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612-433-0000 A Real Person Answers
Smart Builders Group

Storm & Insurance Restoration

Storm damage and an insurance claim? We make it manageable.

You get a free inspection, a clear picture of what's actually damaged, and one team that handles the claim paperwork and the repairs — so there are fewer surprises and you always know the next step. We can't promise what your insurer will decide, but we can provide a clear, documented repair scope for your review.

How It Works

What happens after the storm

After hail or wind moves through, you'll hear from a lot of contractors. Most will glance at your roof. We inspect your entire exterior — roof, siding, windows, and gutters — and document every damage item with photos and video, so the condition of your home is a matter of record.

If there's a legitimate claim, we review the insurance scope line by line against our own inspection. Missing trades, missing materials, code-required items left out — we identify them, document them, and work through the supplement and re-inspection process when it's warranted. It's one of the most common situations we handle.

Situations we regularly step into

  • ✓ Damage another contractor or an initial inspection missed
  • ✓ Claims approved for significantly less than the needed repairs
  • ✓ Scopes missing legitimate items — trades, materials, code requirements
  • ✓ Multi-trade restorations: roof, siding, windows, and gutters on one claim

Storm claims are subject to filing deadlines — if you suspect damage, have it inspected sooner rather than later.

Book a Free Exterior Inspection

We'll tell you honestly whether you have damage worth a claim.

The Smart Builders Process

What happens, step by step

Six clear steps, so you always know what comes next.

  1. Inspect

    A thorough, no-cost inspection of your full exterior — roof, siding, windows, and gutters — not a five-minute drive-by.

  2. Document

    Every finding is captured in photos and video, so you can see exactly what we found — and so does your insurer.

  3. Scope

    We put together a complete, itemized list of exactly what your home needs — so nothing gets missed and there are no surprises later.

  4. Coordinate

    We work with you, your adjuster, and your insurance company so the process moves forward — without the runaround.

  5. Restore

    Experienced crews complete the work — roofing, siding, windows, and gutters — with one point of contact throughout.

  6. Verify

    A final walkthrough with you confirms every item on the list is done, the site is clean, and applicable warranty paperwork is reviewed.

See the Full Process

A Real Example

When the initial scope falls short

This is what the supplement and re-inspection process looks like in practice — in the customer's own words.

Missing Scope Items

  1. The problem

    Myriam's claim was approved — but for significantly less than the repairs her home actually needed.

  2. What we found

    Our review showed the initial scope fell well short of the necessary repair.

  3. What Smart Builders did

    We recommended a re-inspection, presented the documentation, and coordinated directly with the insurance company.

  4. The result

    The claim was revised to cover the needed repair, and we managed the restoration end to end.

★★★★★

“After the insurance claim was approved for significantly less than the needed repairs, Ben recommended a re-inspection and got us approved for the needed repair. He made the overall process seamless, working with the insurance company and coordinating the repairs.”
Myriam Botero Google review

ACV vs. RCV

Know what your policy actually pays

Your roof coverage, deductible, and settlement terms affect payment. These simplified examples assume $8,000 in covered repairs; actual claims depend on the policy and its limits.

ACV — Actual Cash Value

Pays to replace or fix your home, but only for the depreciated value based on age and wear — not the full replacement cost.

Cost to repair your roof
$8,000
Your deductible
−$2,000
Age, wear, and tear
−$2,500
Insurance pays
$3,500

RCV — Replacement Cost Value

Replacement-cost coverage may allow recovery of depreciation after repairs and required documentation. The initial payment may deduct depreciation; ask your insurer about conditions and deadlines for the remaining payment.

Cost to repair your roof
$8,000
Your deductible
−$2,000
Depreciation
recoverable if eligible
Total if conditions met
$6,000

For help understanding the process, see the Minnesota Department of Commerce residential claim guide. Ask your insurer which terms apply to your roof.

FAQ

Insurance claim questions

Can I choose my own contractor, or do I have to use one my insurance company recommends?

In Minnesota you generally have the right to choose your own contractor. Your insurer may suggest preferred vendors, but the choice of who works on your home is yours. Check your policy or ask your agent to confirm any specific requirements.

How do I file a claim for storm damage?

Contact your insurer promptly to report suspected storm damage and ask about deadlines and required documentation. Do not delay reporting while waiting for a contractor. We can inspect the exterior, document the findings, prepare a repair scope, and meet the adjuster on site. Your insurer decides coverage under your policy.

What is an insurance scope, and why does it matter?

The scope is the insurer's line-item list of what they have agreed to repair and pay for. Scopes are sometimes incomplete — missing trades, materials, or code-required items. We review every scope against our own inspection and identify legitimate items that are missing, with documentation to support them.

What happens if damage was missed from the initial scope?

A supplement can be submitted — a documented request to add legitimate items the initial scope missed. This is one of the most common situations we handle. Thorough photo and video documentation is what makes a supplement credible.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover the damage?

That depends on your policy and the cause of the damage — no contractor can promise a coverage decision, and you should be wary of any who does. What we can do is make sure your claim is supported by a thorough inspection and complete documentation, so the decision is made on accurate information.

Can siding, gutters, and windows be on the same claim as my roof?

Yes — when the same storm damages multiple parts of your exterior, they are typically part of the same claim. We inspect and document the whole exterior, not just the roof, so nothing is overlooked.

Help with your insurer's repair scope

Whether your policy is with one of the companies below or another insurer, start with a clear record of the damage and the proposed repairs. We can help with inspection photos, estimates, and documentation. Coverage and payment depend on your policy and your insurer's decision.

More answers about restoration & insurance →

Call us. A real person answers.

Inquiries are typically answered within about five minutes during business hours — by someone who can actually help, not a call center.

Book a Free Exterior Inspection Call 612-433-0000
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