If there’s one thing besides great weather, beaches, and nightlife South Florida is known for, it’s storms. All that great sun and water has to have at least one fault, right? Living in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas means you’re at greater risk for catastrophic storms than most other U.S. citizens. Even though the storms themselves are terrifying, recovering is the hardest part.
It’s a good idea to have a plan of action in case you’re a victim of a natural disaster. Your home is too valuable to leave to chance. Even if you’ve lost everything in a storm, rebuilding is possible. This step-by-step on renovating your home after a devastating storm will make figuring it out a little easier.
Assess the damage to your home and call your insurance company.
The first step to take after a storm damages your home is to assess the situation. Your roof is the most important area of your home and the one most susceptible to damage from harsh winds and rain. Take detailed pictures of the damage so you’ll have them to send to your insurance adjuster. It’s also imperative to take note of any personal belongings damaged by the storm. Ultimately, you want to have a visual record of the damage the storm did to your home.
After you’ve had a chance to breathe and assess your home’s damage, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Storm coverage comes standard on homeowners insurance plans, but it’s wise to opt for flood insurance living in South Florida as well.
Your insurance agent will want you to give a detailed account of what happened to your home and will come out to get a firsthand look. As long as you have the necessary coverage, you should get all you need to renovate or rebuild your house.
Search for the right professionals for home improvements.
The good news is it’s easy to find a great roofing contractor in South Florida. They’re used to installing new roofs and shingles before and following the wet season and know what kind of shingles your home needs to withstand future storms. It’s a good idea to do your own research to find a contractor with years of experience and a track record for excellent customer service. Most roofing contractors give a free estimate and roof inspection, so it’s wise to get several estimates to get a good idea of what your expenses will be.
Another great way to find the best Fort Lauderdale roof replacement contractor is to ask around. Your friends and family are the perfect people to point you in the right direction. The best testament to a company’s work is the praise of happy customers.
Take preventive measures.
Another important part of fixing your home after a storm is taking precautions to ensure it can stand the storms to come. A good place to start is in your basement. Waterproofing a basement is one of the best ways to keep moisture out of your home and prevent your basement from flooding.
You can DIY your basement if that’s your thing, but it’s wise to call a contractor for this job. A leak could be the least of your worries if you don’t do it right. Your energy efficiency could drop, causing your energy bill to skyrocket if you don’t waterproof your basement correctly. Moreover, your basement will be vulnerable to mold. Hiring a contractor means the work is guaranteed and insured.
When living in warm, tropical areas like Fort Lauderdale, you have to be ready for anything. It’s prone to catastrophic storms capable of taking everything from home and business owners. The most important thing is to take every possible preventive measure to keep it from happening again. South Florida may come with its fair share of storms, but something about it makes weathering them worthwhile.
