Vero Beach Roofer Strongly Advises Creating a Home Inventory

Although we are a Vero Beach roofer, and our niche is roofing and roof replacement, we find the need to reach out to our blog readers and advise Vero Beach homeowners and those in all of Florida to create a home inventory. With the impending Deadly Spring Season in Florida-which runs from February through April-not only can your roof be totally damaged and need replacing due to major storms that deliver tornadoes, torrential rains, strong winds, and/or hail. Some homeowners will unfortunately experience a total loss.

Knowing this kind of weather is coming is the perfect time to create a home inventory. RRSA has been in business a long time. We can't count the number of times a homeowner's roof we were replacing had also experienced a total loss insurance claim, but had no way to account for the contents of their home. By not having a home inventory beforehand, they were stuck with the daunting job of trying to piece together a list of their home's contents.

Being proactive about this tasks will save you so much time, money, and stress. It is better to be safe than sorry, as the old saying goes, so the time to create your home inventory is now. You don't want to have to try and piece together your home inventory after a loss. That is a true nightmare, but unfortunately what most homeowners find themselves dealing with after a total loss. In fact, 4 out of 10 homeowners who experience a catastrophic loss did not have a home inventory and had to create one for their insurance claim, mostly relying on memory. Sadly, their insurance settlement was much less than if they had created a home inventory beforehand.

How to Create a Home Inventory

• Pick an easy spot to start – A contained area—like your small kitchen appliance cabinet, your sporting equipment closet or your handbag shelf—is a great place to get started.
• List recent purchases – Another way to start is with recent purchases—get into the inventory habit and then go back tackle your older possessions.
• Include the basic information – In general, describe each item you record, and note where you bought it, the make and model, what you paid and any other detail that might help in the event you need to make a claim.
• Count clothing by general category – For example, "5 pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of sneakers…" Make note of any items that are especially valuable.
• Record serial numbers – Usually found on the back or bottom of major appliances and electronic equipment, serial numbers are a useful reference.
• Check coverage on big ticket items – Jewelry, art and collectibles may have increased in value and may need special coverage separate from your standard homeowners insurance policy. While you're making your home inventory list, check with your agent to make sure you have adequate insurance for these items before there is a loss.
• Don't forget off-site items – Your belongings kept in a self-storage facility are covered by your homeowners insurance, too. Make sure you include them in your inventory.
• Keep proof of value – Store sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals with your list.
• Don't get overwhelmed – Once you've started your inventory, keep going even if you can't get it all done immediately. It's better to have an incomplete inventory than nothing at all.

If you have a roof in South Florida that needs a free inspection because you feel it might need replacing, why not call this Vero Beach roofer today? We are always happy to hear from homeowners, even if you don't have a roof problem.