The early severe storms have danced around Omaha and stayed to the south but history shows this will change and we will be faced with severe weather and damage. Always be prepared.

Severe storms with hail and strong winds can – and usually do – leave damage in their wake. Broken and missing roof shingles, and dents or holes in siding and gutters can be expected on homes and buildings in the path of a severe storm. After a storm hits, homeowners are typically eager to file insurance claims, gather estimates and begin the restoration process.

This is worth repeating every year – if you have storm damage, beware of storm chasers! When storms hit an area, the storm chasers are never far behind.

Stormchasers do just what the name implies – they chase storms, showing up from out-of-town to an area that has been recently hit with a severe storm. They perform bare minimum work – often using cheaper materials and ignoring other potential problems. The work is often less superior, and the company is no longer in town when problems are discovered.

Here are a few words of advice from the Rooferees as you choose a contractor for your roof or siding project:

• Do your research. Ask for license and insurance, and make sure the company is an established, local company with an office in town.
• Be leery of a door-to-door salesman. They canvas neighborhood that have been recently hit by a storm, offering a free inspection and sometimes fabricating the extent of the damage.
• Don’t be pressured by a high-pressure salesman. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some contractors will bid the job much lower than everyone else, only to add more costs after the job has started. Material costs should never rise after the job has started.
• Don’t sign any paperwork with a contractor before your insurance adjustor has inspected the damage first.
• Always ask for an estimate that includes the total cost of labor and materials. If a contractor doesn’t want to give you an estimate before the insurance adjustor assesses the damage, they are likely trying to scam you.

A reputable, local company should not expect any payment before materials have been delivered and work has begun on your project. Choose a local company with a solid reputation and avoid stormchasers!