April 19, 2026 | Mark Luis Foster

We’re completing a month of chapter presentations from Scott Hurm of Crest Exteriors in April in which we’ve focused on storm damage and what to do in the event that HOA properties get damaged from wind and hail. The timing of such presentations was fortuitous, given all the bad weather that was triggered last week as a cold front swept through and erased our summer-like weather. But that brought a line of thunderstorms and tornado sightings that created damage across the southern part of our state, especially around Rochester where some homes were destroyed.

HOAs and homeowners are being warned about another byproduct of bad weather: contractor scammers. In his presentations, Scott was very clear about this: Work with qualified contractors who have HOA experience, have insurance, a good reputation and a track record.  The lowest bid is not what you want.

KSTP TV reports:

“Yes, we always do worry about storm chasers and about scammers,” [Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester], notes. “Don’t ever feel pressured. I mean, I can’t imagine the pressure if your roof has been torn off and you’re worried about rain and you need to get that covered right away.”

When storms hit the scammers come out in droves.

“They parachute in or drive in and say, ‘Oh, we know that you had a storm in the area in the past week, would you like us to go up and check your roof?’” she notes. “And I think you’ve got to be careful about that.”

Time to think on a bid is a first clue of legitimacy in the decision-making for choosing a repair contractor.  If your board is being pressured, it’s a red flag.

KSTP provides these steps:

The Insurance Federation of Minnesota has advice about the first steps for homeowners dealing with storm damage:

• Contact your insurer or agent promptly and file a full report

• Take clear photos or videos of damaged structures and personal belongings

• Cover any holes in your roof and board up damaged windows

• Work with your claims adjuster to document losses or damage

If you do have damage, the report says, experts advise that you report it to local emergency management as soon as possible. It’s up to state and federal authorities to declare disaster aid.

Watch and read the KSTP Story HERE.  You’re invited to our last chapter meeting, which is in Maple Grove on Tuesday, 4/21 from 9-11 a.m. to get the real scoop from a legitimate contractor about storm-related issues. Visit our website at www.hoalnet.com/events to RSVP for the Tuesday event. HOA Leaders attend free.