Do You Need a Separate Repair Estimate for Storm Damage?

You’ve contacted your insurance provider about potential storm damage to your roof and exterior, and they’re scheduled to assess your property soon. Now you might be wondering—is it necessary to obtain a repair estimate from a contractor? Here’s a valuable tip from Midwestern Construction, your trusted Minnesota roofing company.

The answer is yes—you should always get a separate repair estimate from a licensed and experienced roofing contractor. While insurance adjusters provide estimates based on standardized software like Xactimate or their own internal systems, these estimates—also called a scope of loss—may not always reflect current market prices for materials and labor. Additionally, they might not include all the required code upgrades, manufacturer recommendations, or essential components needed to restore your roofing system to its pre-damage condition.

Why a Contractor’s Estimate is Important

This doesn’t mean your insurance company is acting in bad faith—your insurance adjuster is an expert in policy and claims processing, while your contractor is an expert in roofing and exterior repairs. That’s where Midwestern Construction comes in.

As a trusted Minnesota roofing contractor, we work with insurance adjusters every day to ensure your roof repair or replacement meets all building codes, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards. We advocate for you by:

• Identifying storm damage that might be overlooked during an initial inspection.
• Providing detailed documentation, including photos, repair estimates, and code requirements.
• Communicating directly with your insurance provider when necessary to justify necessary repairs or full roof replacements.

What’s Your Financial Responsibility?

One of the most common concerns homeowners have is cost. Your only financial responsibility when filing a storm damage insurance claim is your deductible—unless you choose to pay for upgrades or modifications beyond the approved scope of work.

At Midwestern Construction, we provide our own detailed repair estimate, which is based on actual material and labor costs, rather than generic software pricing. This estimate, along with supporting documentation, is submitted to you—the insured homeowner—so you can provide it to your insurance company as part of the claims process.

Work With a Trusted Minnesota Roofing Company

If your roof has suffered storm damage, choosing the right roofing contractor is essential. Midwestern Construction has extensive experience in storm damage restoration, working with homeowners in Mankato, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities. We’re committed to providing honest assessments, high-quality craftsmanship, and a stress-free claims process.

Need a professional roof inspection and storm damage estimate? Contact Midwestern Construction today to schedule a consultation!

Understanding the Roof Replacement Process After Storm Damage

After the storm has passed, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected roof damage. Fortunately, Midwestern Construction is here to guide you through the roof replacement process and ensure your home is restored efficiently. If your insurance has approved a full roof replacement due to storm damage, what comes next? Here’s what to expect.

Insurance Assessment and Scope of Loss

Your insurance company will conduct an inspection and provide an estimate, known as a “scope of loss,” detailing the damages. This document includes two key figures: the actual cash value and the recoverable cash value. Many homeowners are unfamiliar with these terms, so understanding them is essential.

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) – This is the initial payment you receive from your insurance company. It reflects the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and condition.
• Recoverable Cash Value (RCV) – This amount is held back by your insurance company until the roofing work is completed. Once the repairs are verified, they release these remaining funds.

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that the actual cash value is the total amount they will receive for their roof replacement. However, the recoverable cash value is an important part of the final payment, ensuring your claim covers the full cost of necessary repairs.

Working With Your Mortgage Company

If you have a mortgage, your insurance check may be issued jointly to both you and your mortgage company. This is a standard practice to ensure repairs are completed before funds are fully disbursed. In such cases, you will need to coordinate with your mortgage provider to obtain their endorsement on the check before you can access the funds.

Choosing a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Once your claim is approved, selecting a reliable and experienced contractor is critical. Midwestern Construction specializes in storm damage restoration and has extensive experience working with insurance claims. Our team ensures that all necessary repairs meet local building codes, manufacturer guidelines, and your insurance policy requirements.

During the roof replacement process, our team will:

• Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure all damage is documented and addressed.
• Work with your insurance adjuster if additional damage is discovered during the replacement process.
• Provide high-quality roofing materials that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Complete the project efficiently while maintaining excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Understanding Your Financial Responsibility

One of the most common concerns homeowners have is how much they will need to pay out of pocket. Your only financial obligation in a storm damage claim is your deductible. Unless you decide to pay for optional upgrades, all covered repairs will be handled through your insurance claim.

Midwestern Construction provides a detailed estimate that reflects current market costs for materials and labor, ensuring that your insurance payout is accurate and sufficient to complete the necessary repairs. We also assist you in submitting this information to your insurance provider.

Why Work With Midwestern Construction?

As a trusted Minnesota roofing company, Midwestern Construction has helped countless homeowners navigate the roof replacement process after severe storms. We provide transparent communication, high-quality workmanship, and expert guidance to make the experience as smooth as possible.

From handling insurance documentation to completing your roof replacement with precision, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on restoring your home’s protection and value.

Understanding the Insurance Process for Roof Damage Claims

Severe weather can cause significant damage to your roof, leaving many homeowners wondering if they should file an insurance claim and what steps to take. If you’ve recently experienced a storm, here’s what you need to know about the insurance claims process and how Midwestern Construction can assist you with roof repairs and replacements.

Does Filing a Claim Affect Insurance Rates?

Many homeowners hesitate to file a roof damage claim, fearing an increase in insurance premiums. However, insurance rates are not impacted by claims related to natural disasters, often referred to as acts of God, such as hailstorms, high winds, or tornadoes. Your rates will not increase simply because you file a storm-related claim.

On the other hand, claims for preventable incidents—like a broken window from an accident or structural damage caused by a vehicle hitting your home—can affect your rates. Understanding this distinction is important when deciding whether to move forward with a claim for storm damage.

Steps to Take After a Storm

Assess for Visible Damage

After a storm, perform a visual inspection of your property. Look for missing or damaged shingles, dented gutters, leaks, or any other signs of roof damage. If you notice any issues, take photos for documentation.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

If you suspect your roof has sustained storm damage, notify your insurance company. Let them know about the date and severity of the storm, and provide details on any visible damage. They will ask about potential leaks or interior water damage and may schedule an inspection with an adjuster.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if damage isn’t obvious, storms can cause structural issues that aren’t immediately visible. Midwestern Construction provides detailed roof inspections to determine the extent of the damage. If we find significant damage, we can provide documentation to support your claim and ensure necessary repairs are covered.

Have a Contractor Present During the Adjuster’s Inspection

Insurance adjusters assess damage to determine how much coverage will be provided. Having a professional roofing contractor from Midwestern Construction present during this inspection ensures that all damages are properly identified. We work alongside adjusters to advocate for the necessary repairs and ensure no damage is overlooked.

Review the Insurance Estimate and Repair Plan

Once your claim is approved, your insurance provider will provide a repair estimate known as a scope of loss. This outlines the work covered under your policy. Keep in mind that insurance estimates may not always include all required repairs based on local building codes or manufacturer guidelines. If any discrepancies exist, Midwestern Construction can provide additional documentation to support the necessary work.

Complete Repairs with a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Once everything is finalized, Midwestern Construction will complete the necessary repairs or replacement, ensuring your roof is restored to pre-storm condition or better. We handle everything from material selection to final inspections, making the process stress-free for you.

Why Choose Midwestern Construction for Roof Repairs?

Navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team has extensive experience working with insurance adjusters and ensuring homeowners receive the coverage they’re entitled to.

• We provide thorough inspections to assess storm damage.
• We work directly with insurance adjusters to ensure accurate assessments.
• We offer high-quality roofing solutions tailored to Minnesota’s weather conditions.
• We make the claims process easy and stress-free for homeowners.

If you’ve experienced a storm and suspect roof damage, don’t wait. Contact Midwestern Construction today to schedule an inspection and get expert guidance throughout the insurance claims process.

What Happens During a Roof Damage Inspection?

After experiencing a severe storm, you’ve contacted your insurance company about potential roof damage. They’ve scheduled an inspection to assess the extent of the damage. What should you expect next? Here’s a detailed guide from Midwestern Construction on how to prepare for a roof damage inspection and why having a roofing professional present is essential.

The Importance of a Professional Roof Inspection

When an insurance adjuster inspects your property, their goal is to determine the extent of the damage and estimate the cost of necessary repairs. However, insurance adjusters work with a high volume of claims, especially after major storm events, and may not always identify all damages. This is why having a representative from Midwestern Construction present during the inspection is critical.

How to Prepare for a Roof Inspection

Schedule a Roofing Contractor to Be Present

If you’re working with Midwestern Construction, notify your adjuster before the inspection and request that they coordinate with us. This ensures our representative can be on-site during the inspection. Having a roofing expert present allows us to advocate for a thorough assessment and ensures no damage goes unnoticed.

Document Any Visible Damage

Before the adjuster arrives, take photos of any noticeable storm damage, such as missing shingles, dents from hail, or water stains inside your home. This documentation can be useful when discussing the extent of the damage with your insurance provider.

What Happens During the Insurance Inspection?

Evaluation of Roofing Materials and Structure

The adjuster will assess the overall condition of your roof, including shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents. They will look for signs of hail damage, wind damage, and water infiltration that could compromise the roof’s integrity.

Identification of Hidden Damage

Some roof damage is not immediately visible, especially when it involves underlying structures. Our team helps highlight less obvious signs of damage, ensuring that everything is properly documented. This can include checking for soft spots, loose granules, or weakened support structures.

Review of Local Roofing History

Midwestern Construction has extensive knowledge of roofing conditions in your area. We are familiar with past storm damage in your neighborhood, the number of recent roof replacements, and how various insurance providers have handled similar claims. This insight can be invaluable in ensuring your claim is handled fairly.

Handling Disputes and Claim Denials

Ensuring Proper Documentation

If there is a disagreement about the extent of the damage, we work with the adjuster to ensure all concerns are documented with photographs and detailed notes. This step is crucial for strengthening your case if your initial claim is denied.

Advocating for a Fair Assessment

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to. If the adjuster’s initial assessment underestimates the damage, we provide additional documentation, code requirements, and manufacturer guidelines to justify a full roof replacement when necessary.

Why Work With Midwestern Construction?

• We provide expert roof inspections to identify all damage.
• We work directly with insurance adjusters to ensure fair assessments.
• We document all necessary repairs to strengthen your claim.
• We have extensive knowledge of local roofing history and storm damage trends.

When dealing with roof damage from a storm, the right preparation and support can make all the difference in securing a proper insurance settlement. Contact Midwestern Construction today to schedule an inspection and get the professional guidance you need throughout the claims process.

Your new roof has been purchased and the installation date is set, with Midwestern Construction on their way to start the project. What should you expect during the project? Here’s a quick tip from Midwestern Construction.

Installing a new roof is a significant construction endeavor, typically completed within a single day. Midwestern Construction will coordinate with you to decide where to place a dumpster on your property. Roofing materials might be delivered a day in advance, so we request that you keep your vehicles out of the garage. If your garage is right under the roof, be aware that there might be some shingle dust inside. During cleanup, a few nails might be left on the ground, so it’s advisable to wear shoes if you’re outside that day. Your presence isn’t required during the project.

If feasible, mow your lawn the day before we arrive. It’s much easier to clean up nails and debris from short grass. Additionally, if you have a pet dog, kindly clear the yard of any waste – it would be greatly appreciated.

Be prepared for an early start in the morning and considerable construction noise throughout the day. But remember, this is just temporary, and by the end of the day, you’ll have a brand new roof.

Sirens are sounding, indicating a severe storm is imminent, and you have only a few minutes to react. What should you do? Here’s a quick tip from Midwestern Construction.

Firstly, keep clear of doors and windows. Avoid trying to record the storm; focus on safety instead. Gather everyone in the lowest level of your home and stay calm. Once the storm has passed and it’s safe, collect any hail, measure it, and freeze it for evidence. Take photos or videos of the hail. Clear hail suggests harder, more potentially damaging ice compared to milky hail, which indicates softer ice.

Assess the damage from the ground without using a ladder to check the roof. Examine your downspouts for dents and check the cladding around windows. Observe your plants for shredded leaves, as these are all indicators of storm damage.

Contact Midwestern Construction promptly so our specialists can evaluate the damage and devise an effective plan of action.