The 2008 hurricane season presented some constant challenges to the Gulf Coast region. Hurricane Ike hit Galveston and then followed the ship channel up into Houston causing windstorm and water damage. Many insurance companies are still processing claims made because of the assessed damages. The plan to restoring your home is time consuming and arduous but everything continues forward. Many are frustrated because the insurance company they thought would processes their claim has denied them. We have seen many denied claims in the hard hit areas and many insurance carriers plan on providing less and less coverages. It is time to see where you are in closing these claims so you can move forward with your business and life.
Restoration Plan:
The restoration plans in badly damaged areas would have been pushed by insurance claim values, a compiled understanding of the damage, as well as knowledge of the current building codes which are critical in making decisions as to raze, replace or repair, or to restore a property. These plans will almost always not be occurring as quickly as one had hoped and there will be new adjusters assigned to files as some of the initial adjusters return to writing claims. Decisions made by policyholders involve a delicate balance and careful understanding of an insured's available coverages and exclusions, damages to the structure, current building code elevation requirements, and wind speed/mechanical code changes since the original construction. Hiring the right people to determine these needs can help you better prepare and inform yourself.
Surveyors: Seeking the professional advice of a surveyor regarding elevation certificates associated with a flood damaged property can be a good idea. Do keep in mind that flood zones change so make sure what your property status is. You can get information about your property’s flood zone using FEMA’s website at www.tsarp.org and check your home against the most recent flood maps. If you recently purchased a home, you may have paid for an elevation certificate so look through your files.
Real Estate Appraisers: A forensic appraisal can help determine the value of a structure pre-storm and can be instrumental in making a determination for the 50% rule consideration, as well as making decisions associated with restoration or redevelopment.
Roofing Contractors or Consultants: Most of the damages around town were roof-related damages due to windstorm. Roofing specialists can diagnose the cost and/or need for either re-roofing or repairing the roof system of a damaged structure. The National Roofing Contractors Association www.nrca.net is an excellent resource.
Mold Prevention/ Identification Experts: If a property has taken on water and is experiencing indoor environmental problems that could lead to health issues, the Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov has some good information. You may need contact a mold remediation company so check with your insurance company about that. You can also visit www.nadca.com and search for the article entitled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings to understand indoor air environments in schools. If the damage is excessive in larger areas of business, the best resource will be a Certified Industrial Hygienist; you can research the American Board of Industrial Hygiene at www.abih.com.
Exterior Envelope Replacement Contractors: Consulting a qualified contractor greatly helps in making decisions on how to implement temporary measures. It is very common to have tarps placed on roofs as a temporary measure against water penetration. Your contractor of choice will later assist you in the replacement of the damaged exterior components. Possible exterior replacements include framing, flashing, windows and haridplank. Take careful attention to weather resistant barriers and the selection of quality windows and exterior siding.
Meteorologist: A meteorologist or well selected open source weather data can be a helpful tool to determine the wind speeds, flood surge timing and surge height. Don’t know a meteorologist? *smile* FEMA and the NFIP can provide this data at www.noaa.gov or www.floodsmart.gov.
Picture! Pictures! Pictures! : Digital photographs are a blessing and provide the feasibility of instant digital storage. Remember to take pictures of both pre and post hurricane, this can be instrumental in understanding damages later. Be sure to have numerous photos of various areas of the damaged property…the more the merrier! You may need to resort to your images later so place them in a secure location or off site. The use of an appraiser or interior designer is a sound way to establish and price the inventory of property affected by a hurricane. They usually take pictures of the projects they are involved in and can be used as proof.
Engineers: In difficult cases, an engineer can evaluate the cause associated with the various components of the damage. Structural engineers can assess the overall damages related to structure and foundation. If your house is newer, check to see what your builder warranty will cover.
Hurricane Mediation Programs: These programs are usually a fair way for a policyholder to reach the ear of an experienced claims representative and can be useful in resolving many claims without litigation expenses. Watch the Texas Departments of Insurance for mediation programs that make a difference; visit at www.tdi.state.tx.us.
Legal Counsel: In the worst of cases on either side, it may be time to think of hiring a lawyer to guide the prosecution or defense of these claims.
The purpose of this information is to give a few opinions that may be of use to a person whose financial future lies on a good outcome with their insurer and to those charged with assuring that people are paid a fair dollar for their damage. This information should not be substituted for professional legal advice; consult with your attorney for legal advice and ask your insurance professional to discuss the details of your policy and insurance needs.
Contractors of Choice:
MIF Contracting
www.mifgc.com
mifgc@email.com
Tel: 713-541-4685
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Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
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