Your home is a special place—a sanctuary that you count on to make your life peaceful and secure. So, when a storm comes through the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and causes house damage, finding the right contractor to help you through the repair process is essential.
Knowing what to look for simplifies your search—read on to see the key steps to identifying a home repair team that you can count on to return your home to tip-top shape.
6 Must-Haves in a Trusted Local Storm Repair Team for Your Home
Finding a reliable contractor to help you through the storm damage repair process is non-negotiable, because it ensures the work is done right. Following these 6 steps will help you identify the right team for your needs.
1. Look for a Contractor with Proper Licensing and Insurance
Ensuring proper renovations for your home starts with verifying the team doing your repairs has all the proper credentials. A legitimate home contractor will have up-to-date state licensing, comprehensive liability insurance, and worker’s compensation coverage—all of which protect you in case of accidents, injuries, and other issues. A reliable contractor will happily show you evidence of current, active licensing and insurance.
2. Beware of Storm Chasers
Whenever a major storm causes significant damage, there will be unscrupulous people who go door-to-door looking to make some quick money. The problem with storm chasers is that you can’t rely on them to complete the job properly and be there to address mistakes, leaving you in the lurch. Unlike trusted local contractors, these storm chasers display red flags like these:
- Show up uninvited to your home
- Offer to make instant repairs
- Pressure you to sign a contract immediately
- Demand a large payment upfront
- Lack a local business history
- Have out-of-state license plates
To avoid storm chasers, stick with reputable, well-established local businesses that have deep roots in the Minneapolis and St. Paul community. Trusted local teams care about their reputation, want to build ongoing relationships with homeowners, and are around to answer questions and complete your repairs properly.
3. Check Reviews and References
Your contractor will be working with you for several days to several weeks, depending on the type of damage you are addressing—making it important to find someone you trust. So, how do you identify an experienced local contractor who will care for your home well? Start by asking around to see who your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers recommend. Then, research potential companies by checking online reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau.
As you narrow down potential contractors, reach out to them and see how easy they are to communicate with. Ask them for local references of people they’ve recently worked with, and call these homeowners to find out how the experience went for them. Look for a company that handles feedback well, is responsive, and sticks to their word.
4. Understand Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
To ease the process of having your storm damage processed by your insurance company, find out what your policy covers. You’ll want to know what is included under your coverage, and what isn’t. You’ll also need to know how much you’ll owe for your deductible, and how to ensure your contractor is properly paid or how you’ll be reimbursed.
Read your policy, review the waivers and addendums, and call your insurance provider as soon as you can to report the damage. Take photos and videos to document everything, and take proper steps to temporarily protect your house from further problems—such as hiring a contractor to tarp your roof to stop further leaking.
5. Ask About Manufacturer’s Certifications and Warranties
As repairs and replacements are made to your home, you’ll be choosing materials and trusting them to be installed properly. One way to gauge your contractor’s skills is to ask about their expertise. Many manufacturers train and certify contractors to ensure the products they make are properly installed, meaning certified contractors often meet higher standards for quality and professionalism.
Ask about material warranties and labor guarantees, because top contractors care about this too. At Iron River Construction, we refuse to cut corners and are committed to providing superior results so you can relax and enjoy your renovated home.
6. Verify Local Permits and Code Compliance
Repairs are essential to making your home fully functional again—but don’t compromise on following local regulations. When your renovations are done with proper compliance to building codes, your home will be protected from unnecessary risks to your safety. Also, when you’re ready to sell your house, you won’t have the unpleasant experience of failing to pass an inspection due to noncompliance—and having to settle for a lower asking price.
Ask prospective contractors if they—or you—will handle getting the necessary permits. Ask for proof of any permits they file for your records, and find out how they plan to adhere to local building codes. Remember—a trusted local team with a proven track record is much more likely to know and be able to follow local building codes and permitting processes.
Say Goodbye to Storm Damage and Hello to Peace of Mind with Iron River Construction
The right contractor will ease your stress and streamline the process of getting your home back to normal after storm damage.
At Iron River Construction, we are committed to providing a high-quality experience for all of our customers, drawing upon our 20-plus years of expertise to give you top-notch repairs and renovations that delight you. Contact us to set up a free consultation and estimate.
