Water damage is frightening. There is a great sense of urgency to find and fix the problem and also to stem ongoing damage due to prolonged exposure to water. Early skilled assessment is key to prompt, expeditious, successful outcomes.
Water damage should be inspected by a qualified insurance expert. It is key for property owners to understand that they do not necessarily need to call an insurance adjuster first—in fact, this may not help them in getting the best results and rapid relief. Contractors specializing in restoration utilize the same software as adjusters and will work with you to understand and organize your claim in a way that busy adjusters may not. A dedicated restoration contractor will negotiate and work directly with insurers and does direct insurance billing.
Contractors who specialize in restoration are certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration). IICRC is a certification that designates extensive skill and training in the specific field of home restoration. Additionally, it’s critical that selected contractor(s) have standard insurance software. Increasingly, insurance companies require very detailed itemized estimates.
A dedicated restoration contractor will be a licensed contractor and member of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). This way, they will be able to perform or contract all work needed, this includes water damage repair, sewage cleanup, and full water damage remediation.
Water damage restoration is the process of returning the property’s condition to its original state before water intrusion. The process consists of 1) inspection, 2) extraction, 3) dehumidification, 4) sanitation, and 5) reconstruction.
- Inspection
Quickly identifying and stemming the problem is the first step on the path to home or office water damage restoration.
- Extraction
Many companies offer restoration as a secondary service or have limited access to top-grade equipment. By selecting a dedicated restoration company, clients can expect the best, up-to-date equipment.
- Dehumidification
Select a contractor that provides full removal, cleaning, sanitation, and storage services during your water damage repair. Professional restoration firms maintain a professional cleaning staff, a clean room, and a fully equipped dehumidification facility.
- Sanitation
Thorough sanitation is essential to ensure that bacteria and mold are not present in any of your home furnishing. Sanitation processes require strict standards and proper oversight.
- Reconstruction
Selecting a licensed general contractor can quickly shift operations to full reconstruction. Each step is prepared with the knowledge that this preparation is going to support the next step in the process—there is no passing the buck. This streamlines the restoration process.
To recap, the early steps taken when dealing with a water damage emergency can make the process better or worse. It is key to stem the problem, take steps to preserve areas adjacent to damage, and also be certain that mold does not begin. When selecting a contractor for water mitigation look for IICRC Certification and also insurance-compatible billing software. Remember, calling a qualified restoration contractor first is often the best first call.