Roofing Issue HELP Advice Needed

[Melissa Gittens]

Hi All, 

With the last Rain/Wind storm we had a few days ago, my tenants called me to complain about leaking coming from the ceiling. I immediately went over to the property and found that there was definitely a leak and that the seams in the sheetrock were starting to bubble on the ceiling. (They are on the second floor as it is a 2 story building)

I have had two roofers go out to take a look at the roof so far, one of which tarped the roof.

I am little nervous about this roof issue as I have not dealt with my own personal roofing issues of yet, but have for other properties where the owners had to make an insurance claim to cover the 10-30K expense. (note: I only monitored the progress of these roof repairs, never was involved in the paperwork or process through the insurance company)

What do you think I should do; wait to get estimates from local roofing companies, or call insurance to file a claim first? I don't want my insurance policy to skyrocket (increase in price) with this new claim, I am assuming its is like car insurance once you hit someone or something and make a claim it jumps astronomically in price. 

I am hoping for a 5k or under fix as it is a small roof in comparison to other homes in the area.

I also failed to mention that the first guy that tarped the roof for me is my handyman and he said it looks like something to do with the framing. Not precisely sure but this means but I am sure my wallet will soon find out -____- . 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely, 

New-ish Investor

[Ryan Murdock]

Sounds like the interior damage is minimal. And I'm assuming the roof shingles are old and need to be redone anyways? Regardless, get some quotes, get it fixed, and leave the insurance company out of it. If you start filing claims for issues that are just part of maintaining a building you are going to see your premiums skyrocket or get dropped entirely. Save the insurance claims for the true catastrophes.