We recently had our roof replaced and while it’s a process we hope we don’t have to do again! While the insurance company and our contractor made the process smooth it was still a nerve-wracking process.
Roof Replacement with Homeowner’s Insurance
Storm Damage
While the roof was on our list of things to look into replacing in the next few years (everything in the house is like this!) in May of this year we had a hail storm. This storm caused some damage to the roof (missing shingles included), gutter damage, and issues with the siding of the house. We weren’t even aware of the damage at first. No windows were broken and there were no gaping holes so we went about our lives.
It was only after we spoke to neighbors and friends who were having work done did we even consider contacting our insurance company regarding the damage.
The insurance company should have been our first call. We pay them to cover our home, and one of the things we pay them for is to ensure our home is safe. If you are ever unsure if you should call the agents I spoke with recommend a quick phone call.
Insurance Coverage
We called our homeowner’s insurance, filed a claim over the phone, and they sent out an adjuster and inspector soon after. On the spot they said the roof needed to be replaced and some additional work needed to be done. They put together an estimate for the work, and explained the claim process. We received a check on the spot made out to our mortgage company and us.
Our insurance company is Liberty Mutual. They’ve been fantastic to work with every time we’ve needed to in the last 7 years. You can click the affiliate link below to get a quote.
A note about depreciation and replacement costs:
Due to the unknown age of our roof we had what’s known as depreciation-meaning lost value over time. Everything you own including structural elements of your home loss value over time. Your policy may cover actual cash value (what it costs to replace something minus depreciation) or replacement costs (what it actually costs to replace the item). For a more detailed explanation read this piece that explains the difference between actual cash value and replacement costs at BankRate.com.
Our Experience
In our case, the insurance company calculated the cost of replacement and subtracted the estimated age of our roof and arrived at an initial payout. After the was work done we submitted a final invoice and received a second payment to cover depreciation. We covered the deductible on our claim.
Choosing a Contractor
Once we had the initial check in hand we started talking to contractors. A friend highly recommended Mike from Northeast Construction and despite a few conversations with other contractors we were 100% sure we should hire Mike and his awesome team.
There are a TON of contractors calling us, stopping by, and leaving flyers and mailers to get our business post-storm. These people could be great contractors, but it concerns me that they market themselves that way.
While there is always anxiety about having work done Mike made the process easy and we are very happy with the results.
What Happens when the Roof is Replaced
The initial process was simple. We told Mike we were set to go, exchanged a few emails, and he stopped by to show us the roof shingle choices. We choose a color and he placed an order. The two skylights in our roof those also had to be replaced, so those had to be ordered as well. Once the materials were received a date was set and we were ready to go!
The process was much quicker than I anticipated. It took two full work days.A dumpster was delivered to handle all the waste.
The team that worked on the house did a fantastic job and every small details was taken care of. We had our roof replaced in our last home (by our homeowner’s association) and I punctured my tire not once, not twice, but FOUR times on nails they left. There was NO mess left by the crew at the end of day one, and when they completed the job the place looked pristine. Once the dumpster was hauled off it was like someone had waved a magic wand and our roof was done!
Mike followed up with a few minor things and did a check to be sure everything was as it should be.
A note about the house and mess during the roof replacement:
During the actual replacement it is VERY loud. Mostly when they are doing the removal. Since I work from home I knew that would be a challenge, but thankfully my Dad was visiting so he was able to be home while they were working and I went to work at a local coffee shop. The replacement process was actually much quieter.
The team used tarps to cover the sides of the house-both to protect the house and to make removal of the debris easier. (something I noted not all contractors do-so it’s worth asking if you’re concerned) It was kind of amusing to have a bright blue house for a few hours.
Additionally, during the process the kids came home from school so we had them enter through the garage (they normally come in through the front door) because they were working near the front door.
None of this was too big of a hassle, but it’s worth noting you may need to adjust your routine a bit.
Roof Replacement After
It’s weird to pull up to your house and see a new roof and be excited-but that’s still how I feel. Between our recent replacement of the garage doors and now the roof the house is shaping up nicely!
Now, we need to pick a new color for the shutters and the siding–any ideas?
Kelly
[…] the fall we had the roof replaced. I outlined how the process of our insurance claim worked at that time and shared some […]