When a severe storm hits, your house can sometimes take the brunt of it, leaving you to deal with the damage and the stress. But you can smooth out the process by following some manageable steps.

Get to Safety

Your first step in case of a storm is to get yourself and your family to safety. Do not stay in a damaged house if there is any danger of injury. Go to a friend’s house or a motel until you can assess the situation.

Document Everything

When it is safe to go back to your home, or if you are in no danger by staying, then document all the damage. Write down what happened and when, and take plenty of pictures. Make sure to record the damage from all sides and angles. You will need the documentation for your insurance claim, so be thorough.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Now it is time to contact your insurance company. An agent will likely meet you at your home for an inspection, and you should present all your documentation and pictures, neatly organized. You will probably have to be quite patient with your insurance company as they are not known for speed, but you should also keep on top of the situation by calling to check on progress.

Start Repairs

When your insurance claim and payment come through, it will be time to start repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, you may want to hire a general contractor to manage the project. Read reviews for several contractors online, and choose some likely candidates to provide quotes in writing. Alternately, you might contact a roofing company Killeen TX or another service according to your needs. Just be sure to remain in constant communication with your contractor or company during repairs.

With some time, effort, good organization and perseverance, you can get your home and your life back to normal after a storm.

Owning a house comes with inevitable maintenance and repair issues. While most of these issues are unavoidable, it is helpful to be aware of some of the more common reasons for home maintenance in order to plan ahead for the cost. Here are three of the most common places in homes that require repairs. 

1. Roofs

The roof is a vital part of a house, protecting residents from weather conditions like wind and rain. As a result, roof repair in Daytona Beach FL is one of the most common repair jobs done to a home. Some of the signs that roof repair or a brand new roof is in order include:

• Water stains on your walls and ceilings
• Missing or damaged shingles 
• A roof that looks droopy or saggy 
• Moss, mold, and fungi growth on the roof

It is better to repair or replace a roof than to incur hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of damage as a result of a bad leak in the roof. 

2. Foundations

Cracked foundations are particularly common in older homes or homes that see both extreme hot and cold weather. Excess water can also cause cracks in the foundation walls. Signs of foundation damage include cracks on the walls and floors of the house, sloping floors, and windows that are stubborn to open and close. Foundation damage can be very pricey to fix. 

3. Pipes

Pipes carry water throughout the home to locations where it is needed, mostly the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. Symptoms of pipe damage can start as small, unnoticeable leaks and wreak devastating havoc by the time the damage is noticed by residents. Some homeowners may be able to fix a leaky pipe on their own, but call a plumber when in doubt. 

Keep an eye on these three locations if you own a home.