This June 2025 article captured conditions homeowners were facing after Hurricane Helene and the advice Nick Scroggs shared at the time. Availability, pricing, insurance, and product lead times may have changed since publication.
Starting a post-storm rebuild in Western North Carolina comes with real challenges. From rising material costs to extended wait times, homeowners are hitting roadblocks as they try to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Even those without storm damage are seeing their remodel timelines and budgets stretched thin.
In a recent WLOS-TV story, members of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) talked about how industry professionals are helping clients navigate this difficult landscape. As 2025 president of the BABRM, our co-owner Nick Scroggs joined the conversation to share practical advice for homeowners preparing to remodel or repair.
Here are five things Nick wants homeowners planning rebuilds or remodels to know before they take the next step.
1. Start Sooner Than You Were Thinking
Between insurance approvals, material shortages, and subcontractor delays, the timeline from initial damage to final repairs can stretch for months. With this in mind, Nick advised homeowners not to wait as they think about when to start the process.
“If you’re going in thinking that you’re going to start your project in the next month, I think it’s wise to start a little earlier than you think,” he said.
2. Prepare for Rising Costs
Material prices spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they haven’t come back down. Add in the impacts of Helene, ongoing supply issues, labor shortages, and tariffs, and it’s no surprise that construction costs remain high.
“When we had those extreme price hikes, we haven’t seen a return to pre-COVID pricing models since then, and the hurricane only exacerbates things like that as well,” Nick said.
Whether you’re rebuilding after storm damage or simply updating your space, it’s important to work with your contractor to build a budget that accounts for changing costs.
3. Understand How Insurance Will Affect Your Rebuild Timeline
Insurance delays can be one of the most frustrating parts of the rebuilding process after a storm. Without timely approvals, homeowners are left in limbo—unable to order materials until funding is secured.
“I think the biggest challenge is wrestling with the insurance companies to prove that the prices of things that we’re doing are what they actually are,” Nick said.
To keep your project from stalling, stay organized, follow up often, and be ready to justify your cost estimates with documentation. A knowledgeable builder can help communicate with your insurer and support your case.
4. Expect Delays Related to Supply Chain Issues
At the time, some materials were taking six to seven weeks to arrive. Current lead times vary by product and supplier.
Unfortunately, supply chain delays impact every phase of a project. The good news? A reliable general contractor will work to adjust schedules as needed, build in contingency plans, and keep you updated to help things stay on track.
5. Choose the Right General Contractor
Let’s be honest: Starting a rebuild or remodel right now can feel overwhelming. From unpredictable delays to complicated insurance claims, there’s a lot that can slow down the project and drive up costs. That’s why it’s so important to work with a contractor you can trust.
At Scroggs Construction, we’re more than builders—we’re your neighbors. As a family-owned business rooted in Asheville, we approach every project with care, clarity, and a deep commitment to our community.
For current Scroggs services, explore custom homes and remodeling.