The EF-3 tornado that tore through Weston and Ringle this spring left a lasting impact on Central Wisconsin. With peak winds approaching 145 mph, the storm damaged or destroyed approximately 75 homes throughout the area, leaving many families suddenly faced with the overwhelming process of protecting their property, coordinating repairs, and navigating insurance claims.
But for many homeowners, the recovery process can become just as stressful as the storm itself.
In the days following a major loss, homeowners are often thrust into unfamiliar territory — speaking with adjusters, reviewing estimates, documenting damage, and trying to make important decisions while their lives have been turned upside down.
At NorthStar Restoration Services, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping Central Wisconsin families recover from water, fire, storm, and mold damage. Over those two decades, we’ve also built a trusted network of industry professionals, consultants, adjusters, and restoration experts to help homeowners navigate difficult situations after a loss. One thing we hear time and time again from homeowners is:
“I had no idea how complicated the insurance process would be.”
What many people don’t realize is that insurance claims involve multiple layers of review behind the scenes. Field adjusters inspect the damage, desk reviewers evaluate estimates, engineers may assess structural concerns, and estimating software is used to determine repair costs. While insurance exists to help restore your property after a loss, the process itself can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming for homeowners already dealing with significant stress.
Insurance companies have adjusters, engineers, consultants, and claim professionals working on their side of the process. Homeowners deserve experienced professionals guiding them as well.
One of the most important things homeowners should know is this: you are not required to use the insurance company’s preferred contractor or an out-of-area vendor recommended through a national network. Wisconsin homeowners have the right to choose the restoration company they trust to work on their home.
That’s why experience, documentation, and communication matter so much after a disaster.
A properly documented claim helps ensure damage is fully identified and accurately represented throughout the restoration process. From emergency mitigation and moisture mapping to structural drying documentation, contents inventory, and reconstruction planning, every detail matters when restoring a property after a major loss.
NorthStar recently hosted nationally recognized estimator and claim consultant Andy McCabe of Claims Delegates for a restoration and insurance estimating training event in Wausau. Claims Delegates works alongside restoration contractors across the country to improve estimating accuracy, code documentation, and communication throughout the claims process.
In the weeks following the tornadoes, we’ve also heard from homeowners who are still waiting for inspections, engineering reports, or claim decisions due to the volume of storm-related losses across the region. Unfortunately, delays like these can leave families feeling stuck while damage continues to affect their homes and daily lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing delays, confusion, or difficulty navigating the claim process, we encourage you to reach out directly to NorthStar Restoration Services or Claims Delegates. Whether you need help understanding the next steps, reviewing documentation, connecting with trusted industry professionals, or simply understanding your options, our teams are here to help guide you through the process and connect you with experienced resources that can help move your claim forward.
At NorthStar, our mission has always been bigger than repairing damaged homes. It’s about helping people navigate difficult moments with clarity, guidance, and confidence while restoring a sense of normalcy after disaster strikes.
Storm damage can leave families uncertain about what comes next, but having the right team beside you can make all the difference.
When disaster strikes, Look to the North — NorthStar Restoration Services… Helping you find your way back home.
