Homeowner Resource Blog

Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions a homeowner makes. Get it right and your home is protected for decades. Get it wrong and you could be dealing with failed work, a voided warranty, and a contractor who has disappeared with your money. Here are the eight questions you must ask before you write a single check.

1. Are You Licensed in the State of Alabama?

Alabama requires roofing contractors to hold a state-issued license. Ask to see it. Look it up at the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors website. If a contractor can't produce a license number, walk away — period. Unlicensed work voids manufacturer warranties and leaves you with zero legal protection if something goes wrong.

2. Are You Insured and Bonded?

Every legitimate contractor carries General Liability insurance and Workers' Compensation. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance and verify the policy is current. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor isn't insured, you could be sued. This is non-negotiable.

3. Do You Have a Physical Address in Alabama?

After a storm, out-of-state contractors flood Alabama looking for quick money. They take deposits, do poor work, and leave before you realize what happened. A local contractor has a real address, a reputation to protect, and is legally easier to hold accountable.

4. Can You Provide References From the Last 90 Days?

Not references from three years ago. Recent ones. Call them. Ask: Did they finish on time? Were there hidden charges? Would you hire them again? A contractor with nothing to hide will hand you a list without hesitation.

5. What Does Your Written Warranty Cover?

There are two warranties: the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty. Get both in writing. Understand what voids them. A 30-year shingle warranty means nothing if it requires a certified installer — and your contractor isn't one.

6. Who Actually Does the Work?

Many contractors are actually general contractors who subcontract your job to whoever is cheapest that week. Ask directly: Do you use your own employees or subcontractors? This isn't automatically bad, but you deserve to know who will be on your roof.

7. Will You Pull the Permit?

Structural roofing work often requires a building permit in Alabama. A contractor who says "we don't need one" or "it saves time" is either uninformed or trying to cut corners. Unpermitted work can prevent you from selling your home and void your homeowner's insurance.

8. Can I See Your Scope of Work in Writing Before I Sign?

Every detail — materials, brand, color, quantities, cleanup, timeline, payment schedule — belongs in a written scope. Never sign a blank contract or a one-page agreement that says "roof replacement" with no detail. Vague contracts protect the contractor, not you.

Every time a major storm hits Alabama, contractors appear from Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas — truck doors freshly painted with local-looking names, ready to knock on your door. Some of them do fine work. Many of them don't. Here's why choosing a contractor who actually lives and works in your state is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Accountability Doesn't Disappear When the Season Ends

A local contractor lives here. Their kids go to school here. Their neighbors are your neighbors. They have a reputation in this community that took years to build and would take minutes to destroy on Facebook or Google. Out-of-state contractors don't have that skin in the game. When the storm season slows down, they go home — and your call goes to voicemail.

Alabama Building Codes Are Not the Same as Georgia's

Building codes, wind load requirements, and material specifications vary by state and even by county. An Alabama-licensed contractor knows what the Jefferson County inspector expects to see. A contractor from out of state may not — and failed inspections come out of your pocket.

Your Warranty Means Nothing If the Contractor Disappears

Contractor workmanship warranties are only as good as the contractor's continued existence. If your out-of-state roofer is back in Florida and your flashing is leaking two years later, what's your warranty worth? Local contractors have a reason to stand behind their work — you can find them.

Local Contractors Know Local Insurance Adjusters

Insurance claim work in Alabama involves relationships. A contractor who has worked dozens of claims with local adjusters knows how to communicate, what documentation is expected, and how to file supplements that get approved. That relationship translates directly to a better settlement for you.

Storm Chasers vs. Storm Responders

There's a difference between a storm chaser — who shows up only when there's money to make — and a storm responder, who is part of the local community and responds because their neighbors need help. Fortified Home Solutions is based in Cullman. We were here before the storm and we'll be here after the check clears.

How to Verify a Contractor Is Truly Local

• Ask for their physical Alabama business address
• Search their business name on the Alabama Secretary of State website
• Verify their Alabama contractor license number
• Check how long their Google Business profile has been active
• Look for reviews that mention their local response time

Most homeowners will file one or two property damage claims in their lifetime. Insurance companies process thousands every year. That experience gap is why homeowners routinely accept settlements worth far less than they deserve. These tips close that gap.

Document Everything Before You Touch Anything

Before any cleanup, debris removal, or temporary repairs — photograph everything from multiple angles. Video walk the property. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim. Insurers love when damage "disappears" between the event and the adjuster visit.

Call Your Contractor Before You Call Your Insurer

A licensed contractor can document the damage in the language adjusters use — measurements, quantities, line-item descriptions. Filing with that documentation already in hand produces a better scope from day one. Calling your insurer cold often produces a conservative initial estimate you then have to fight to correct.

You Have the Right to Have a Contractor Present at the Adjuster Inspection

This is one of the most important things most homeowners don't know. You can have your contractor on-site when the adjuster comes. We bring our own scope, measurements, and documentation. The adjuster can't dismiss items they have to look at in person with a professional contractor standing next to them.

Read the Estimate Line by Line

When your insurer sends their estimate, read every line. Common things that get missed: soft metal damage (gutters, vents, caps), interior damage from water intrusion, code upgrade requirements (new drip edge, ice and water shield), and depreciation that shouldn't have been applied to certain items.

Don't Sign a Release Until Work Is Complete

Some insurers ask you to sign a "full and final settlement" release with the first check. This means you waive the right to file for additional damage or supplements later. Do not sign this before your contractor has inspected the completed job and confirmed everything is accounted for.

File a Supplement — It's Standard Practice

A supplement is an additional claim filed after the original scope when items were missed or underfunded. This is common and accepted practice in the insurance restoration industry. A good contractor handles supplement filing on your behalf at no additional cost. It's not aggressive — it's just thorough.

RCV Holdback: File for Your Money

If you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage, your insurer holds back the depreciation amount until repairs are verified complete. After your job is done, you must file to release that payment. Most homeowners don't know to ask and simply never collect it. On a $20,000 claim, that could be $4,000–$6,000 left on the table.

Within 48 hours of any significant storm in Alabama, out-of-state "contractors" arrive in force — unmarked vans, door-to-door sales pitches, promises of a free roof and waived deductibles. They are called storm chasers, and they are one of the most persistent scams in the home improvement industry.

What Is a Storm Chaser?

A storm chaser is a contractor — often unlicensed — who follows major storm events from state to state, capitalizing on homeowners who are stressed, confused, and eager to get repairs done quickly. They're not part of your community. They have no long-term accountability. Their business model depends on volume, speed, and the fact that most problems won't surface until they're long gone.

The Warning Signs

• They knocked on your door within 24–72 hours of the storm
• They have an out-of-state phone number or address
• They can't produce an Alabama contractor license number on the spot
• They offer to waive your deductible (this is illegal)
• They want a large deposit before any work begins
• They pressure you to sign on the first visit
• They offer to "work directly with your insurance" without detail on how
• Their reviews are all recent and from out of your area

The Deductible Waiver Trap

If a contractor offers to waive, cover, or "absorb" your insurance deductible, they are offering to commit insurance fraud — and in Alabama, the homeowner can be charged as well as the contractor. The deductible exists by design. A legitimate contractor cannot legally waive it.

What Happens After They Leave

Storm chaser work typically involves cheap materials, improper installation, and no documentation. Manufacturer warranties require certified installers — unlicensed contractors void them. Leaks appear within 12–18 months. When you call to complain, the number is disconnected. The company doesn't exist in Alabama's records. You have no recourse.

What to Do Instead

Tell the door-to-door salesperson politely that you work with a contractor you trust. Then call a local, licensed Alabama contractor for a free inspection before you call your insurance company. That contractor can document your claim properly, be present with you at the adjuster inspection, and handle the entire process — the right way.

"How long does a roof last?" is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. The answer depends almost entirely on the material — and on whether it was installed correctly. Here's the honest breakdown.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles — 15 to 20 Years

The most common budget shingle. Three-tab shingles are thin, lightweight, and rated for moderate wind (60–70 mph). In Alabama, where severe weather is common, they are the most replaced roofing material. If you have a 3-tab shingle roof that's 15 years old, you should be planning for replacement — not waiting for a leak to force your hand.

Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles — 25 to 30 Years

The current standard for residential roofing. Architectural shingles are thicker, more durable, and rated for 110–130 mph winds when properly installed. Manufacturers like Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF offer 30-year and lifetime warranties on their architectural lines. Proper installation by a certified contractor is what makes those warranties real.

Metal Roofing — 40 to 70 Years

Standing seam and metal panel roofing is the longest-lasting option available for residential homes. In Alabama's climate — intense heat, humidity, severe storms — metal roofing dramatically outperforms asphalt. It reflects heat (lowering cooling costs), sheds debris easily, and carries some of the strongest wind ratings available. The higher upfront cost is offset by the fact that most homeowners never replace a metal roof in their lifetime.

TPO / Flat Roofing — 15 to 25 Years

Common on commercial buildings and low-slope residential sections. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membranes are heat-welded and highly resistant to UV exposure. Lifespan depends heavily on proper installation and drainage design.

Roof Coatings — Extends Life by 10 to 20 Years

Applied over existing roofing systems (particularly metal and flat roofs), silicone and acrylic coatings can significantly extend the life of an aging roof without full replacement. This is often the most cost-effective option for commercial metal buildings and large flat roofs.

What Shortens Every Roof's Life

• Poor attic ventilation (heat buildup degrades shingles from underneath)
• Incorrect installation (improper nail placement, insufficient overlap)
• Storm damage that goes uninspected
• Blocked gutters causing water backup under the drip edge
• Tree limbs in contact with the roof surface

Most homeowners don't think about their roof until water is dripping through the ceiling. By that point, the damage is always more expensive than it would have been if caught earlier. Here are seven signs that mean it's time to call a professional — before the ceiling shows up.

1. Granules in Your Gutters

Asphalt shingles shed their protective granule coating as they age. When you clean your gutters and find significant granule buildup — dark sandy material that looks like coarse sand — your shingles are near the end of their useful life. Granule loss exposes the asphalt layer underneath to UV and moisture.

2. Curling or Cupping Shingles

Shingles that curl upward at the edges (cupping) or buckle along the center (clawing) are losing their adhesion and flexibility. This is caused by age, moisture, or improper installation. Curled shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift — a category 1 storm can strip them entirely.

3. Missing Shingles

Even one missing shingle is a leak waiting to happen. The exposed deck underneath has no protection from rain or UV. In Alabama's summer heat, a single missed repair can lead to decking rot within one season.

4. Daylight in the Attic

Go into your attic on a sunny day and look up. If you can see pinpoints of light coming through the decking, you have penetration points that are also letting in water during rain. This is one of the most reliable signs of a failing roof.

5. Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging or wavy roof surface (visible from the ground) indicates structural damage to the decking or rafters — often from long-term moisture infiltration. This is beyond a shingle repair; it requires decking replacement and possibly structural work.

6. Stains on Interior Ceilings or Walls

Brown rings or stains on ceilings are almost always water. Many homeowners patch the ceiling without addressing the source. Unless the cause is confirmed and fixed at the roof level, the stain will return — and the rot continues spreading invisibly above your head.

7. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old and Has Never Been Inspected

If you don't know the age of your roof, that's your first problem. An aging asphalt shingle roof that has never been professionally inspected almost certainly has hidden damage. A $0 inspection today can prevent a $15,000 emergency later.

The most common roofing question we get: "Should I go with metal or shingles?" The honest answer is that both are good options — for different situations. Here's how to think about it.

Upfront Cost

Shingles win short-term. A quality architectural shingle roof typically runs $8,000–$15,000 for an average Alabama home. A metal roof runs $18,000–$35,000+ for the same home. If budget is the primary constraint, shingles are the practical choice.

Long-Term Value

Metal wins long-term. A metal roof installed today will likely outlast the home. An architectural shingle roof needs replacement every 25–30 years. Over 50 years, you'll replace shingles twice — and each time, materials and labor cost more. Many homeowners find metal roofing is actually cheaper over a 40-year period.

Alabama Climate Considerations

Alabama's climate is hard on roofing: intense summer UV, high humidity, severe storms, and temperature swings. Metal roofing handles all of these better than asphalt. It reflects solar heat (reducing attic temperatures by up to 25°F), doesn't absorb moisture, and resists wind speeds that would strip shingles.

Insurance Impact

Many Alabama insurance carriers offer discounts for metal roofing — particularly standing seam — because of its superior storm resistance. Some carriers reduce premiums by 15–30%. Over 20 years, that adds up to real money.

Aesthetics

Modern metal roofing looks excellent — standing seam panels have a clean, architectural look, and metal panels are available in dozens of colors. In rural North Alabama, metal roofs are increasingly common on residential homes and blend naturally into the landscape.

Noise

The most common metal roof concern: "Won't it be loud in the rain?" On properly insulated homes with decked (solid) installations, the difference in rain noise vs. shingles is minimal. Most homeowners report they can barely hear the difference.

When to Choose Shingles

Budget-constrained replacement, insurance claim replacements (where the scope is set by the adjuster), homes with complex roof geometry where standing seam panels are difficult to install, or situations where neighborhood HOA rules limit roofing options.

When to Choose Metal

New construction, full replacement on a budget-flexible project, high-wind-risk properties, commercial buildings, rural homes, or any homeowner who wants to never replace their roof again in their lifetime.

"We'll waive your deductible." It sounds like a great deal. You get a new roof and don't have to pay the $2,500 or $5,000 your policy requires. What could go wrong?

Everything. Here's why this offer — which appears constantly after Alabama storms — is one of the most dangerous things a contractor can say to you.

It Is Insurance Fraud — Full Stop

Your deductible is the amount your insurance company determined you must pay as your share of every claim. When a contractor "waives" it, they are inflating the claim to cover their own costs — billing the insurer for work that was actually done for free. That is insurance fraud under Alabama law. Both the contractor and the homeowner can face criminal charges.

The Alabama Law

Alabama Code Section 27-12A-23 specifically prohibits contractors from waiving, absorbing, or rebating insurance deductibles. Contractors who engage in this practice risk losing their license, criminal prosecution, and civil liability. Homeowners who knowingly participate face the same exposure.

How the Scam Actually Works

The contractor inflates the scope — adding materials that weren't used, labor that wasn't performed, or line items that weren't needed — to recoup what they "waived." The insurer pays a fraudulently inflated claim. The work is often substandard because the contractor's actual margin has been squeezed. And you've now signed your name to a fraudulent insurance document.

What Legitimate Contractors Do

A legitimate contractor's quote matches the insurance scope — or they file a supplement to cover additional legitimate items. They do not inflate the scope. They do not waive deductibles. They do ask you to pay your deductible because it is legally required.

What to Do If Someone Offers This

• Decline — politely but firmly
• Do not sign any contract with that contractor
• Report the offer to the Alabama Department of Insurance
• Call a licensed local contractor for a legitimate inspection

The storm has passed. You're walking your property. Something doesn't look right. What you do in the next 24–72 hours can mean the difference between a fully covered claim and a denied one. Follow this checklist.

Step 1: Stay Safe First

Before anything else — do not go onto the roof. Do not walk near downed power lines. If your home has structural damage (walls shifted, roof partially collapsed), stay out until it's been assessed by a professional. Haste costs lives.

Step 2: Document Everything — Before Cleanup

Take photos and video of every damaged area before anything is moved, cleaned, or covered. Walk the full perimeter. Photograph the roof from the ground at multiple angles. Document interior damage — wet ceilings, wet walls, soaked insulation. This is your evidence. Cleaning up before documentation can dramatically reduce your claim.

Step 3: Call a Licensed Contractor — Before Your Insurance Company

A contractor can document damage in the technical language adjusters use, help you file correctly, and be present with you at the adjuster inspection. Filing alone often produces an initial estimate that's too low, which then has to be corrected through a supplement process.

Step 4: Perform Emergency Tarping if Needed

If your roof has open penetrations — missing shingles over an exposed area, a hole from a fallen tree limb — get it tarped. This is considered emergency protective action and is typically covered by your policy. Document the tarping with photos and save every receipt.

Step 5: File Your Claim

Once you have documentation in hand and have talked to your contractor, file the claim with your insurance company. Have your policy number ready. Ask for the claim number and the adjuster's name when assigned.

Step 6: Do Not Throw Anything Away

Damaged materials — shingles, gutters, sections of siding — are evidence. Keep them until your claim is fully settled. Insurers have disputed claims when they couldn't verify the extent of damage because materials had been removed.

Step 7: Keep a Running Log

Write down every call you make, every person you speak to, every date and time. Claims can take weeks or months. A detailed log protects you if there's ever a dispute about what was reported and when.

Most contractor horror stories share one thing in common: the warning signs were there from the beginning. Here are the ten red flags that, individually or together, should make you walk away.

1. No license number they can give you on the spot. This is disqualifying. Alabama requires roofing contractors to be licensed. If they hesitate or give excuses, they are not licensed.
2. No Certificate of Insurance. Ask for it in writing, from their insurer directly. An expired certificate or one in a different company name is a red flag.
3. They ask for more than 30% upfront. Standard practice is a deposit at signing and the remainder at completion. Large upfront payments are how contractors disappear with your money.
4. They pressure you to sign the same day. "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic. Legitimate contractors are confident enough in their work to give you time to decide.
5. The quote is dramatically lower than everyone else's. If three contractors quote $15,000 and one quotes $8,000, ask why. Low bids often mean cheap materials, unlicensed labor, or a plan to cut scope mid-job.
6. They can't provide references from recent local jobs. Older references or references from other states are not sufficient. Ask for two or three recent local jobs you can call.
7. They have no physical Alabama address. A P.O. box is not an address. A truck with a painted logo is not an address. Where do you go if there's a problem?
8. They discourage you from getting other quotes. Confident contractors welcome comparison. Anyone who tries to isolate you from shopping around has something to hide.
9. The contract is vague or verbal. Every detail should be in writing — materials, brand, model, quantities, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms. "We'll take care of it" is not a contract.
10. They offer to waive your deductible. See our separate article on this. It is insurance fraud and you can be charged alongside them.

Your insurance company sent their estimate. Your contractor looked at it. Now your contractor is talking about filing a "supplement." What does that mean, is it normal, and does it cause problems with your insurer?

What Is a Supplement?

A supplement is an additional claim filed with your insurance company after the original estimate was written — to add line items that were missed, correct quantities that were undercounted, or include code-required items that the adjuster did not include in the original scope.

Is It Normal?

Extremely. Industry data suggests supplements are filed on the majority of residential insurance claims. Adjusters assess damage quickly, sometimes without getting on the roof, and miss items routinely. This is not necessarily bad faith — it's the reality of high-volume claims processing. The supplement process exists specifically to correct it.

Common Supplement Items

• Soft metal damage: gutters, downspouts, roof vents, pipe boots, ridge caps
• Code-required upgrades: new drip edge, ice and water shield, enhanced underlayment
• Interior water damage from roof penetrations
• Decking replacement under damaged shingle areas
• Permit fees (required in many Alabama jurisdictions)
• Starter strips, waste factors, hip and ridge cap quantities
• Satellite dish removal and reset

Does Filing a Supplement Cause Problems?

No. A supplement is a standard part of the claims process. Filing one does not make your insurer suspicious or jeopardize your claim. What matters is that the supplement items are legitimate, documented, and supportable. A contractor who files supplements professionally — with photos, measurements, and code citations — gets them approved consistently.

Who Files the Supplement?

Your contractor files the supplement on your behalf. It requires no additional work from you. Fortified Home Solutions handles supplement filing on every claim — because on almost every claim, there are items the adjuster missed. Getting every dollar you're owed is part of our job.

Not every roof replacement is an insurance claim. Sometimes the roof is just old, or the claim fell short, or you chose a premium upgrade the insurer didn't cover. When that happens, financing is often the right tool — but only if you understand what you're agreeing to.

Contractor-Offered Financing

Many roofing contractors offer in-house financing through third-party lenders like GreenSky, Synchrony, or Hearth. These programs are convenient — one-stop shopping — but read the terms carefully. "Same as cash" offers often convert to high-interest loans if the balance isn't paid in full by a specific date. Know the rate, the term, and what happens at the promotional period's end.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you have equity in your home, a HELOC typically offers the lowest interest rate for home improvement borrowing. Interest may be tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor). The downside: it uses your home as collateral and takes longer to set up than contractor financing.

Personal Loans

Unsecured personal loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders (LightStream, SoFi) are fast and don't require home equity. Rates vary widely based on credit score. A 700+ credit score typically qualifies for competitive rates.

FHA Title I Loans

The FHA Title I program offers home improvement loans specifically for repairs and improvements, including roofing. These do not require equity and are available to homeowners who don't qualify for conventional financing. Ask your lender if they participate in the Title I program.

What to Watch Out For

• Deferred interest "same as cash" offers — read the fine print
• Contractors who add financing fees to the project cost
• Long-term high-interest loans on short-term projects
• Signing a financing agreement before the scope of work is finalized

The Bottom Line

Financing a roof is common and reasonable — a roof is one of the most important systems in your home. Just shop the financing as carefully as you shop the contractor. The cheapest monthly payment is not always the cheapest overall cost.

Metal roofing has exploded in popularity across Alabama over the last decade — and for good reason. It outlasts asphalt shingles by 20–30 years, handles severe weather better, and can actually lower your insurance premium. But not all metal roofs are the same. Here's what every homeowner needs to know before choosing.

Standing Seam — The Premium Option

Standing seam metal roofing features raised seams that interlock above the flat surface of the panel. The fasteners are completely hidden — there are no exposed screws, no penetrations through the metal face. This means no future leak points from fastener wear, no UV degradation around screw holes, and a cleaner, more architectural look.

Standing seam panels also allow the metal to expand and contract with temperature changes without putting stress on fasteners — a critical advantage in Alabama's climate where summer heat can push roof temperatures well over 150°F. This thermal movement is what causes premature fastener failure on lower-quality systems.

• Lifespan: 40–70 years with proper installation
• Cost: Higher upfront — typically 2–3x corrugated
• Best for: Residential homes, custom builds, historic restorations
• Wind rating: Up to 140 mph with proper clips

Corrugated / Exposed Fastener — The Working Option

Corrugated and R-panel metal roofing uses exposed screws driven through the face of the panel into the decking or purlin below. These systems are faster to install, significantly less expensive, and completely appropriate for barns, outbuildings, carports, and budget-conscious residential applications.

The trade-off is longevity. Exposed fasteners are eventually going to fail — typically within 15–25 years — as the rubber washers compress, crack, and lose their seal. This isn't a reason to avoid the product, but it's important to budget for maintenance and eventual re-fastening.

• Lifespan: 25–40 years with maintenance
• Cost: More affordable upfront
• Best for: Outbuildings, commercial, rental properties, secondary structures
• Maintenance: Fastener inspection every 10–12 years

What About Insurance in Alabama?

Alabama insurers often provide a discount — sometimes 20–30% on the wind/hail portion of your premium — for metal roofing that meets their impact resistance classification. Ask your agent about UL 2218 Class 4 ratings before you order material. Fortified Home Solutions installs products that qualify for these discounts.

Colors, Coatings, and Heat Gain

Modern metal roofing comes with Kynar 500 or PVDF coatings that retain color for 30+ years without fading. For Alabama homes, lighter colors and energy-efficient "cool roof" coatings reflect solar radiation and reduce attic temperatures significantly. In a house without proper attic ventilation, the right metal roof color can make a measurable difference in your cooling bill.

If you've ever filed a property damage claim, your adjuster gave you a number. What most homeowners don't know is that this number is almost never the final number — and understanding supplements is how you close the gap.

What Is a Supplement?

An insurance supplement is a revised or additional claim submitted after the initial estimate to cover items that were missed, undervalued, or discovered after the original assessment. Supplements are a completely normal and legal part of the claims process — and experienced contractors use them routinely to make sure your claim reflects the actual cost of restoring your home to pre-loss condition.

Why Do Initial Estimates Come Up Short?

Insurance adjusters use software called Xactimate to generate estimates. This software is regularly updated, but regional pricing, local material costs, and specialty labor rates don't always reflect what's actually available in your market. Additionally, adjusters are under time pressure and may not fully assess every component of the damage on a single visit — especially for complex structural or interior damage.

Common items that get missed or undervalued in initial estimates include:

• Drip edge, ice and water shield, and synthetic underlayment
• Proper removal and disposal of multiple layers of shingles
• Decking replacement and structural repairs
• Code upgrade requirements (Alabama building code changes)
• Interior damage — insulation, drywall, paint, flooring
• O&P (overhead and profit) for general contractors managing the project

How the Supplement Process Works

A contractor experienced in insurance work reviews your adjuster's scope line by line, identifies gaps, and submits a supplemental estimate directly to your carrier. This isn't adversarial — it's just making sure the claim is complete. Most adjusters expect supplements on larger jobs. Many are processed and approved within 1–2 weeks.

What's the Risk to the Homeowner?

None. You are not required to accept the initial estimate. You have the right to have your contractor advocate for an accurate scope. If the supplement is denied, you're in the same position you started in. If it's approved — which happens far more often than not when the documentation is solid — you recover more of what your policy entitles you to.