AVOID Storm Chasers

Why Homeowners ShouldAvoid Out-of-State Storm Chasers (General Contractors)

Storm chasers are companies that track severe weather acrossregions, focusing on repairing hail and wind damage, typically to roofs andsiding. They operate by cashing in homeowners’ insurance claims and hastilycompleting repairs before moving on to the next storm-stricken area.

Pros and Cons of StormChasers:

Pros:

• They     can expedite the renovation process in affected areas.
• They     possess considerable expertise in handling insurance claims.

Cons:

• Lack     of local community roots and knowledge (including laws and building     codes).
• High     turnover of crews, sales personnel, and other staff.
• Often     insufficiently trained for quality repair work.
• Potential     for tarnished reputation due to rushed and inconsistent work.
• Limited     or unreliable warranties due to their transient nature.
• The usage     of low-quality materials may compromise longevity.

The Positives

There are definite benefits to storm chasers when theydescend on a community after a major storm. Local contractors often struggle tomeet the demand promptly, making the expertise of storm chasers invaluable,especially in navigating insurance claims efficiently.

These companies mobilize swiftly with project managers,crews, office staff, and insurance specialists, offering nimble responses tostorm damage.

The Negatives

Unfortunately, the transient nature of storm chasers meansthey typically depart within a year or two. Their lack of ties to the communitycan lead to unfinished jobs and unreliable service, especially when largerstorms draw them elsewhere unexpectedly.

Their business model resembles that of nomads, prioritizingprofit over quality and community loyalty, often leaving homeownersdissatisfied or stranded midway through projects.

Hiring Practices

Storm chasers frequently employ out-of-state crews,contributing to inconsistency in project execution and quality. Their hiringand training practices for sales personnel also result in high turnover rates,affecting service continuity and customer satisfaction.

Potential Scenarios:Overpromising & Underdelivering

Inexperienced salespeople may oversell services or promiseunrealistic benefits, leading to unprofitable projects and delays. Subsequentturnover among sales staff can further exacerbate these issues, leavinghomeowners waiting for completion or facing unexpected additional costs.

Pretending To Be Local

Some sophisticated storm chasers attempt to appear local byrenting or acquiring the identity of established contractors. Despite promisesof quality and integrity, these arrangements often fail to provide adequatewarranty coverage or long-term support.

Choose Wisely

When selecting a contractor to repair storm damage, it'scrucial to distinguish between transient storm chasers and reputable localcontractors. Opting for established local expertise ensures reliable serviceand ongoing support, minimizing the risk of subpar repairs and financial lossesin the long run.

Remember, avoiding storm chasers and investing in qualifiedlocal contractors ensures that repairs are done right the first time,preserving your home's integrity and your peace of mind.

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