FIRE

 Important things you need to know about fire damage and the processes that go along with it will be addressed in this information. You will need to find out what your insurance policy limits are. Do not be concerned to share this information with a quality restoration company. This information is essential to forming a game plan to address your loss.

Contact a neighbor, friends and family or a local hotel to help accommodate you and your family for at least the first night. Make arrangements to have your home secured and covered while you are away. Unfortunately, weather and looters are always a major concern Emergency drying of the structure and its contents is essential. Wet structure and furniture can be salvaged in many instances. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to prevent any further loss from occurring to your property.

Make sure that any company wishing to assist you is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Call your local office of the BBB and follow the automated instructions or click here for the BBB website.

Reputable companies take pride in their performance and encourage the public to research them for their level of integrity, and service.

It is very important to keep every receipt for purchase(s) made after a loss. Clothing, food supplies, shelter, pet boarding and other emergency related expenses may be reimbursable by your insurance carrier. Please read your policy for details. Keep all applicable paperwork associated with your loss together and in a safe place.

After the first couple of days after the loss there will be several appointments to attend and many decisions that will need your full attention. Once decisions are made a quality restoration company will take the lead for you by doing a detailed scope of work in a qualified professional program such as Xactimate.

If a decision is made by your insurance company to pack out the contents from our home, you  or another authorized member of your family will need to be onsite  to assist in the pack out and acknowledge any pre-existing damage to your possessions.

 If the fire is moderate

You will contact your insurance carrier to discuss your loss. Discuss pertinent information about your policy and inquire about your deductible amount.

If the damage is moderate and smoke was present throughout your home, do not assume there is no damage to your home. Smoke and soot are very corrosive, and can be dangerous if not cleaned properly. Soot can cause paint and contents in your home to discolor. It is especially damaging to electronic/electrical items. Test all horizontal areas throughout your home by wiping them with a clean bright white cloth. If soot is present, it will transfer as a black line across the cloth. If you find soot, you will need to have your home professionally cleaned using correct industry procedures. Visit your local hardware store and purchase inexpensive painters masks to wear as an additional safety precaution, while you are present in your home until after certified cleaners have completed the clean up process.

Select a quality contractor quickly. Schedule to have the service performed immediately after insurance approval is given. It is very important to remove soot and remove odors within the first few days after a loss.

Depending on the size of your home and areas affected, proper removal of soot and odor will take anywhere from 2 to 5 days to complete. Be prepared to be either make temporary living arrangements for you and your family thoughout the duration of the cleaning process.

Have your Restoration Contractor discuss the estimate with you and your Insurance Adjuster to avoid any disputes or delays in service.

24 Hour Services

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Unfortunately, damage happens to home every day. At ARR, we know that experiencing a significant disruption to your home can also mean disruption to your life. At a time like this, it is of utmost importance that you work with a restoration company you can trust and depend on.

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Water Damage and Rising Water

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Have you ever experienced water damage due to a burst pipe, a roof leak or from a strong devastating storm? Are you covered under your Insurance policy for water damage and rising water? Do you know what steps you need to take to protect your investments? The implications of water damage and mold can range from moderate to severe, so having a game plan in place will minimize the damage.

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Water Damage

The most important information regarding water damage is if you are covered by your insurance policy. Contact your insurance carrier to ask and inquire on the specifics of water damage versus rising water damage.

Steps to cover for Water Damage

First and foremost,  notify your insurance carrier and report the damage sustained to your home or place of business. Be prepared to discuss the damage and the process on opening a claim. It is important to report the claim within 24 hours to allow a quick drying time to prevent mold and structural damage. Next you will need to select a quality contractor, this will be the most important decision you make during the whole process. When researching for a general contractor, look for a company who specializes in insurance claim processing. A list of referrals, organizations and a member of the BBB are key to the credentials of a reputable contractor. You insurance adjuster may suggest a contractor as well. A reputable contractor will make this process as smooth as possible for you. As with any loss, whether fire, water, or natural disaster, time is of essence. Prolonging the dryout process puts your home at risk for greater damage. In this situation time is money, the longer you wait for the dry out process the greater the damage. When choosing a contractor do some research, your insurance adjuster will suggest a contract as well. Most respectable contractors can and will supply a list of recent referrals, customer testimonials, with speed of return from the insurance carrier, lodging and most importantly an understanding concern for your well being.

The next step to take is securing all valuables and your family. It is your responsibility to secure your estate from looters and future water damage while work is being performed on your property. Your contractor will make sure everything is dried out and contain the mold damage, so the rebuilding phase can begin. 

Rising Water

Things to know about mold