Ottawa, KS Tornado Recovery: What Homeowners Need to Know (And How We Can Help)

When a tornado hits a community like Ottawa, the damage goes far beyond what you can see from the street.

It affects homes. It affects routines. It affects peace of mind.

At Hometown Construction, we want to start by saying this:

We are truly sorry for what your community is going through.

We Are Here to Help, Not Take Advantage

Unfortunately, storms like this often bring in out-of-town “storm chasing” contractors who flood neighborhoods, knock on doors, and pressure homeowners into quick decisions.

That is not who we are.

We are a locally owned company based in Baldwin City. We are proud to have been named the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business of the Year.

We believe in:

• Long-term relationships

• Honest guidance

• Doing what’s right, even if it means not doing a job

We will not be canvassing neighborhoods or pushing anyone into a decision.

We will simply be here if and when you need us.

Emergency Services Available

If your home has been compromised, the first priority is protecting it from further damage.

We currently offer:

• Emergency roof tarping

• Temporary water intrusion mitigation

• Initial damage assessments for roofing, siding, and windows

Step 1: Understand Your Situation

Every home and every insurance policy is different. The right path depends on your specific situation.

If You Have Major Damage

Examples:

• Missing shingles or exposed decking

• Structural damage

• Active leaking

👉 Contact your insurance provider immediately 👉 Then contact a qualified contractor to document and assess

If You’re Unsure About the Damage

This is very common after storms.

👉 It is still recommended to contact your insurance provider 👉 You can also have a trusted contractor perform an inspection to help guide you

If Damage Appears Minor

Examples:

• Light hail impact

• A few lifted shingles

• Minor siding damage

👉 Contact a trusted local contractor first

Why?

Because filing an insurance claim is no longer a simple or risk-free decision.

Important: Insurance Has Changed

This is one of the most critical things homeowners need to understand today.

Many policies now include:

• High deductibles (often thousands of dollars)

• Depreciated roof coverage (actual cash value vs. replacement cost)

• Limited payouts depending on roof age

What this means:

Filing a claim does not guarantee:

• A full roof replacement

• A payout large enough to complete repairs

In some cases, homeowners end up:

• With an open claim on their record

• Without enough funds to complete the work

• Stuck in a worse position than before

Why Getting the Right Advice Matters

We are seeing more homeowners than ever put in difficult situations because they were advised to “just file a claim” without understanding the financial outcome.

That approach can hurt you.

Our approach is different:

✔ We assess the damage honestly ✔ We help you understand your options ✔ We guide you on whether a claim makes sense ✔ We never pressure you into a decision

Local Matters More Than Ever

After a storm, you will see an influx of companies offering quick solutions.

Before hiring anyone, ask:

• Are they local?

• Will they be here in 5–10 years?

• Do they stand behind their work?

We live and work in this community. Our reputation is built here, and it stays here.

We’re Here If You Need Us

If you’ve been affected by the storm in any way, whether the damage is obvious or uncertain, we are here to help.

No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance.

📞 Reach out anytime for:

• Emergency tarping

• Damage assessments

• Second opinions

Hometown Construction 785, LLC Where Hometown Service Meets Peace of Mind

Final Thought

Storm recovery isn’t just about fixing a roof—it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy and security.

If we can play even a small role in that for your family, we would be honored.