Hurricane Sally taught us some valuable lessons about hurricane recovery, especially when it comes to protecting homes, managing rental properties, hiring contractors, and navigating insurance claims. Now, following Hurricane Isaias, we're putting those lessons to work again.
At Realty Masters of Florida, we've helped hundreds of Pensacola-area property owners navigate storm damage, repairs, and insurance challenges. Broker Nicole St. Aubin and agent Lindsay, recently sat down for a podcast to discuss what they've learned as real estate agents and property managers through both hurricanes.
Whether you own your home, manage rental properties, or are an absentee landlord, here are some of our biggest recommendations to help you avoid expensive mistakes during hurricane recovery.
1. Don't Rush Into Hurricane Repairs
After a hurricane, everyone wants their property repaired immediately. Unfortunately, making rushed decisions can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Contractors are overwhelmed, materials may be limited, and out-of-town companies arrive looking for work. While emergency repairs should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage, major repairs deserve careful consideration.
Before signing a contract, get a detailed written estimate, verify licensing and insurance, and understand exactly what work is being performed.
Our advice: Address immediate safety concerns and prevent additional damage, but don't let urgency pressure you into making expensive decisions without doing your homework.
2. Hire a Professional Home Inspector After a Hurricane
One of the biggest lessons we learned from Hurricane Sally is that not all storm damage is immediately visible.
A roof may look perfectly fine from the ground but have damaged shingles, lifted flashing, or other problems that won't become apparent until the next heavy rain. Following Hurricane Isaias, we were fortunate that the storm brought relatively little rainfall to many parts of the Pensacola area. However, that also means some roof damage may remain concealed until future rainstorms. We strongly recommend hiring a qualified home inspector to evaluate your property after a major hurricane, especially if you are an absentee owner.
A professional inspection can help identify potential roofing concerns, attic damage, moisture intrusion, and other issues that may warrant further evaluation by a licensed contractor. An inspection report also provides valuable documentation if you later discover additional damage or need to consider an insurance claim.
3. Think Carefully Before Filing a Hurricane Insurance Claim
Should you file an insurance claim after Hurricane Isaias? The answer depends on your insurance coverage, hurricane deductible, and the actual cost of repairs. Before filing, contact your insurance agent to discuss your policy and consider obtaining an inspection and repair estimates.
Remember that hurricane deductibles are often significantly higher than standard homeowners insurance deductibles. Some damage, such as fallen trees that don't damage insured structures, fencing, or detached structures, may have limited coverage or exclusions. Rental property owners should also review whether their landlord insurance policy provides loss-of-rent coverage. Don't automatically assume filing a claim is the best financial decision. Understanding your coverage and the potential costs can help you make a more informed choice.
4. Use Local Contractors Whenever Possible—Especially Roofers!
One of the biggest challenges after Hurricane Sally was dealing with contractors who came to Pensacola for storm-related work and then disappeared.
While there are reputable out-of-town contractors, we strongly encourage homeowners to consider established local companies, especially for roofing repairs and replacements. Why? Because if your new roof develops a leak six months later, you want a contractor who will answer the phone and stand behind their work.
Before hiring anyone, verify their Florida licensing where required, liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage or applicable exemption, references, and local reputation. Be especially cautious about large upfront payments, high-pressure sales tactics, and contractors who cannot provide clear documentation.
5. Make Sure Your Contractor Pulls the Required Permits!
This is one of the most important lessons we learned following Hurricane Sally.
If your roofing contractor tells you a permit isn't necessary, verify that information directly with your local building department.
Roof replacements and many major structural repairs require permits. Requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction and scope of work. Permits help ensure work is reviewed under applicable building codes and that required inspections are completed. Unpermitted work can create complications when selling your home, obtaining insurance, or addressing future problems with a contractor. Don't assume a contractor has obtained a permit just because they say they will. Ask for the permit number and verify that required inspections are completed and the permit is closed.
6. Document Hurricane Damage and Keep Your Records
Good documentation is essential during hurricane recovery. Take photographs and videos before cleanup or repairs whenever it is safe to do so. Save inspection reports, estimates, contractor agreements, permits, receipts, and insurance correspondence.
For rental property owners, communication with tenants is equally important. Ask residents to report damage promptly, including photographs, and coordinate access before sending contractors or inspectors to the property. Keeping organized records can make insurance discussions, repairs, and future property transactions much easier.
Hurricane Sally Prepared Us for Hurricane Isaias
Every hurricane is different, but the lessons we learned during Hurricane Sally continue to shape how we approach property management and storm recovery in Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and surrounding Northwest Florida communities. The biggest takeaway? Be proactive, but don't rush.
Protect your property from additional damage, obtain professional evaluations, research your contractors, verify permits, and make informed decisions about insurance claims. A little extra diligence today could save thousands of dollars and countless headaches in the future.
Have questions about hurricane damage, repairs, or managing your rental property after Hurricane Isaias?
Contact Realty Masters of Florida! Our Pensacola property management team is here to help property owners navigate the challenges of owning and maintaining rental homes along the Gulf Coast.
