.
If you have a claim to make in Birmingham that involves a roof leak or roof damage then this company should be your first point of call. They are set up to deliver first class service and a hand to hold while the stress of insurance claims takes grip. Using a reputable service provider with this level of experience means that you will be confident in getting the right price from your claim and getting all the work done efficiently and on time by industry experts.
Peace of mind, you cannot put a price on that.
For all your roofing need contact Birmingham Roofers on bmroofers.co.uk
