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A senior couple came to us because their manufactured home had its roof damaged by a hailstorm. Navigating the path of roof remediation and repair can be a daunting journey for anyone but especially for seniors. We were inspired to create our Roof Remediation and Repair Roadmap to help others who encounter unexpected roof damage to their home. This article underscores the importance of insurance, careful planning, and a reliable supportive restoration company during such times.
Step 1: Review your homeowners’ policy. Determine whether this is a roof claim.
First things first, look over your insurance policy. It’s essential to determine whether your roof damage qualifies as a claim. While you may have been diligently paying for insurance, it’s important to recognize that your specific loss may fall into one of three categories: covered, partially covered, or not covered at all. Insurance policies tend to have some fine print, and that fine print might restrict or exclude coverage for specific conditions. It’s helpful to understand some common exclusions. These often include roof-related problems (active roof maintenance improves your chances).
Before proceeding, you should consider both your deductible and the potential extent of necessary repairs. This evaluation will help you determine whether it’s worth filing a claim. We strongly recommend reaching out to your insurance agent for their professional assessment and guidance; they are your advocates in these matters.
If your property damage is not within the scope of your policy’s coverage, we can explore potential avenues to work with your insurance company to enhance your loss compensation. It’s important to note that for substantial claims, particularly those involving extensive projects, your mortgage company may become involved in the process.
Step 2: There are two-phases to the roof remediation process.
Phase 1: Roof Remediation.
- Our focus is on preventing further damage and removing the effects of the roof damage. This phase may include actions like tarping the roof, removing water or moisture, or removing fallen trees. The goal of this phase is to make your home safe and to stabilize the roof. Your insurance company will want to see that you took remediation steps to avoid more damage.
Phase 2: Roof Repairs.
- The repair process involves fixing and returning your property to pre-damage conditions.
- Important to note: To receive full compensation from your insurance company, you must use a licensed general contractor for your repairs. You are not required to use the same contractor for both phases.
Make sure you ask questions and review any documents before you sign them. It can feel a little overwhelming, but we are here to help you through it!
Step 3: The key people you will be working with during your roof remediation.
Restoration: When you work with Commercial Cleaning and Restoration (CCR), you will have a dedicated project manager and field crew for remediation and for repairs.
Insurance: Apart from your personal insurance agent, there will be two insurance adjusters handling your case: one for the Remediation phase and one for the Repair phase. They might not always specify their role when they get in touch with you, so don’t hesitate to inquire about which phase they’re handling. Clarifying this will make subsequent communication much clearer and easier to track.
- Start with your personal insurance agent. Report your property damage to them, so they can open a claim with the insurance company that covers your policy. The claim is immediately handed off to…
- A Desk Adjuster. They will review with you the details and scope of damage relative to your coverage. It’s a good idea to get us involved at this point so we can begin to gather and present information critical to your claim compensation. Once you’ve been assigned an adjuster, we can begin to communicate with them and manage the project on your behalf. At this point, you also will be assigned to…
- A Field Adjuster. They provide a repair estimate and set aside funds to cover the loss. You may receive repair funds first even though the remediation will be finished first. This is so you have the funds to pay a contractor to immediately start repairs once the remediation has finished.
The Process for Roof Remediation
NON-EMERGENCY LOSS
- Site inspection. CCR will collect all the information and measurements of your roof. During this time CCR can also advise you of the probability of insurance covering the damages. Once CCR has collected all the information, we will write an initial roof repair estimate.
- Initial estimate. An initial estimate is based on a visual inspection of the affected areas and any services needed to bring the property back to its pre-loss condition. The estimate will change if further unforeseen damages are located once the walls are breached. An estimate will be presented to you within 24 to 48 business hours.
- Insurance involved. Once the estimate is provided, you can decide whether to open a claim. You can forward the initial estimate to your insurance company. The field adjuster will decide based on your policy if they will cover the loss. We highly recommend reading over your policy prior to contacting your insurance.
- Work authorization signed. Once the decision is made by the homeowner to proceed with the work, CCR requires a signed work authorization. The work authorization is a contract only for the remediation (a separate authorization is required for the repairs).
- Schedule work to begin. Once the work authorization has been signed, CCR will schedule a start date and estimated roof repair timeline.
- Conduct service. The duration of the service depends on the size of the loss; the complexity of the project; ease of access to the property; and unforeseen damages or additional services that may be needed once the walls are open.
EMERGENCY LOSS
An emergency loss requires immediate remediation. Therefore, the homeowner does not need an estimate prior to a licensed contractor neutralizing the damage.
- Please call us right away. If your emergency occurs during normal business hours (M-F 7:00am – 4:00pm), please call our office at 520-297-4736. If your emergency occurs outside our normal hours, please call CCR’s emergency line at (520) 391-4615. Once we have your address and basic information, an on-call team will be dispatched.
Most emergencies are covered by your insurance. If you are in doubt whether the size of your damage warrants a claim, we recommend calling your agent. CCR works with all insurance companies. An adjuster will be assigned to the loss and will usually give you a call within 24 to 48 hours of the loss report.
- The process for the site inspection, initial estimate, and work authorization is the same as for non-emergencies. If you would like for CCR to hold off on any major work until the adjuster has visited your property, we can stabilize the area and prevent additional damage.
- Conduct service. The duration of the service depends on the size of the loss; the complexity of the project; ease of access to the property; and unforeseen damages or additional services that may be needed once the walls are open.
Provide final scope of work and invoice. Once the service has been completed and no further remediation work is needed, CCR will create a final scope of work for the desk adjuster’s review. Once the final scope has been finalized and both parties agree to the final cost, a payment will be issued to the homeowner, who will then pay CCR.
The Process for Roof Repair
Photos of a residential home receiving new shingles for roof.
The insurance company will send you a check directly for the roof repairs. They will hold some of the funds until they receive confirmation that the repairs are completed by a licensed contractor. Once they receive confirmation, they will release the remaining funds and close out the claim.
You do not have to use the same company for repairs as you do for remediation. If you choose to contract with CCR, here is our repair process.
- Schedule a site inspection. Your repair project manager will schedule a date to visit the property and confirm the scope of work.
 At this time, it would be useful to know whether you wish to upgrade any elements such as countertops or flooring. Please know that your insurance company will only compensate you for bringing your property back to pre-loss condition. Upgrades will be at your own expense. Please discuss these options with your CCR project manager.
- Create estimate. CCR will create a repair estimate based on our site inspection. If the insurance company has approved the loss, we will negotiate with your adjuster regarding what needs to be repaired; the estimated expense; and what insurance will pay. Please know this may take some time depending on specialty items involved and the responsiveness of all parties.
- Create a contract and release funds. Once an agreement has been reached, your insurance company will release some of the funds to you as a down payment to CCR.
- Schedule a start date and down payment. Once the down payment has been collected and the contract signed, CCR will schedule a start time for the project to begin.
- Conduct service. The duration of the service depends on the size of the repair, availability of materials, access to the job site, and timeliness of progress payments (as applicable).
- Provide final scope of work and invoice. Once the work has been completed, a final scope of work will be issued along with any supplements. This will be submitted to the insurance company for review.
- Receive final payment. Once the project is finished, a certificate of completion will be signed indicating that you are satisfied with the final product. Your insurance company will then issue you a final payment to pay CCR any outstanding balance.
With the right knowledge and support, this roof repair process becomes manageable. As you embark on this road, remember to lean on the expertise of professionals, keep lines of communication open, and never hesitate to ask questions. Expect challenges, but also anticipate the satisfaction of a safe, restored roof at the end of the journey. Together, we navigate these storms and rebuild your life.
Fire and Water Damage Restoration • Roof Repair
Water Cleanup • Emergency Tarping
At Commercial Cleaning & Restoration, we want the best for you and your home and we will work to prove it to you.
We also clean carpets, area rugs, and upholstery.
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