Reign Construction

Understanding the Appraisal Process: What Homeowners Need to Know

When a storm damages your home, you expect your insurance company to assess the situation fairly and pay out what’s necessary to restore your property. But what happens when they don’t? That’s where the appraisal process comes in.

📌 Why Would a Claim Go to Appraisal?

Insurance companies are supposed to act in good faith, but sometimes:
🔹 They undervalue the cost of repairs.
🔹 They miss damages during the initial inspection.
🔹 They deny parts of the claim unfairly.
🔹 There is a major difference in what’s covered vs. what’s actually needed to restore the home.

If you and your insurance company disagree on the amount of loss, Texas law allows homeowners to invoke the appraisal clause in their policy. This third-party evaluation process determines the real value of the claim—not what the insurance company hopes to pay.

📌 The Pros & Cons of the Appraisal Process

✅ Pros:
✔ Faster resolution than a lawsuit.
✔ Typically costs less than hiring an attorney.
✔ Provides a fair market assessment of the damage.
✔ Gives homeowners a chance to fight for what they’re owed.

❌ Cons:
⚠ No guarantee of a full payout—appraisers must agree on an amount.
⚠ Homeowners still pay for their own appraiser, making this an out-of-pocket cost.
⚠ If not done correctly, the process can delay repairs.
⚠ The appraisal award is binding, meaning homeowners can’t renegotiate later.

📌 Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Not all contractors understand or guide homeowners through the appraisal process. This isn’t just about replacing a roof—it’s about ensuring you don’t get shortchanged by your insurance company.

A qualified contractor will:
✔ Recognize when a claim needs to go to appraisal.
✔ Help document damages correctly to strengthen your case.
✔ Work with appraisers to ensure an accurate damage assessment.
✔ Prevent unnecessary delays so your home gets restored as quickly as possible.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Insurance claims should be fair and straightforward, but when they’re not, the appraisal process gives homeowners a fighting chance. However, the key to success is having the right contractor in your corner—one who understands construction, insurance negotiations, and the Texas appraisal process.

💬 Have questions? Need guidance on an insurance claim? Let’s talk.

Building More Than Roofs—Building Stability, Trust, and a Future

Sunday mornings are a time for faith, family, and reflection. As I sit in church today, I’m reminded why I do what I do—not just for myself, but for my fiancé and three amazing stepkids. Every roof I install, every home I restore, and every project I take on is about more than just construction—it’s about stability, responsibility, and providing for the people who depend on me.

If you’re looking for a contractor, you have endless choices. But at the core of that decision, you’re not just hiring someone to replace a roof or renovate a space—you’re hiring someone who shows up, follows through, and takes ownership of the work as if it were their own home.

Here’s what that means for you:
✔ Commitment & Integrity – Just like my faith and family, my word matters. When I commit to a project, I follow through—no excuses.
✔ Long-Term Thinking – I don’t cut corners. My goal isn’t just to finish a job—it’s to build something that lasts for decades.
✔ Accountability – If there’s a problem, I own it and fix it. No blaming, no finger-pointing—just results.
✔ Hard Work & Stability – Providing for my family means giving my all in everything I do. When you hire me, you’re hiring someone who shows up every day with purpose.

Your home is more than just a structure—it’s a place where your own family builds memories, where you find safety, and where you put down roots. You need a contractor who understands that.

If you’re looking for someone who builds with heart, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility, I’d love to talk about how I can help.

💬 Message me anytime—I’d love to connect.

How to Choose the Best Contractor for Your Roofing & Renovation Needs 🏗️🏡

Selecting the right contractor for your roofing or renovation project is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as a homeowner or business owner. A well-managed project enhances your property’s value, durability, and aesthetics, while a poor choice can lead to cost overruns, delays, and unnecessary stress.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you hire the right professional and set your project up for success.

✅ Step 1: Contractor Acquisition & Verification

Before signing anything, you need to vet your contractor thoroughly. Here’s how:
✔ Check Licensing & Insurance – Ensure they are licensed in your state and carry general liability & workers’ compensation insurance.
✔ Read Reviews & Testimonials – Look for consistent, high-quality reviews from real clients on Google, LinkedIn, and industry-specific platforms.
✔ Ask for Portfolio & References – A reputable contractor should provide past project photos and 2-3 references from satisfied customers.
✔ Verify Industry Expertise – Do they specialize in high-end materials like tile, metal, or stone-coated steel roofing? Do they understand historic home restoration if applicable?

✅ Step 2: Establishing the Scope of Work

Once you’ve selected a contractor, they should:
✔ Conduct a detailed inspection of your property and document damages or renovation needs.
✔ Provide a clear breakdown of materials, labor, and estimated project duration.
✔ Explain why specific materials are recommended based on durability, climate, and performance.
✔ Offer a cost estimate with no hidden fees.

✅ Step 3: Setting Expectations & Payment Schedule

A great contractor communicates clearly and documents everything. Make sure to:
✔ Review a detailed contract outlining project scope, materials, labor, and timeline.
✔ Set a realistic payment schedule – Never pay in full upfront. Industry standard is:
• Deposit (10-30%)
• Progress payments as milestones are met
• Final payment only after the project is 100% complete and approved.
✔ Clarify who your main point of contact is to avoid confusion during the build.

✅ Step 4: Build Day & Project Ex*****on

On build day, a professional contractor will:
✔ Arrive on time with a well-coordinated crew.
✔ Keep the job site clean & organized.
✔ Provide daily updates on progress and address any unforeseen challenges.
✔ Ensure quality installation techniques that meet or exceed industry standards.

✅ Step 5: Final Walkthrough & Customer Approval

A great contractor doesn’t just finish the job—they ensure you’re completely satisfied. This includes:
✔ A final inspection with the customer to address any last-minute adjustments.
✔ A detailed explanation of completed work and maintenance recommendations.
✔ A project sign-off confirming all work meets agreed-upon expectations.

✅ Step 6: Five-Star Review & References

A top-tier contractor takes pride in their work and seeks to build a trusted reputation. After project completion:
✔ You should be 100% satisfied with the results.
✔ If the work exceeded expectations, leave a 5-star review to help other homeowners.
✔ Great contractors will ask for 2-3 references from happy customers to continue growing their business.

🚀 Why I Am the Right Contractor for Your Project

Choosing the right contractor isn’t just about price—it’s about expertise, trust, and proven results. Here’s why working with me ensures your project is in the best hands:

✔ Marine Corps Discipline & Leadership – I bring the precision, accountability, and mission-driven mindset I learned in combat to every project I manage. No shortcuts. No excuses.
✔ Specialized in High-End & Historic Roofing – From tile roofing to stone-coated steel and full historic home restorations, I understand the complexities of premium construction materials.
✔ Expert Insurance Negotiation – I have successfully negotiated six-figure insurance claims to ensure homeowners receive full coverage for storm damage and major renovations.
✔ Reputation for Excellence – My projects don’t just meet industry standards—they set new benchmarks for quality, durability, and craftsmanship.
✔ Veteran-Owned, Customer-Focused – I stand by my work and my word. Your satisfaction is my mission.

💬 Let’s Build Something Great Together!

If you’re considering a roof replacement or major renovation, let’s connect. I’ll walk you through the process, provide a detailed game plan, and ensure your project is handled with precision and expertise.

📩 DM me today for a consultation!

🚀 From the Marines to Roofing – My First Major Project & Career Shift
Life is full of unexpected turns. In 2020, after being laid off from H&P Drilling, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of slowing down, I took on one of the biggest challenges of my career—leading the $500,000+ restoration of a historic home in Bowie, TX after a devastating tornado.
This project at 511 S Mill Street was a true test of leadership, problem-solving, and resilience—qualities I learned from my time in the Marine Corps and on drilling rigs. With dozens of contractors competing for the job, I secured the project, sourced all materials, negotiated with Farmers Insurance for full funding, and managed the entire restoration from start to finish.
🏡 Key Highlights:
✔ Replaced the entire roof with Ludowici French profile tiles after sourcing a match for the discontinued Midco tiles.
✔ Restored intricate hand-painted murals originally created by traveling gypsies.
✔ Brought in historic preservation specialists from the Fort Worth Stockyards to restore the plaster walls & ceilings.
✔ Repaired & refinished water-damaged wood floors to match the home’s original craftsmanship.
This was the first project of my roofing career and the foundation of my expertise in tile roofing & historic restoration. Now, as I continue growing in this industry, my focus remains on precision, quality, and building lasting value for homeowners and businesses.
💬 If you’re in need of expert roofing or restoration services, let’s connect!

Four Years, Countless Challenges, One Goal: Protecting What Matters Most

Here I am, standing on a tile roof that has been the center of a nearly four-year insurance battle—a story of patience, perseverance, and doing what’s right for my customer.

This claim started when the insurance company refused to fully replace the roof, offering only to replace a few tiles despite the fact that the tile is discontinued. Repairing it that way was impossible, yet they held their ground. To make matters worse, another contractor and his appraiser colluded to deny the claim’s appraisal award—breaking the law in the process.

Fast forward four years:
• The contractor and appraiser are now locked in legal battles, suing each other.
• The insurance company has acknowledged the wrongdoing and reopened the claim for a second appraisal—a rare outcome that happens in less than 0.1% of cases.
• And I’m still here, gathering evidence, advocating for my customer, and pushing forward so this home gets the new roof it deserves.

Tile roofing is a specialty of mine, and so is navigating the complexities of insurance restoration. On this claim alone, I overturned an engineer’s report that tried to blame “footfall” for the damage, not wind and hail. How? By presenting the right evidence that couldn’t be ignored.

This case has been about more than just roofing—it’s been about dedication, determination, and fighting for what’s right. My job doesn’t stop at installing roofs. It’s about being a trusted partner for my customers, someone who stands by them through every challenge, big or small.

If you’re a homeowner dealing with storm damage, don’t settle for anything less than a 5-star contractor who knows the ins and outs of insurance restoration and who will fight for every detail. This four-year battle is proof that I’ll go to any length to ensure my customers are taken care of.

Tile roof? Hail damage? Insurance issues? Call me—I’ve got you covered.

Aaron Schwarz | Owner
Reign Construction
📱 806-928-0331

Veteran-Owned. Veteran-Operated. Serving the DFW Metroplex with Honor. 🇺🇸

Another Success Story in Dallas’ Gated Community! 🏡✨

This luxurious home recently underwent a complete transformation after the homeowners faced two serious interior leaks caused by storm damage to their roof. Their initial insurance claim with Allstate came back with just $30,000 to cover the roof, two interior rooms, the gutters, and staining the pergola.

But that wasn’t nearly enough to restore this home to its full glory.

That’s when Reign Construction stepped in. After conducting a thorough inspection and submitting a detailed photo report highlighting everything that Allstate missed or left off their initial estimate, I was able to increase the claim amount to $66,000! 💪 That’s over double the original offer and exactly what the homeowners deserved to restore their property after the storm.

This project was no small feat, involving coordination across multiple trades:
✔️ Roofing
✔️ Interior drywall and texture repairs
✔️ Painting
✔️ Pergola staining
✔️ Custom copper roof accessories

Each detail was managed with precision, ensuring that every corner of this property received the attention it deserved. From the roof down to the pergola, the results are nothing short of stunning!

This success highlights why it’s so important to hire a contractor who knows how to work with insurance companies and fight for the money you’re owed after a storm event. Without a contractor who understands the claims process and takes the time to document all damages, you could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table.

If your home has been hit by recent storms, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Give Team Reign a call today, and let us handle the hard work of inspecting, documenting, and coordinating everything needed to restore your home.

Reign Construction
📱 806-928-0331

“Veteran-Owned. Veteran-Operated. Serving the DFW Metroplex with Honor.” 🇺🇸