30K Insurance claim, take the money or get the repairs??

[Steve Balinski]

I have an interesting scenario. I believe I'm about to get an insurance claim approved due to "storm damage" for a roof/siding, gutters, and shed for the duplex i currently live in (no actual major issues, just justified repairs based on what the roofing/siding company reported).  Here is my dilemma.

To my knowledge if a claim is approved and a check is cut, it's my decision if I want to get the repairs done, OR cash the check (please advise if that is not the norm).  IF I get the work done, the windows are 20-30yrs old, from what I know that'd be the best time to get the windows replaced as well, BUT thats another 15K out of Pocket.

OR

Do I take the check and replace both kitchens which would allow me to raise rent as well?

In a nutshell:

Option 1, get the roof, siding, gutters and shed replaced + 15K out of pocket to replace all windows

Option 2, take the check and replace both the kitchens which allows me to raise rent.

Also, which option do you think adds more value to the property?