5 Tips To Surviving Property Claims in Houston, Austin Texas by Storm Damage Expert Travis Jenkins

www.alltexexteriors.com

Storm damage can have a ripple effect.

A big storm can mean big stress. In the days before it hits, weather men alert cities and property owners feverishly try to prepare for the impending damage. The storm hits, sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker than predicted. In the wet mess that´s left, damage assessments begin. Getting an accurate diagnosis of what needs to be fixed and navigating through the protocol to getting it paid for can take a surprisingly long time. Storms are getting more frequent and more severe, which means damages are becoming more extensive with every event. Here are 5 things property owners can do to survive the claim process and get the job done right, the first time.

Mitigate the damage!

You may be tempted not to touch the damage so that the adjustor can view it just as it was left. This can be a very costly mistake! The insured had a duty to prevent further damage from occurring: this is called mitigating your loss. Use tarps, plywood, etc. to get things covered up as soon as possible. Pump out water and use fans if necessary to begin drying things out after a flood.

Have someone knowledgeable meet the adjustor.

Most property owners are not specifically trained in construction. The adjustor represents the insurance company, not the insured. They will be anxious to quickly assess the damage and cut a check for the lowest amount possible. It´s vital to have someone on-site watching out for your interests, who understands both construction methods and claims adjustment, to get an accurate assessment of the damage at the initial inspection.

Fight the temptation to go too quickly!

It might sound attractive to have someone cut you checks on the spot but beware: if it´s too low, it won´t cover the costs of the damage and you won´t be going back for more. In general, going fast is not going to be in your best interest. A thorough inspection and detailed scope of work take time to accomplish.

Pay attention to the transition from claim resolution to construction.

Once you have a properly detailed scope of work that focuses on the owner´s best interest rather than the insurance company´s and the claims have all been resolved, it´s vital that you choose the right professionals to complete the job. Getting it wrong can cost up to 50% of the settlement before there even repairs made (e.g. public adjustors, attorneys, and contractors). This impacts turnaround time, downtime, and quality of work, and for most commercial situations, their bottom line.

Follow-up is key!

All those phone calls can be their own full-time job. But following up with the correct person is often key to getting the job done. Don´t let loose ends stay that way: make sure they´re addressed and corrected. The squeaky wheel will get the grease so keep at it! The payoff is a completed job and resuming of life as usual.

Getting through the claims process after the trauma of a storm can be complicated and stressful. For property owners and managers wanting help and protection through the process, there is a company designed to help. All-Tex Commercial Construction employs Storm Damage Recovery Experts who will meet you on-site and protect your interests from start to finish. They´ll expertly help negotiate a fair settlement and help restore your business back to pre-storm conditions. For more information, visit www.alltexexteriors.com or call 866-921-5715.