Welcome to the Home Services Show, where you’ll learn everything you need to know—and a whole lot you didn’t even realize you needed to.
Hunting Experience
It’s late October, and you know what that means. Yes, I know what that means. The deer start getting a little crazy—frisky, if you will. That’s the right term. I started hunting back in September, and I watched bucks frolic around like best friends. I saw five 8-pointers playing around, licking each other’s ears—not sure why they do that, but it was definitely different back then. They were not concerned about hurting each other.
However, today, it’s a whole new story. They’re not playing around anymore—they want to hurt each other. And, as we’re talking about bow hunting here, you can’t legally hunt with guns until the third week of November, so for now, it’s all about bow hunting.
I’ve been bow hunting since I was 12. When I first started, there wasn’t any youth hunt. You’d get dragged out into the cold early in the morning by your uncles, dads, and grandpas to do all the dirty work. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was part of the tradition. By the time you were 12, they’d probably had a few too many cocktails the night before, and once they shot a deer, they’d tell you to go take care of it. No questions asked.
Back in the day, there was no youth hunt, but it’s funny—I’ve been hunting longer than producer Shane has been alive.
It’s crazy to think, but yes, I’ve been hunting for longer than Shane has been around. He just became legal to drink this year, which feels like a milestone. He’s young, but he’s really good at what he does. He’s a producer on the number one Home Services Podcast.
But hey, back to hunting! It’s an exciting time of year, and being in Wisconsin makes it even better. The other night, the Packers were playing on Sunday night, but I chose to go sit in the tree stand instead. It’s magic. It’s addicting. And actually, you got me started on this addiction.
We talked earlier on a podcast about a hunting trip to Greenland, and that’s where it all started for me. We were going to bring guns, but you said that was kind of cheating. Using a bow is real hunting, and I didn’t even own a bow at the time. You gave me your son’s bow (he was 15 at the time), and it fit me perfectly. I went home, practiced, and started sneaking around my backyard—crouching, kneeling, and working on my technique.
It was a lot of fun, and now I have my own bow. The more I do it, the more fun it becomes. And when you’re out there, you really start to see things differently. In September and October, you become so much more in tune with the wild.
You’ve always been obsessed with scent control, and I used to think it wasn’t that big of a deal. But now? I get it. I’ve been busted a few times already this season. Deer can make the loudest noise if they sense you. They’ll stomp their foot, and you know you’re busted.
I’ve started to get more serious about it. After hunting, I hang my clothes outside to air them out. I don’t have a special room for them, but I know that controlling scent is key.
Last year, I shot a giant with a gun, and to be honest, the scent wasn’t as big of a factor. You’re 250 yards away; the deer probably doesn’t smell you at all. But when you’re bow hunting and only 20 yards away, it’s a whole different game.
For me, especially since I’m a beginner, the early season is about more than just getting a deer. It’s about seeing if they even know I’m there. When you’re sitting up in a tree stand, you can be right above them, and they don’t even know you’re there. Every once in a while, they’ll pop their head up, look around, but they rarely spot you.
When you get busted, it’s from a long distance. It’s all part of the learning process, and honestly, it’s what makes hunting so rewarding.
If you’re watching or listening to this and you’re a bow hunter, you get it—deer are incredibly sensitive. They can smell even the slightest movement. Some deer are so tuned in that if you blink, they’ll see it, and you can feel like they’re staring into your soul. The last doe that busted me, I didn’t even see her! If your only job was to live and reproduce, you’d be good at it, right? The goal is to survive and avoid predators like coyotes or cars.
Understanding Storm Damage
The Aftermath of a Storm
We had a question about storm damage, and that’s something everyone wants to know about, especially after a major event like Hurricane Ian, which destroyed parts of Florida. From a homeowner’s, adjuster’s, and contractor’s perspective, cleaning up after such a storm is messy. It breaks my heart when these situations happen because no one ends up happy.
The homeowner’s property is often wrecked, and while the best-case scenario is no one gets hurt or displaced, the situation is still tough. The adjuster has the difficult job of being the middleman and usually isn’t everyone’s favorite person because homeowners often feel like adjusters are trying to take advantage of them. But in reality, they’re just doing their job. Then there are the contractors, who often deal with the tension between doing the best work and making a profit.
How Insurance Works After a Storm
Insurance companies are obligated to restore your home to its condition before the storm hit. They aren’t responsible for upgrades or making it prettier; they just need to replace it as it was. However, if you choose not to fix it, that can devalue your home.
Back in the day, companies like Lindis didn’t have depreciation as part of their process. But that changed because homeowners would sometimes take the insurance payout and spend it on things like snowmobiles or cars instead of repairing their homes. This led to the introduction of depreciation in insurance claims.
How Depreciation Affects Claims
Depreciation is an insurance mechanism to ensure the job gets done properly. For example, if your roof and siding are damaged, insurance might say it’s worth $40,000 to repair everything, but they’ll only pay part of it—let’s say $20,000, due to the age of the materials. The other $20,000 is the depreciation, and you’ll get that back once the work is completed and verified.
Insurance companies depreciate items because everything has a life cycle. Let’s say your roof has been on your house for 15 years. They might reduce its value by $20,000. If you choose not to fix it, you’re out of luck if it gets damaged again. The key is to repair the home properly and submit the invoices to get the recoverable depreciation.
Upgrading After Storm Damage
Upgrading your property after a storm might cost you a bit out of pocket—around five to ten thousand dollars—but it could be the best investment you make. For example, if your roof is worth $40,000 to replace and you put in an additional $10,000 to upgrade, the value of your roof will increase to $50,000. That’s a relatively low price for a major upgrade, and if a similar storm damages your home again, you’ll get a better payout, potentially covering the costs of the upgrades.
Understanding Depreciation
When it comes to storm damage, many homeowners are confused about depreciation and actual cash value (ACV). Depreciation is essentially the reduced value of your property due to wear and tear. For example, if your roof is old and has hail damage, insurance companies will pay the depreciated value, which means they’ll subtract the value of the materials over time. To get the full payout, you’ll need to complete the repairs and submit your invoices for recoverable depreciation. It’s essential to work with a good contractor who can explain the details of your insurance claim and make sure your repairs are done correctly.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Storm damage brings in a lot of out-of-town contractors eager to do quick repairs. While not all of them are bad, many are only interested in making a quick buck. Homeowners should be cautious and choose a contractor who is local and reputable. If a contractor is pushing you to sign a contract immediately or promising to finish repairs in an unusually short time, it’s a red flag. The best contractors will take the time to explain everything to you and make sure you understand the process before proceeding.
Filing an Insurance Claim
The first step after a storm is to file a claim with your insurance company. Many people are worried that filing a claim will cause their premiums to rise, but that’s not true. When you file a claim, you’re just getting the damage on record, and an adjuster will come to assess the damage. Afterward, you’ll need to find a contractor. Take your time choosing a local contractor and avoid rushing into decisions. A good contractor should explain what will happen at every step and ensure you understand the costs, timeline, and what to expect.
Avoiding Rush Decisions
Storms bring a lot of pressure, and contractors can sometimes make you feel rushed to make decisions, but it’s important to take your time. Don’t feel pressured into signing contracts or making repairs too quickly. A reputable contractor will understand that you want to make the right choice and will work with you to schedule repairs at a pace that feels comfortable. It’s crucial to have a clear, well-detailed agreement before proceeding.
Inspection and Expectations
Once you file your claim and hire a contractor, the next step is inspection. It’s vital to inspect what you expect from the repair process. Understand how the repairs will be done, when they will happen, and what the post-repair service will include. Avoid contractors from out of town who might not be around to handle any future issues or answer questions after the work is complete. Take your time with the inspection and ensure the repairs are done properly to avoid future complications.
Final Thoughts
The storm damage process doesn’t have to be stressful. Take your time to make informed decisions, work with a trustworthy, local contractor, and ensure that repairs are done correctly. With the right approach, storm repairs can be an opportunity to improve your home while minimizing stress.
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