Title: How to Choose a Contractor After Storm Damage Hits Your Home Choosing a contractor after storm damage hits your home is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make during the recovery process. The right contractor ensures code-compliant repairs, accurate insurance claim handling, and lasting protection for your home. The wrong choice can lead to substandard work, warranty issues, claim complications, and thousands of dollars in additional costs. At Weatherguard Construction, homeowners have trusted the team for hail, wind, and ice damage repairs in Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and throughout the Twin Cities—along with Chicagoland and the Denver metro—since 2001. ## What to Look for in a Storm Damage Contractor ### Local Presence and History The most important criterion is an established local presence: - Permanent local office — A verifiable street address with a staffed office and warehouse (not a hotel room, rental, or PO Box) - Years in business locally — Look for 10+ years continuously serving your area, not just post-storm pop-ups - Community involvement — Active in local organizations, events, and business networks with a visible reputation - Local references and reviews — Recent projects in your neighborhood, strong Google reviews, and a BBB profile you can verify Weatherguard Construction has been headquartered in Stillwater, MN since 2001, serving communities across Minnesota as well as Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO. ### Proper Licensing and Insurance Verify these credentials before signing anything: - State and local licensing — Minnesota licenses are verified through the Department of Labor and Industry; Illinois requires a state roofing license (IDFPR); Colorado licensing and registration are handled by local municipalities. Your contractor should know and follow your local rules. - General liability insurance — Minimum $1 million; request a current Certificate of Insurance listing your address as certificate holder - Workers' compensation insurance — Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property - Pulling permits and scheduling inspections — Your contractor should handle permits and pass all required city/county inspections - Bonding (where required) — Additional financial protection for homeowners ### Manufacturer Certifications Certifications from major manufacturers indicate training, expertise, and access to premium warranties: - Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor — Weatherguard Construction holds this top-tier certification, making homeowners eligible for enhanced roofing system warranties - LP SmartSide Certified Installer — Ensures proper installation of engineered wood siding - Window manufacturer credentials — Installation training with Andersen, Marvin, Pella, and Kolbe for window projects - Warranty literacy — Clear explanation of standard vs. enhanced warranties and what’s covered for materials and workmanship ### Insurance Claims Experience Storm damage repair is as much about the insurance process as it is about construction. Your contractor should: - Understand the claims process and use Xactimate or other insurer-approved estimating platforms - Document damage with detailed photos/video (drone where appropriate) and accurate measurements - Meet your insurance adjuster on-site and provide a line-item scope that matches policy and code requirements - File supplemental claims for hidden or code-required repairs (e.g., ice and water shield, ventilation, drip edge) - Communicate clearly about deductibles, depreciation (ACV/RCV), and any out-of-pocket costs ## Questions to Ask Every Storm Damage Contractor Ask these questions before making your decision: 1. How long have you been in business locally? — Prefer established companies, not newcomers following storms 2. Can you provide your license number, insurance certificates, and bond information? — Reputable contractors provide these readily and proactively 3. Do you have manufacturer certifications? — Certifications ensure expertise and access to enhanced warranties 4. Will you provide a detailed written estimate and scope of work? — Itemize materials, labor, code-required items, and who pulls permits 5. Do you assist with insurance claims? — Your contractor should support (not control) your claim and never ask for your insurance login 6. What warranty do you offer on your work? — Look for both manufacturer system warranties and a clear workmanship warranty in writing 7. Can you provide references from recent storm damage projects? — Call references and verify the experience and timeline 8. What is your typical project timeline? — Get realistic expectations based on current demand, permitting, and material lead times 9. What is your payment schedule? — Reasonable terms (not full payment upfront); clarify deposits and progress payments tied to milestones 10. Will you assign a dedicated project manager? — One point of contact should coordinate scheduling, permits, inspections, and communication ## Red Flags to Avoid ### Storm Chaser Warning Signs - Door-to-door solicitation immediately after storms - No local address or verifiable history in your community - Pressure to sign immediately — legitimate contractors give you time to review - Offers to pay or waive your deductible — this is illegal in Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado - Requests for full payment upfront or cash-only payment - No written contract or vague contract terms (or a “contingency” that locks you in before scope is approved) - Out-of-state vehicle plates and unfamiliar business names - Assignment of benefits, power of attorney, or “direction to pay” documents that transfer control of your claim Learn more about recognizing and avoiding storm chaser scams. ### Other Warning Signs - Unusually low estimates — May indicate corner-cutting on materials or installation, or missing code items - No physical inspection before providing an estimate (or “satellite only” quotes that skip on-roof verification) - Resistance to providing credentials or references - Pressure to use specific insurance companies or public adjusters (contractors should not act as adjusters unless licensed) - No workmanship warranty, vague warranty terms, or refusal to pull required permits ## Why Homeowners Choose Weatherguard Construction Our homeowners choose us for storm damage repairs because: - Since 2001 — family-owned service in Minnesota, with established operations in Illinois and Colorado - Permanent headquarters in Stillwater with deep community roots and a trusted local reputation - Full licensing, insurance, and bonding — all credentials readily available and verified - Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, LP SmartSide, and premium window brand credentials for access to enhanced warranties - Dedicated insurance support experienced in documentation, supplements, and on-site adjuster meetings - Complete exterior services — roofing, siding, gutters, windows, decks, and painting - Emergency tarping and temporary repairs to prevent further damage while claims are processed - Hundreds of verified reviews and a BBB A+ rating; proud NRCA member Book your free storm damage inspection or call (651) 439-4320 today. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many estimates should I get after storm damage? Getting 2–3 estimates from reputable, established contractors can help compare scope and approach. Focus on apples-to-apples scopes that include code-required items and manufacturer-recommended components. Note: most insurance carriers do not require multiple estimates; they require a fair market estimate and proper documentation. ### Should I choose the cheapest contractor? Price is one factor but not the deciding factor. The lowest bid often omits code upgrades, uses lower-quality materials, or underestimates labor—leading to change orders later. The best value comes from a contractor who provides a complete, code-compliant scope at a fair price with clear warranties and insurance support. ### How soon after a storm should I contact a contractor? Contact a reputable contractor as soon as it’s safe—ideally within 24–72 hours—to document damage and perform emergency mitigation (like tarping) required by most policies. Early scheduling gives you priority in the repair queue after widespread events. Document everything with photos before temporary repairs are made. ### Can my contractor handle both the repair and insurance claim? A qualified contractor should assist your insurance claim by inspecting, documenting, estimating, meeting the adjuster, and filing supplements for hidden or code-required items. You remain in control of the claim and should communicate directly with your carrier. Avoid any contractor who asks to control your claim, act as your public adjuster (without a license), or requests assignment of benefits.