Helping Clients Before & After Hurricanes Builds Trust

In construction, trust is built over time — not just with quality work, but with how you show up when it matters most.

For contractors along the Gulf Coast, especially in places like Houston, hurricane season presents a unique opportunity. It’s not just a time to protect your own job sites or field urgent calls from panicked customers. It’s a time to step up for your clients, build long-term loyalty, and show that you care about more than just invoices and selling projects.

Why? Because when you show up before the storm hits — and again when the skies clear — you’re doing more than helping your customers. You’re building a reputation that outlasts the season. They’ll remember you as well as they remember the storm.

The Power of Being Proactive

Let’s look at a real-life example. We’ll call him “Chad King” (he’s been a staple in the Houston region for 30 years). He’s a residential and light commercial contractor in the Houston/Galveston region and he takes hurricane season seriously — but not just for his business.

When a hurricane is forecasted, Chad doesn’t wait around for the phones to ring. He makes a point to call on a handful of his best and closest clients, especially those near the water.

• He checks in.
• He asks if their windows are protected.
• He makes sure their decks, docks, and outdoor structures are in good shape.
• He even asks if they’ve got batteries and bottled water.

And he doesn’t charge a dime. Chad is happy to give a few hours of his time to help clients “batten down the hatches.” Partly just because he’s a good person — the kind of contractor who sees his clients as neighbors, not just names on a contract.

But here’s the thing: after the storm, who do you think those clients call if they need repairs? Who do you think they tell their neighbors to call?

And not just repairs. Months later, when a friend asks for a contractor recommendation for a new porch, a boat lift, or a timber truss pavilion — who do you think comes to mind?

Chad.

He’s not out there begging for referrals. He’s earning them, one storm season at a time.

Before the Storm: Be the First to Reach Out

Most homeowners don’t know what to do when a storm is approaching. They Google. They panic. They get conflicting advice. This is your moment to step in and bring clarity.

Here are simple ways to show leadership and care before a hurricane:

1. Reach out directly

A quick call, text, or email to your past and current clients offering a simple checklist or even just asking how they’re doing goes a long way. Let them know you’re available if they need a quick inspection or help boarding up.

2. Offer a basic storm prep service

If your crew has time, offer pre-storm site visits. You might help clients:

• Board windows
• Secure materials or furniture
• Inspect and reinforce decks or dock structures
• Move vulnerable items to safe locations

This can be free (call it a marketing expense if that helps you justify it), or priced so reasonably that it’s clearly not about profit — it’s about service.

After the Storm: Check In, Don’t Wait

The morning after the storm, many homeowners are overwhelmed. They’re unsure who to call and are wary of contractors appearing out of nowhere with vague credentials and big promises. They might be on the phone with their insurance company, hoping they’ll be first in line for an adjuster.

That’s where you come in.

If you were in touch before the storm, follow up now. Even a simple message like:

“Just checking in. Hope you and your family are safe. Let me know if you need anything looked at — I’m doing quick checks today.”

This kind of outreach isn’t salesy — it’s professional. It’s helpful. And it positions you as a trusted advisor, not just a builder.

If you’re able, offer a post-storm walkthrough to check for:

• Fastener failure or shifting in decks, docks, or fences
• Settling or movement in pier or piling foundations
• Water leaks or structural stress
• Hardware or joint damage in wood structures

Even if there’s no visible damage, your expertise gives clients peace of mind — and reminds them why they hired you in the first place.

It’s About More Than Just the Storm

You don’t have to be the lowest bidder or the slickest marketer to grow your business. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up before and after a storm — with no agenda other than helping your clients – people with families, pets, goals, and dreams — stay safe.

The goodwill you build during these moments becomes the foundation for a stronger, more loyal client base. You’ll get more referrals, more repeat business, and maybe most importantly, a reputation that sets you apart in a crowded market.

So this hurricane season, don’t just think about your materials and your job sites. Think about your customers — and how you can serve them like Chad King does.

Because when the wind dies down and the real rebuilding begins, they’ll remember who was there to help.