Everything You Need to Deal With Storm Damage — Before You Need It

A 12-page plain-English checklist designed so any homeowner — regardless of roofing knowledge — can vet a contractor before signing. Every section includes a "good answer / walk away if" guide so you know exactly what red flags look like in real conversation. Works in any of the 13 coastal states.

• Licensing & insurance verification — what to check and how
• 10 sections of questions with red-flag warnings on every one
• Manufacturer certification lookup table (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed & more)
• 11 red-flag checklist items — walk away criteria
• Side-by-side comparison table for 3 contractor bids

Also see: How to Spot Contractor Fraud  ·  Find a Licensed Roofer

A focused interview sheet with exactly 25 questions to ask any contractor before you hand over a deposit. Organized by topic so you can move through a conversation naturally — licensing, insurance, materials, timeline, payment terms, cleanup, and warranty. Contractors who can't answer these clearly are contractors worth avoiding.

• License number, type, and how to verify it in your state
• Insurance certificates — what to ask for and how to read them
• Material specs, wind ratings, and manufacturer warranties
• Payment schedule, deposit limits, and lien waiver requirements
• Cleanup process, permit responsibility, and workmanship warranty terms

Also see: Full 25 Questions Guide  ·  Deposit & Payment Terms

A fillable 6-section tracker that follows your claim from the initial report all the way through final payout. Insurance adjusters keep detailed records — you should too. This sheet gives you a paper trail that's invaluable if your claim gets disputed, delayed, or denied. Print one copy per claim event.

• Property & policy info — insurer, policy number, agent contact
• Storm event details — date, type, and initial damage description
• Claim filing log with dated phone call table and rep names
• Adjuster inspection notes and scope-of-loss summary
• Payout tracking — initial payment, supplement, depreciation holdback
• Contractor details and final completion sign-off section

Also see: How to File a Storm Roof Claim  ·  Claim Denied? What to Do

Getting three estimates is smart — comparing them clearly is the hard part. This side-by-side worksheet lines up three contractor bids across the five categories that actually matter so you can see at a glance whether you're comparing apples to apples. Contractors scope jobs differently; this sheet exposes the gaps.

• Credentials column — license, insurance, years in business
• Scope & materials — shingle brand, weight, wind rating, decking
• Price & payment — total, deposit amount, payment schedule
• Timeline — start date, completion estimate, permit responsibility
• Warranty — workmanship term, manufacturer coverage, callback policy
• Scoring section to rank all three at the bottom

Also see: Get Up to 3 Free Estimates  ·  What to Look for in a Contract

A photo-by-photo checklist for documenting your home before storm season — the same checklist public adjusters recommend to their own clients. When you file a claim after a storm, "before" photos are often the difference between full payment and a disputed settlement. Takes about 45 minutes to complete; worth every minute.

• Roof — ridge, flashing, gutters, skylights, vents, each slope
• Exterior — siding, windows, doors, fence, pool equipment, A/C unit
• Attic & ceiling — any existing stains, soft spots, or prior repairs
• Personal property — electronics, appliances, furniture in each room
• Documents to scan — policy declarations, mortgage statement, receipts
• Cloud storage confirmation section so files are off-site

Also see: Pre-Storm Documentation Guide  ·  Home Inventory Checklist