With so-called “Storm Chasers” flocking to Iowa after Friday’s hailstorm in the Des Moines metro, some say it’s important to shop local for those roofing repairs.
CLIVE, Iowa — Jared Harrison is the owner of R3 Roofing and Exteriors, a company based in Urbandale. He says the damage from Friday’s storm is some of the biggest and most extensive he’s seen since he moved to Des Moines.
“The storms are only becoming more frequent and more severe,” Harrison told Local 5 Wednesday.
With storms growing stronger and becoming more common, it’s important to find the right company to do the job.
“You’ve got to do some homework. A simple Google search of a company will pretty much tell you what you need to know. Look for companies that have at least 30 five-star reviews,” Harrison added.
Clive resident Clay Coppock says it’s incredibly important to him to support the community and local companies.
“My dad had a local business in the Carroll area. He’s had local restaurants along the way. We always try to shop local downtown, like in the Valley Junction area,” Coppock said.
Harrison says the final damage totals from Friday’s storm could wind up being mind-boggling.
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“We’re talking hundreds of millions of dollars in claims potentially,” Harrison said.
Each roof order is averaging between $15,000 and $20,000, and Harrison says your insurance deductible will likely be between $1,000 and $1,500.
“It’s a very good opportunity for people to take advantage of their homeowners insurance, since that number is 10% or less of the cost of the roof alone,” Harrison added.
Coppock may have very well given the best tip of the day, adding: “My best advice as a guy is to make sure you include your wife or significant other in your decision.”
If you have not filed a claim and contacted a local contractor yet, it’s a good idea to do it as soon as you can to avoid a longer insurance delay.