Anne Arundel Tornado Repair Estimate Checklist

Use the official survey as context, not a diagnosis of your home

The NWS survey describes three distinct damage paths. Near Riviera Beach, large sections of siding were removed from a house. In Lake Shore, a large tree fell onto one house and another lost roof shingles and siding. In the Arnold and Cape Saint Claire path, a residential garage door was blown inward and some insulation was removed. The survey also documents extensive tree and power-pole damage.

A nearby tornado path is a reason to inspect safely; it is not evidence that a particular roof, wall, or garage door needs replacement. Ask anyone recommending work to connect each proposed repair to photographs and written findings from your property. The NWS also said additional surveys or statements could be issued, so this guide is tied specifically to the July 30 survey.

Handle immediate safety and document visible conditions

Stay away from downed lines, unstable trees, damaged framing, sagging ceilings, standing water near electrical equipment, and any area local officials say is unsafe. Do not climb onto a damaged roof. Photograph safely visible exterior and interior conditions before temporary work changes them, and keep receipts for emergency protection.

If you may make an insurance claim, notify the insurer promptly and ask what documentation it needs. Ground-level photos, interior water marks, garage-door damage, and a qualified property inspection can document conditions without adding another injury risk.

Separate emergency stabilization from permanent repairs

Tree removal, tarping, board-up, temporary weatherproofing, debris removal, and securing a failed garage door solve immediate problems. They are not the same scope as permanent roof, siding, framing, electrical, insulation, drywall, or door replacement. Ask for separate written descriptions and prices so it is clear what is being authorized now and what remains.

For hidden decking, sheathing, framing, insulation, or water damage, require unit prices or a written change-order process. Avoid an open-ended authorization that lets a temporary response silently become a permanent contract before the full scope is known.

Make every storm-repair estimate describe the same job

For roof work, compare measured roof area, tear-off layers, decking terms, underlayment, flashing, drip edge, ventilation, shingles, fastening, gutters, permits, disposal, cleanup, and separate material and workmanship warranties. A lower total may simply omit work another proposal includes.

For siding, garage doors, or tree-impact repairs, separate structural framing, sheathing, weather barrier, insulation, electrical work, interior finish, exact product specifications, color matching, engineering, and temporary protection. Each estimate should identify what was inspected, what is excluded, and who handles specialty work.

Use Maryland's written-contract and contractor safeguards

Maryland Home Improvement Commission consumer guidance says to verify the contractor's current MHIC license, check references and complaint history, obtain a current liability-insurance certificate, use a written contract, and pay no more than one-third of the contract price as a down payment. If a permit is needed, MHIC advises asking to see it before work starts.

MHIC says a home-improvement contract must be legible, signed by each party, identify the contractor and MHIC license number, describe the work and materials, state the price, and include approximate start and substantial-completion dates. Read every incorporated document and receive a signed copy before work begins. This summary is educational, not legal advice.

Confirm permits and keep insurance roles clear

Anne Arundel County says homeowners may apply for permits for ordinary repairs or construction on an owner-occupied dwelling, while separate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits require county-licensed tradespeople. Confirm the exact permit and inspection requirements for your address and repair type with the county Permit Center, then write responsibility for applications, fees, and inspections into the estimate.

Maryland's MHIC says a home-improvement contractor may prepare a repair estimate and answer an insurer's questions, but cannot prepare or negotiate the homeowner's insurance claim unless also licensed as a public adjuster. Compare contractor and insurer documents line by line and ask each party to explain differences in writing. ScopeCheck does not inspect damage, adjust a claim, negotiate with an insurer, submit a claim, or represent a homeowner.

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