As a property manager, there may come a time when you have to deal with property damage from the elements. While a good property management company can deal with a lot of different developmental services, a natural disaster or other damage can be very difficult to deal with. Whether it be damage from a fire, windstorm, or other condition, it is always best to get the process started as soon as possible. If your property has been damaged by some sort of natural element, there are steps you need to take to ensure the situation is handled in the best possible way.
Call the Insurance Company
The first thing you should do after everything has calmed down is call the insurance company. They will send out a representative to assess the damage and determine the reasons behind the problem. In the case of a fire, the firefighters called onto the scene will have a general idea of what caused the situation. If the fire was due to negligence on the part of a tenant, his or her insurance may end up paying more for repairs, which can end up lowering the amount you have to pay out of pocket. Make sure everything is inspected thoroughly, as damage can occur in many different places and cover a wide area.
Get the Repairs Done
Contractors will be hired by the insurance company and they will get to work repairing the damages to the building. As these contractors have most likely been hired because they offered the lowest price, you will want to be very involved throughout the repairs. Make sure everything that was inspected is addressed and anything that needs replacing is replaced. The last thing you want is for future damages to occur based on poorly done repairs. Future concerns could end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Make sure the building is in similar shape to what it was before the damage occurred. The same quality should be there, despite certain parties hoping to cut costs with cheap repairs and replacements.
If your property has been damaged someone by unforeseen conditions, remember that it is best not to let the situation linger and go without any care. Get the damage fixed as soon as possible to minimize the costs and stress that repairs can build up.