The Journal — Read Before You Renovate
Materials, budgets, upkeep — the lessons we've learned, written down.
48 articles
Storm Damage Restoration: A Homeowner’s Guide to Repairs and Insurance Claims
Storm damage restoration guidance for homeowners: document wind and hail damage,...
Basement Flooding Repair: What to Do After Water Damage
Basement flooding repair starts with safe water removal, damage documentation, a...
Mold Remediation Near Me: How to Find the Right Contractor
Looking for mold remediation near me? Learn how to find a qualified contractor, ...
Water Damage Restoration Near Me: What Homeowners Should Do First
Find water damage restoration near me, document storm damage, avoid claim mistak...
If This Clause Is Missing From Your Contract, You Could End Up Paying an Extra $3,000 After Tear-Off
Once the old roof is removed, soft or damaged decking is often discovered. Witho...
If a Contractor Wants More Than 30% Up Front, Walk Away
Large upfront payments shift almost all the risk onto the homeowner. Once a subs...
Post-Storm Roof Inspection Checklist: What to Photograph, What to Check, and What to Ask First
After a storm, a careful ground-level inspection and thorough photo record prote...
How to Tell Whether Storm-Damaged Windows Can Be Repaired or Need Full Replacement
Storm damage to windows ranges from cracked glass and failed seals to bent frame...
Emergency Leak Response After Storm Damage: What to Do and What Not to Do in the First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after a storm leak decide how much secondary damage occurs an...
What Is a Supplement in a Storm Insurance Claim? Why Good Contractors Do Not Ignore It
A supplement is a formal request for additional payment when the original insura...
10 Things a Trustworthy Roofing Proposal Should Clearly Spell Out
A trustworthy roofing proposal removes ambiguity before any work begins. It name...
The 5 Most Common Gaps in a Siding Repair Proposal and Why Homeowners Miss Them
Siding proposals often look complete while omitting the details that control mat...