Storm Damage Building Inspection: Why It’s Important to Get a Building InspectionStorm Damage Building Inspection: Why It’s Important to Get a Building Inspection
Storms, tornadoes and flooding can cause significant damage to homes. A storm damage building inspection can help homeowners understand the extent of any damages and whether or not they qualify for an insurance claim.
Before entering a damaged property, thoroughly assess all safety hazards, such as downed power lines, loose wires, gas leaks and instability within its structures.
Identifying the Problems
Lightning and thunder, heavy rains, strong winds, and violent hailstorms strike fear in most people while damaging buildings and properties, such as flooding basements, weak foundations or roofs ripped off. Recognising any issues is the first step toward getting them repaired.
After a storm has struck, conducting a visual inspection is the ideal way to begin recovery efforts. Look for any dented walls, discolourations and sagging sections. If any of your buildings are structurally unstable – wait until authorities provide advice stating it’s safe before entering.
Documenting the Damage
No matter the cause, when dealing with leaks, cracks or the aftermath of severe weather events like hailstorms, heavy rain and winds, it’s always wise to consult a storm damage building inspection expert to gain more insight into what has taken place and the best path forward to address any potential problems with your property. This way, you’ll know the best approach and any potential issues moving forward.
Documenting damage can help when filing an insurance claim or seeking financial aid to help rebuild. Furthermore, certain areas might even qualify as declared disaster zones by the government, and you could even be eligible for financial support to assist with rebuilding costs.
Once a DBI inspector has evaluated the exterior of your home, they’ll likely access your roof to inspect for any damages to shingles and gutters. To allow them to do their work without difficulty – saving both time and money as work will get completed more rapidly – clear some space in your attic for them. Doing this can ensure quicker work completion rates.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
If a storm has severely damaged your property, it’s crucial that a certified professional storm damage building inspection inspects and assesses it immediately. Pictures should also be taken to document storm damage before discussing coverage options with your insurance agent.
Attempt any emergency repairs necessary to prevent further damage, but leave any permanent repairs until after your insurance adjuster has visited and evaluated every aspect of the storm damage to compensate you for them.
Calling in Professionals
Inspection of your home for storm damage can be a challenging task. Obvious issues should be easy to spot, while smaller issues could go undetected until later, leading to costly repairs. For optimal results, it’s advisable to hire an inspection expert with an eye for detail who can ensure all areas of concern are addressed in detail.
Before inviting an inspector to your home, it’s advisable to verify their FEMA badge so they can authenticate you and the property – using documents like your home deed/title, utility bills or credit cards as proof. In-person inspections may require showing them documents such as photographs of any interior damage.
A professional building inspection will provide you with a detailed report that will allow you to negotiate a better deal on the property. Having a building inspection done before you buy a property can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run, as you will know exactly what to expect with the purchase and can negotiate accordingly.
If you are looking to build a new commercial, industrial or residential building or need assistance with building inspections and compliance, contact Govinspect today. Our team of expert building inspectors will be happy to help! With Govinspect, we can provide you with reports and invoices in minutes so you can focus on your business. Learn more about the benefits of our software here. Contact us online or call 1800 529 477 to speak with one of our friendly staff.