Home Inspections Post Hurricane Laura
- Jamie Beauxis Advanced Home Inspections
- May 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
In 2020, Southwest Louisiana faced one of the most devastating hurricanes in its history, impacting every residence in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes to varying degrees. Some homes suffered more severe damage, with roofs completely torn off and trees crashing into houses
If you're from SWLA, then you already know the turmoil experienced with insurance companies and contractors. It was a never-ending fight from every angle.
160 mph winds did more damage to many homes which was not apparent.
Contractors swarmed Southwest Louisiana, trustworthy & not so
Building Supplies were depleted, not available for months
Insurance adjusters lowballed claims, not including roofs, AC units etc.
Contractors demanded access to insurance and not finish job
Damages not readily visible. Advanced Home Inspections has observed instances where roof jack studs were severely cracked, failing to provide adequate support for the roof. Strong winds have caused eaves to detach from top plates, only to settle back down unsecured. Damage to top plates and rafters often remains hidden until the attic is inspected. The shifting of walls has compromised the integrity of windows and doors. In many situations, this damage is concealed by vinyl siding or trim, yet it still allows excessive moisture and pest intrusion into the home. Frequently, these issues go unnoticed for a year or more as the damage develops gradually.
Contractors. The aftermath of hurricanes presents a critical issue on its own. While some homeowners were lucky enough to have their insurance cover the costs of reputable contractors who restored their homes to their original or even improved conditions, many others faced a different reality. Numerous so-called professionals claimed to be licensed but were not, with some even possessing fraudulent licenses. These unscrupulous individuals often demanded upfront payments and vanished without a trace shortly after. Additionally, many took to social media to assert that it was illegal to seek savings on insurance, insisting that homeowners should grant them direct access to their insurance claims. This manipulation allowed them to inflate claims and secure higher payments. The unfortunate truth is that many homeowners learned hard lessons by placing their trust in these self-proclaimed experts during a vulnerable period. Fortunately, the Calcasieu Sheriff's Office and District Attorney are actively working to combat contractor fraud and theft, helping to clarify whether such cases are civil or criminal in nature.
To ensure the safety and integrity of your home after Hurricane Laura 2020, we strongly advise scheduling a comprehensive or partial home inspection to assess its current state.
Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters frequently overlook damaged home systems unless they are completely ruined. They often contend that the system has aged beyond the coverage of the policy. To ensure fair compensation for restoring the home to its original state, it is often essential to engage an independent adjuster, obtain a contractor's estimate, and involve a law firm in the claims process.
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Good points to know.
Interesting, hurricane Laura was much worse than Rita