How to Choose a Storm Damage Contractor

When a hurricane or severe storm damages your roof, you're suddenly thrust into a stressful situation. Your home is vulnerable, you may be displaced, and contractors are appearing seemingly out of nowhere offering to help. Making the right choice about who repairs your home is critical, but the pressure to decide quickly can lead to costly mistakes.

This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing a storm damage contractor. We'll cover what to look for, questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how to protect yourself throughout the repair process. Taking time to make an informed decision, even when you feel urgency, will save you money and headaches in the long run.

The Storm Damage Contractor Landscape

Understanding who shows up after storms helps you evaluate your options.

Types of Contractors After Storms

Local established contractors

Companies that were in your community before the storm:

• Advantages: Known reputation, will be here afterward, local references
• Challenges: May be overwhelmed with demand, longer wait times
• Best for: Quality work when you can wait for availability

Storm chasers

Contractors who follow storms from state to state:

• Advantages: Available immediately, may offer quick repairs
• Challenges: Unknown quality, may not be around for warranty claims
• Concerns: Higher risk of scams, may pressure quick decisions

Insurance restoration companies

Large companies specializing in insurance claim work:

• Advantages: Experience with claims process, may help with paperwork
• Challenges: Quality varies, may prioritize volume over quality
• Note: Some are legitimate; others are problematic

Subcontractor networks

Companies that coordinate multiple subcontractors:

• Advantages: Can mobilize quickly, handle large volumes
• Challenges: Quality control issues, multiple parties involved
• Concern: You may not know who's actually doing the work

Why Vetting Matters More After Storms

Storm situations create unique risks:

• Desperation: Urgent need makes you vulnerable
• Volume: Contractors are overwhelmed, quality may slip
• Unfamiliar faces: Normal references may not be available
• Insurance involvement: Complex financial situations
• Time pressure: Real and manufactured urgency

For more on avoiding problems, see our guide to avoiding roofing scams.

Essential Verification Steps

Before hiring any storm damage contractor, complete these verification steps.

Verify Florida Licensing

This is non-negotiable in Florida:

How to verify

1. Ask for the contractor's license number
2. Visit MyFloridaLicense.com
3. Search by name or license number
4. Confirm license is current and valid
5. Check for any complaints or disciplinary actions

What to look for

• License type: Should be roofing contractor license
• Status: Must be current, not expired or suspended
• History: Note any past complaints or violations
• Business name: Should match who you're dealing with

Red flag: Any contractor who can't or won't provide a verifiable license number should be immediately eliminated.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Proper insurance protects you from liability:

Required coverage

• General liability: Minimum $1 million recommended
• Workers' compensation: Required if they have employees

How to verify

1. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
2. Contact the insurance company directly to verify
3. Ensure policy dates cover your project timeline
4. Confirm your address is listed if required

Why it matters

If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable. If work causes damage, you need their insurance to cover it.

Check Local Business Presence

Established local presence indicates commitment:

What to verify

• Physical office address: Not just a P.O. box
• Local phone number: Area code matches region
• Years in business: Longevity indicates stability
• Local references: Completed projects in your area

How to check

• Drive by their office (if feasible)
• Search for local news articles
• Check Chamber of Commerce membership
• Look for community involvement

Research Reputation

Multiple sources give a fuller picture:

Online reviews

• Google reviews: Most comprehensive
• BBB ratings: Check for complaints and resolution
• Yelp: Additional consumer feedback
• Facebook: Company page and reviews

Review evaluation tips

• Look for patterns, not just individual reviews
• Recent reviews matter most
• See how they respond to negative reviews
• Be skeptical of all 5-star or all negative reviews

References

• Request 3-5 references for similar work
• Actually call them and ask specific questions
• Ask about problems encountered and how they were resolved
• Inquire about timeline adherence

Questions to Ask Storm Damage Contractors

Ask these questions before signing any contract:

About Their Experience

• "How long have you been in business in Florida?"
• "How many storm damage projects have you completed?"
• "Can you provide references from past hurricane work?"
• "What manufacturer certifications do you hold?"
• "Do you have experience with my type of roofing?"

About the Project

• "Will you provide a detailed written estimate?"
• "What materials will you use? Are they Florida-approved?"
• "Who will actually perform the work?"
• "What is your projected timeline?"
• "What happens if you find additional damage during work?"
• "How do you handle change orders?"

About Insurance Claims

• "Will you work with my insurance company?"
• "Do you require me to sign an Assignment of Benefits?" (Caution if yes)
• "Can you provide the documentation my insurer needs?"
• "What if the insurance payout doesn't cover all costs?"
• "Do you offer payment plans for deductibles or gaps?"

About Protection

• "Can I see proof of licensing and insurance?"
• "What warranty do you offer on workmanship?"
• "Are you willing to put all promises in writing?"
• "What permits will be required and who pulls them?"
• "What happens if there are problems after completion?"

Red Flags to Watch For

These warning signs indicate potential problems:

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

• "You must sign today to lock in this price"
• "We can only guarantee materials if you commit now"
• "I'm only in the area for a few more days"
• Pushing for immediate full payment
• Discouraging you from getting other quotes

Suspicious Business Practices

• Cash-only requirements: Legitimate contractors accept multiple payment methods
• Extremely large deposits: Standard is 10-30%, not 50% or more
• No physical address: Unable to verify business location
• Out-of-state license plates: May indicate storm chasers
• Generic business cards: No permanent branding or contact info

Insurance-Related Concerns

• Waiving your deductible: This is insurance fraud
• Promising to "find" damage for insurance: May inflate claims
• Insisting on AOB: Caution with Assignment of Benefits
• Coaching you on what to tell adjusters: Fraud risk
• Taking over all communication with insurer: Limits your control

Quality Concerns

• Reluctance to provide written contract: Everything should be documented
• Vague about materials: Should specify exact products
• No mention of permits: Florida requires permits for most roofing work
• Unwilling to provide references: Should have verifiable past work
• Price far below competitors: Usually indicates corner-cutting

Understanding the Contract

Before signing anything, ensure the contract protects you.

Essential Contract Elements

Your contract should include:

Project scope

• Detailed description of all work to be performed
• Specific materials with brands and product names
• What's included and what's excluded
• How additional discovered damage will be handled

Financial terms

• Total contract price
• Payment schedule with reasonable milestones
• Deposit amount (should be 10-30% maximum)
• How insurance payments are handled
• What happens if costs exceed estimates

Timeline

• Expected start date
• Projected completion date
• Consequences for significant delays
• Weather contingency clauses

Protections

• Warranty terms (both materials and workmanship)
• Who is responsible for permits and inspections
• Contractor's insurance obligations
• Lien waiver requirements
• Dispute resolution process

Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Concerns

Be cautious with AOB agreements:

What AOB means

You sign over your insurance claim rights to the contractor. They deal with the insurer directly and receive payment.

Potential problems

• Loss of control over your own claim
• Contractor may sue your insurer without your input
• Inflated claims can affect your policy
• You're stuck if contractor-insurer disputes arise
• May complicate future insurance matters

Alternative approaches

• Work with contractor who doesn't require AOB
• Have payments made jointly to you and contractor
• Maintain direct communication with your insurer

Working with Insurance

Coordinate your contractor choice with your insurance claim.

The Claims Process Overview

1. Document damage: Photos, video, notes before any repairs
2. File claim promptly: Most policies have time limits
3. Meet with adjuster: Get their assessment
4. Get contractor estimates: Multiple quotes recommended
5. Review claim settlement: Understand what's covered
6. Proceed with repairs: After claim is processed

For detailed claims guidance, see our insurance claim guide.

What Insurance Covers

Typically covered:

• Storm damage repairs: Damage directly caused by the storm
• Code upgrade costs: When code compliance requires upgrades
• Temporary repairs: Tarping and emergency protection
• Related damage: Interior damage from roof leaks

Typically not covered:

• Pre-existing conditions: Damage from before the storm
• Wear and tear: Normal aging issues
• Maintenance neglect: Problems that should have been addressed
• Deductible: Your responsibility

Working Together

Coordinate contractor and insurance:

• Have contractor meet adjuster: If possible, for accurate assessment
• Get detailed contractor documentation: Supports claim accuracy
• Keep copies of everything: Estimates, correspondence, photos
• Communicate in writing: Email provides documentation

Emergency Repairs vs. Permanent Repairs

Understand the distinction between temporary and permanent work.

Emergency/Temporary Repairs

Immediate protection to prevent further damage:

• Tarping: Covering exposed areas
• Board-up: Securing openings
• Water removal: Preventing additional damage

Key points

• Usually covered by insurance
• Should be done immediately
• Document condition before and after
• Get receipt for all costs
• Can use different contractor than permanent repairs

See our hurricane damage repair guide for emergency procedures.

Permanent Repairs

Full restoration of your roof:

• Complete replacement or repair: Per scope of damage
• Code compliance: Meeting current requirements
• Quality materials: Long-term protection

Key points

• Take time to vet contractor properly
• Coordinate with insurance claim process
• Don't rush into contracts
• Full permits and inspections required

Timeline Expectations After Storms

Understand realistic timelines after major storms:

Immediate (Days 1-7)

• Emergency tarping and protection
• Initial damage documentation
• Insurance claim filing
• Beginning contractor research

Short-Term (Weeks 1-4)

• Insurance adjuster inspection
• Getting contractor estimates
• Contractor vetting and selection
• Contract negotiation and signing

Medium-Term (Weeks 4-12)

• Permit application and approval
• Material ordering (may have delays after major storms)
• Scheduled repair work
• Inspections and completion

Reality Check

After major hurricanes, timelines extend significantly:

• Material shortages are common
• Labor is in high demand
• Permit offices may be backlogged
• Quality contractors are booked out

Patience with a quality contractor beats a quick job from an unknown one.

Making Your Final Decision

Use this checklist before choosing your contractor:

Minimum Requirements

All of these should be confirmed:

• [ ] Valid Florida roofing license verified
• [ ] Insurance certificates obtained and verified
• [ ] Local business presence confirmed
• [ ] References checked
• [ ] Written detailed estimate received
• [ ] No major red flags identified

Preferred Qualifications

Look for these additional positives:

• [ ] Strong online reviews
• [ ] Manufacturer certifications
• [ ] Long business history
• [ ] Experience with your roof type
• [ ] Clear communication
• [ ] Comfortable working relationship

Deal Breakers

Walk away if any of these apply:

• [ ] Cannot verify license
• [ ] No insurance or won't provide proof
• [ ] Demands large upfront payment
• [ ] Won't provide written contract
• [ ] Pressures you to decide immediately
• [ ] Offers to waive deductible

Conclusion

Choosing the right contractor after storm damage requires patience and diligence, even when you're feeling pressure to act quickly. Taking time to properly vet contractors, understand your contract, and coordinate with insurance will protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.

At Pro Specialty Services, we're a local Lake County company that's been serving our community for years. When storms hit, we're here to help our neighbors repair and rebuild. We'll work with your insurance, provide detailed documentation, and deliver quality repairs that restore your home's protection. Contact us after any storm for a thorough assessment and honest guidance on your repair options.