Qualifying event

Storm damage is one of the most common qualifying events for homeowners’ insurance. High winds, hail, and lightning can tear off shingles, break windows, or bring down trees—repairs are typically covered. Lightning that causes fire or electrical damage is also usually included.

Fire damage, whether from electrical issues or an unattended candle, can destroy structures and belongings. Insurance generally covers fire and smoke damage, including repairs, debris removal, and temporary housing if needed.

Water damage may qualify if caused by sudden, accidental events such as burst pipes, overflowing appliances, or storm-related roof leaks. However, standard policies usually exclude flood damage. Flood protection requires separate insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

Document the Loss

Proper documentation is essential for smooth insurance claims and maximizing benefits. Accurate records help show the full extent of damage and justify necessary repairs.

Best Practices for Documenting a Loss:

1. Initial Inspection – S&S Repair and Restoration performs a full property assessment using tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to uncover hidden damage.
2. Photo & Video Evidence – High-quality images and videos are taken before repairs begin, showing both wide views and detailed shots of specific damage.
3. Written Reports – A professional report outlines the cause, extent of damage, and any pre-existing issues. Storm claims include time and weather details.
4. Scope of Work – A detailed, itemized scope using Xactimate is created with labor, materials, and mitigation steps.

These practices help ensure a fast, fair claims process and recovery.

A contract between S&S Repair and Restoration and the homeowner sets clear expectations, responsibilities, and protections, ensuring a smooth restoration process and insurance compliance.

Sign a Contract

A contract between S&S Repair and Restoration and the homeowner sets clear expectations, responsibilities, and protections, ensuring a smooth restoration process and insurance compliance.

1. Scope of Work – Details services like water mitigation, structural drying, fire, and storm repairs and any rebuild.
2. Cost & Payment – Outlines labor, materials, and payment terms, including insurance payments or Assignment of Benefits (AOB).
3. Timeline – Provides estimated start and finish dates, accounting for potential insurance or unforeseen delays.
4. Insurance Process – Confirms that S&S will coordinate with insurers and submit all required documentation.
5. Homeowner Responsibilities – Includes access to the property, insurance communication, and work approvals.
6. Warranties & Liability – Guarantees workmanship and limits liability for pre-existing issues.

This agreement protects both parties and ensures quality, compliant restoration work.

Pay your Deductible

A homeowner’s insurance deductible is the out-of-pocket amount paid before insurance covers a claim. It helps control costs, limit small claims, and balance risk between homeowners and insurers.

Purpose

• Encourages responsible property upkeep by sharing repair costs.
• Helps lower premiums by reducing frequent claims.
• Higher deductibles reduce monthly premiums; lower ones increase them.

Homeowner Rights

• Choose a deductible when purchasing or renewing a policy.
• Receive clear explanations on how deductibles apply to different claim types.
• Select any licensed contractor for repairs.

Homeowner Responsibilities

• Pay the deductible directly to the contractor before work begins.
• Never attempt to waive/reduce the deductible—it may be considered insurance fraud.
• Review policy details to understand deductible obligations.

Understanding these points ensures a smooth, compliant claims process.

Determine Scope of Work

At S&S Repair and Restoration, we provide full repair and restoration services after qualifying insurance-related events like water, fire, storm, or flood damage. Our Scope of Work outlines the specific tasks needed to return your property to its pre-loss condition.

After an event, your insurance company issues a Scope of Loss, listing approved repairs and estimated costs. We carefully review this to ensure everything necessary is included and aligns with industry standards.

Our typical Scope of Work includes:

• Emergency Mitigation – Water extraction, drying, smoke removal, and debris cleanup.
• Structural Repairs – Roofing, drywall, flooring, and framing.
• Interior Restoration – Painting, cabinetry, and fixtures.
• Final Inspection – Confirming repairs meet quality standards.

We work closely with you and your adjuster to resolve discrepancies and request supplemental claims when needed.

Discuss ACV and RCV

In a homeowner’s insurance claim, RCV (Replacement Cost Value) and ACV (Actual Cash Value) are two methods insurers use to calculate payouts. Understanding the difference is essential when navigating the claims process.

RCV is the cost to replace damaged property with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting depreciation. For example, if a roof is damaged, RCV covers the full replacement cost, regardless of age, helping restore the home to its pre-loss condition.

ACV subtracts depreciation from the replacement cost. If that same roof is 10 years old with 50% depreciation, the payout would cover only half the replacement cost.

Homeowners should review their policies to understand which method applies. RCV is often used for dwelling coverage, while ACV may apply to personal property or certain other items.

Build a Schedule

The process starts with an initial damage assessment and review of the insurance company’s scope of loss. Based on this, S&S Repair and Restoration provides an estimated repair timeline, outlining key phases such as mitigation, drying, restoration, and final inspection. The schedule accounts for material availability, repair complexity, and possible insurance approval delays.

Defining the Final Scope of Work
We develop the final scope after reviewing the adjuster’s estimate and the homeowner’s needs. We ensure it aligns with insurance coverage and expectations. If there are discrepancies, we discuss them and submit supplemental claims if necessary.

Once the schedule and scope are approved, we sign a contract and begin work. Throughout the project, we maintain clear communication with the homeowner and insurer to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality completion.

Sign Authorization to Proceed

At this stage, S&S Repair and Restoration requires the homeowner to sign an Authorization to Proceed to ensure alignment and allow work to begin promptly.

Legal Authorization
This document grants formal permission for S&S to start repairs. Without it, contractors cannot legally begin work, which may delay the project. It ensures both parties agree on the start of work.

Insurance Compliance
Signing confirms the homeowner agrees to the outlined scope, understands insurance coverage, and acknowledges deductible or out-of-pocket costs. It also shows insurer-approved work has been authorized.

Scope and Schedule
The document finalizes the agreed scope and project timeline, ensuring both sides understand expectations and responsibilities.

The Authorization to Proceed protects both the homeowner and S&S Repair and Restoration, laying the foundation for a smooth, transparent, and efficient restoration process.

Rough-In

The first stage of repair and restoration after a qualifying event includes demolition, rough-in, and framing—foundational steps handled by S&S Repair and Restoration to ensure structural stability before further work.

We begin with demolition, removing damaged drywall, flooring, insulation, and structural elements to expose underlying issues and clear debris from fire, water, or storm damage.

Next is the rough-in phase, where essential systems—plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—are installed or repaired. All work is brought up to code and tailored to the homeowner’s needs to ensure safety and efficiency.

Finally, we perform framing, rebuilding walls, floors, and ceilings to restore structural integrity and prepare the home for finishing stages like drywall, flooring, and painting.

This initial phase is crucial for a safe, smooth, and successful restoration process.

Mechanical

The second stage of repair and restoration involves the installation of mechanicals, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. This phase is essential for restoring the home’s functionality, safety, and livability.

Plumbing systems—pipes, drains, supply lines, and fixtures—are repaired or replaced. After water damage, thorough inspections ensure no leaks or hidden issues remain. All systems are tested to confirm proper function.

Electrical work includes replacing damaged wiring, outlets, fixtures, panels, and switches. Safety is a priority, and all installations meet local building codes and pass required inspections.

HVAC systems are inspected, repaired, or replaced to restore heating, cooling, and air circulation. Ductwork is checked or installed as needed to ensure indoor comfort and air quality.

Once all mechanicals are completed and tested, the home moves into the interior finishing phase.

Wall and Ceiling Finishes

Phase three of the repair and restoration process focuses on installing wall and ceiling finishes, an essential step in restoring the home’s interior. After mechanical installations are completed, this phase prepares the home for final touches.

Damaged drywall is removed and replaced. New sheets are hung, taped, mudded, and sanded to create a smooth surface. Moisture-resistant drywall is used in areas exposed to water or storm damage.

Ceilings are also repaired or replaced using drywall, tiles, or other appropriate materials. Structural concerns caused by fire or water are addressed to ensure safety.

Once the drywall and ceiling materials are in place, texturing and painting are completed. Homeowners may choose between smooth or textured finishes.

This phase restores the home’s appearance and prepares for flooring, cabinetry, and the final stage of restoration.

Progress Payment

A progress payment is required at the installation of wall and ceiling finishes to ensure protection for both the homeowner and contractor throughout the restoration process. This payment covers the contractor’s costs for labor, materials, and other expenses incurred up to that point.

Why Progress Payments Are Necessary:

1. Protection for the Homeowner
   Progress payments ensure the contractor completes work as agreed and on time. The homeowner pays for work already completed, ensuring the project moves forward as planned.
2. Protection for the Contractor
   Progress payments help cover the contractor’s ongoing costs and prevent financial strain. They ensure sufficient cash flow to continue work without delays, maintaining quality throughout the project.

Progress payments ensure both parties are protected and the restoration stays on track.

Floor Finishes

When restoring a home after a qualifying insurance event, the design, selection, and installation of wood, vinyl, or tile flooring are critical in returning the home to its pre-loss condition. The process must meet the insurance company's "like kind and quality" requirement.

The chosen flooring should match the original style, function, and aesthetics. Whether it's wood, vinyl, or tile, the material must suit the specific area and align with the homeowner’s preferences. "Like kind and quality" ensures the new flooring resembles the damaged material in appearance, durability, and performance.

Installation involves preparing the subfloor, ensuring proper underlayment, and laying the new flooring according to industry standards. By following this standard, S&S Repair and Restoration ensures that the homeowner’s insurance claim covers materials comparable to the original, restoring the home's value and appearance.

Trim and Millwork

After a qualifying insurance claim, installing trim and millwork is a crucial step in restoring a home’s interior to its pre-loss condition. This process involves selecting materials that match the original trim’s style and quality while aligning with the homeowner’s preferences and insurance coverage.

Trim options include baseboards, crown molding, window casings, and door frames. These elements must meet the "like kind and quality" requirement, reflecting the original design. Homeowners can choose from wood, MDF, or vinyl, based on the room’s function, style, and budget.

Once materials are selected, installation begins with precise cutting, fitting, and securing the trim to walls, doors, and windows. Gaps are filled, and final touches like painting or staining ensure a polished look. This process restores the home’s beauty and original design after repairs.

Finish Paint

The painting process during home repair and restoration after an insurance claim is crucial for restoring its appearance. This step occurs after structural repairs and the installation of systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are complete.

The process begins with proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming for a smooth, durable finish. Damaged areas, such as those affected by water or fire, are treated to prevent visible defects once painted.

Homeowners can expect high-quality paint application, often requiring multiple coats for areas with significant damage. S&S Repair and Restoration works with homeowners to select paint colors and finishes that match the original or any new preferences.

Insurance policies typically cover painting under the "like kind and quality" requirement, ensuring the paint used matches the original in appearance and durability, restoring the home to its pre-loss condition.

Punch List

A punch list is a crucial step in the final phase of the repair and restoration process after a qualifying insurance event. It’s a detailed list of tasks that need attention before the project is considered complete, ensuring all repairs, installations, and finishes meet the homeowner’s expectations and align with the insurance company’s scope of loss.

Once the main work is finished, S&S Repair and Restoration and the homeowner walk through the property together, reviewing all areas for imperfections, touch-ups, or overlooked details. The punch list is compiled and prioritized, addressing any remaining work before the final payment is made.

The punch list ensures that both the homeowner and contractor agree on the quality and completeness of the work, making sure the restoration is fully finished before the homeowner moves back in.

Quality Control Inspection

S&S Repair and Restoration follows a thorough Quality Control (QC) process to ensure every aspect of a home repair and restoration project meets the highest standards. This process is essential at the project’s conclusion, ensuring that all work aligns with the homeowner’s expectations and the insurance company’s scope of loss.

At the end of the repair work, S&S Repair and Restoration conducts a detailed inspection, reviewing structural repairs, finishes, and systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. The QC team checks for any defects or inconsistencies, ensuring the work meets both industry standards and insurance requirements.

The final inspection includes a walkthrough with the homeowner to assess every area. Any issues found are addressed before final approval, ensuring the project is completed professionally and the home fully restored. Once satisfied, the project is closed out, and the insurance claim process is finalized.

Sign Certificate of Completion

A Certificate of Completion (COC) is a vital document in the roofing, siding, repair, and restoration process, benefiting both homeowners and contractors. For the homeowner, the COC confirms that the work was completed according to agreed terms, specifications, and quality standards. It signifies the project’s completion and that the homeowner is satisfied with the work. Their signature on the COC acknowledges this approval.

For the contractor, the COC provides legal protection and serves as a record that the work met the contract’s requirements. It helps prevent disputes regarding incomplete or unsatisfactory work and is important for warranty purposes, ensuring future issues are covered.

The COC promotes transparency, offering both parties peace of mind and safeguarding against potential legal complications or misunderstandings.

Final Payment

Once a repair and restoration project following an insurance claim is complete, the final payment is due from both the insurance company and the homeowner. This payment covers the original scope of work as well as any additional costs from supplements or change orders outside the initial scope of loss. Insurance companies typically issue payment based on the claim’s scope, but if unforeseen issues arise or extra repairs are needed, the contractor submits a supplement or change order to cover these changes.

Adjustments may be necessary if damage is more extensive than originally assessed or if new issues are uncovered during the project. After completion and approval, both the homeowner and insurance company settle the final balance, ensuring the contractor is fully compensated. Homeowners must pay any costs not covered by insurance, and clear communication between all parties is key to preventing delays or misunderstandings.

Deliver Warranty

S&S Repair and Restoration offers a limited 1-year warranty on labor and materials upon project completion, providing homeowners with peace of mind and ensuring the long-term quality of the work. This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship that may arise within the first year. Whether it’s roofing, siding, or other aspects of the repair, any necessary repairs or corrections will be made at no additional cost to the homeowner.

This warranty reflects S&S’s commitment to high-quality results and confidence in its materials and craftsmanship. Homeowners can be assured that any issues will be addressed promptly and professionally. However, the warranty is only effective once all payments, including any balances or supplements, have been fully settled. Clear communication and timely payment are essential to activate and benefit from this limited warranty.