After a major storm, the first thing to do is make a plan. In Minnesota, storms may do more than damage roofs or siding. They cause disruptions to everyday life and frequently reveal more serious problems in your home’s exterior. So, where do you begin when you need to make fixes but want to make improvements that matter?
Knowing what has to be repaired and what could be improved should be the first step for any homeowner. A full home inspection and remodeling can help you decide which repairs are most important, stop problems before they happen, and raise the value of your house. That’s why we made this guide to help you navigate the process of renovating your home’s exterior after storm damage.
Schedule a Full Exterior Home Inspection
You need to know exactly what the storm has damaged before you can choose new materials or design changes.
Why a Full Inspection Matters
A professional inspection identifies hidden damage, such as compromised sheathing, water intrusion behind siding, or ventilation issues in your roofing system. These aren’t always visible, but can lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
What We Check During the Inspection
At Advantage Construction, we perform a full roof and siding inspection that includes the following:
- Roofing systems (shingles, flashing, vents)
- Siding panels and underlayment
- Windows and window trim
- Gutters, fascia, and soffits
- Attic insulation and ventilation
This detailed review ensures nothing gets missed when it’s time to submit insurance claims or start work.
Upgrades to Common Areas Following Storm Repairs
Storm damage often acts as a catalyst for many homeowners to upgrade key external parts of their houses. This means fixing what was broken and making the whole thing stronger, more energy-efficient, and more attractive from the street. And in Minnesota, this proactive mindset makes sense. From 1980 to 2024, Minnesota has experienced 62 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, with an increasing frequency of major storm events in recent years. With severe hail, high winds, and heavy rainfall becoming more frequent, restoring damaged areas with higher-performance materials can help reduce future repair costs and improve long-term durability.
1. Roof Improvements
- Using materials that last longer, like architectural shingles or Class 4 impact-rated shingles.
- Adding the right insulation or better ventilation to the attic can save energy.
2. Siding Enhancements
- Replacing basic vinyl with LP SmartSide or fiber cement for added storm resistance
- Considering insulated siding for better thermal performance
3. Installing new Doors and Windows
- Putting up new windows that are approved for storms and save energy
- Replacing old doors that are broken or bent and don’t work properly.
After a storm, making improvements to the exterior of your home is a great way to make it more structurally sound, more energy efficient, and more attractive. Additionally, a new color scheme and trim can make the façade look more contemporary and welcoming.
Integrating Long-Term Improvements with Restoration
“Like-for-like” replacements don’t have to be the only way to restore your house after a storm. With the appropriate preparation, repairs paid for by insurance can help you reach your long-term renovation goals.
The Advantages Of Combining Projects
- Saving money: Contractors can combine jobs, which frequently lowers the cost of labor and scheduling.
- Insurance Leverage: If your remodel is tied to damage from a storm, some parts of it may be partially covered.
- Unified Timeline: Doing all the work at once keeps things from being messed up in the future and provides your home with a fresh look.
If your roof needs to be replaced due to hail damage, why not fix your gutters or put up new siding at the same time? It’s a good way to save money and make sure that the outside of your home looks and works the same way all the time.
How Long Does a Full Exterior Remodeling Usually Take?
It can take anywhere from three to six weeks to completely renovate the outside of a house following a storm. This depends on how much damage there is, how easy it is to get supplies, and the weather.
A General Timeline Of a Full Exterior Remodeling
- Inspection and Consultation: 1 to 2 days
- The process of filing an insurance claim: 1 to 3 weeks
- Choosing materials and Scheduling: 3 to 7 days
- Active construction phase: 1 to 2 weeks
- Final Walkthrough and Cleanup: 1 day
It is much easier to go through with this process when you work with a professional who specializes in storm restoration. If you’re looking for one, you’ve come to the right place. Advantage Construction oversees scheduling, permits, insurance coordination and ensures all construction complies with Minnesota building codes.
Lessons Learned from Storm Damage Exterior Remodeling
For your exterior remodeling job, we’ve put together a list of important things you should be aware of to move forward with confidence:
- Start by having an expert look at the damage to see how bad it is.
- During restoration, look for opportunities to improve energy efficiency and upgrade materials.
- Combine projects to achieve more favorable pricing, expedited timelines, and consistent results.
- Hire a contractor who has worked on both storm damage repair and home improvement projects.
- Be proactive. Postponing decisions can result in missed insurance deadlines or additional damage.
Storm damage cleanup is already a demanding process. An overly difficult and prolonged exterior storm damage repair process is the last thing you need.
Restore, Upgrade, and Protect with Advantage Construction
When storms strike, you don’t just need repairs; you need a trusted team to guide your home’s transformation. Our experts in exterior remodeling after storm damage help Minnesota homeowners rebuild stronger, more efficient, and more beautiful homes.
Contact Advantage Construction today to schedule a storm damage inspection and start planning your full exterior remodel. We’re proud to be a local team Minnesotans trust for roofing, siding, windows, and storm restoration done right.
