The points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of your home are extremely important if your house is to resist high winds and the pressures they place on the entire structure.
Anchor the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps (most easily added when you replace your roof).
Make certain the walls are properly anchored to the foundation. A registered design professional can determine if these joints need retrofitting, and a qualified contractor can perform the work the design professional identifies.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy now to be sure you have sufficient coverage. Should you incur any property damage, report this immediately to your insurance agent and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. If you choose not to do the work yourself and need the assistance of a professional contractor that you can hold accountable, be sure to rely on a trusted professional.
Be wary of contractors who go door-to-door and aren’t listed in the phonebook; who ask you to pay the entire job up-front and accept only cash; or who suggest you borrow money from lenders they know.
Ask trusted friends or insurance agents to recommend a contractor; then check the firm’s record with your local consumer organization or state attorney general.
Deal only with contractors who are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Get all estimates, guarantees, and work dates in writing. Make sure you get several estimates, and don’t necessarily choose the lowest bidder.