How to Rebuild Your Home After a Disaster

 

Having to rebuild your home after a disaster is most people’s worst nightmare. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and psychological consequences of a disaster, but you then need to turn your attention to its effects on your living situation. This guide is here to help you get your life back on track as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Find a Safe Space 

The first thing you should do is make sure that both you and your loved ones are safe and sound. You need to focus on your safety first and worry about rebuilding your home later. If you have to stay in a hotel or another form of paid accommodation, remember to keep all receipts and make note of your expenses. You are likely eligible for these to be reimbursed by your insurance company. 

Contact Your Insurance Company 

A disaster is the very reason that people take out home insurance in the first place. The best first step to start rebuilding your home after a disaster is to contact your insurance company. You should do this before trying to sort out anything at all. It is better for the insurance company to assess your home in the very condition that it was in after the disaster. The insurance company will likely send out a rep to assess the damage. As KBD Insurance explains, the average homeowner’s insurance policy covers five main components: the home, any detached buildings on the property, the contents of your home, your living expenses and your civil liability. You should therefore contact your insurance company even if you are unsure that they will cover your claim. 

Look into Support Options 

There are many government agencies and non-profits that offer funds and resources to help people to recover from natural disasters. You should do some research about these projects and see if you are eligible for any support. That support does not have to be financial; it can even be as simple as having a case manager who can walk you through the process, which can be an invaluable thing in a time of need. 

Understand Your Options 

You always have options and you always have freedom of choice, no matter how much it can feel like you don’t. That’s true when you are rebuilding your home. You can rebuild on your same site, but if a fresh start is what you need emotionally or psychologically, you can sell your land and build in a different location, or just buy a new house. You could even rent a new property. If you want to buy a new property, be warned that your insurance company might limit how much they put towards it. 

Be Patient 

Rebuilding your home and your life after a natural disaster takes time, so it is important to be patient. You should not try to rush anything too much. Remember that your mind and body will need time to heal after the trauma. 

Exercising that self-kindness will make the whole process far easier.