Tips on Hiring a Contractor After a Flood Disaster

What type of contractor do I need to repair my flooded home?

If your home has been damaged by a flood, you may need to hire the services of professionals to mitigate the damages, handle any damaged personal property, or perform repairs. Typically, contractors who specialize in flood mitigation and repair are most familiar with the techniques and processes that this type of work requires. Contractors who specialize in flood damage remediation or "flood restoration contractors" understand the proper procedures necessary to restore and/or dry out a home or building and its contents. Some of the specialized equipment they may include: truck mounted and portable vacuums or water extractors, high-velocity air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to monitor the drying process.

Residential home re-modelers or custom home builders may not have the experience that flood restoration contractors have in this field and may not have the expertise to properly mitigate the damage and/or prevent increased levels of microbial growth (mold). If mold becomes a concern, you may need to hire a certified industrial hygienist to test for mold and provide a restoration protocol or guidelines to mitigate any mold issues. Keep in mind that if you have insurance, your homeowners' insurance policy may have very little or no coverage for mold remediation, so contact your insurance company to find out if you have coverage and what your limits are. Mold remediation can be very expensive!

Usually, after a flood, the restoration process will have three main components:

1. The first is the structural drying phase. This is where the water and moisture are removed along with any materials that cannot be saved such as warped or damaged flooring, baseboard, wet drywall, etc.
2. The second component is the handling of any personal property. This may entail packing up all of the contents of the home including clothing, furniture, or other items and storing and/or restoring them offsite until the structural repairs are completed. This phase also may require the creation of an inventory to document or list any personal property that may have been damaged beyond repair and that needs to be replaced.
3. The third phase in the restoration project is the structural repair. This entails the restoration of building elements that need to be repaired or replaced, including insulation, drywall, baseboards, cabinetry, flooring, painting, etc. In some cases, a single restoration contractor may offer to perform all three phases or you may want to choose one company to handle the drying while other companies handle the contents and structural repair.

Before you sign a contract for flood remediation services, consider the following:
 

• Read every word of the contract and be sure you understand the terms and conditions.
• Review any fee schedule that details what the charges will be for labor and equipment.
• Get an estimate of what the drying process may cost before any work begins. Any costs or charges that your insurance company does not cover or pay for, you may be held personally responsible to pay.
• Obtain copies of certificates of general liability and workers compensation insurance and be sure the policies are current and in force.
• Obtain copies of any Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if the contractor intends to use any chemicals, anti-microbial agents, or other substances in your home that could cause adverse health effects.
• Check references and affiliations with trade organizations and the Better Business Bureau.
• Photograph and document your home, its contents, and the extent of any damages prior to anything being done or moved.

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Water Damage Clean Up - Not Just From Storms

When most people think of water damage in a home or business, scenes of area-wide flooding showing continuously on 24-hour news channels is likely to come to mind. But actually, a small percentage of water damage losses are related to storms or flooding.

It's true that these losses get more publicity because they happen in bunches and tend to be more severe, but it is much more likely that if you suffer a water damage loss it will be from a plumbing problem. That's the good news, because there is nothing you can do to prevent storms, and little you can do to prevent storm damage, but there are things you can do to prevent water damage from plumbing problems.

Water Damage from Plumbing Mishaps

The most severe incidents usually occur in a home or business when there is a water line break and no one is there. This is a common occurrence at businesses, where a broken water supply line can spew out water all night or all weekend before it is discovered. The culprits include: blown fittings on water heaters located above the office areas; automatic coffee machines that malfunction and continue filling and overflowing the pot all night; broken lines to a sink, toilet, or ice maker; malfunctioning fire sprinkler systems; and even water main breaks in the ceiling.

In homes, similar problems with supply lines are common, but other common occurrences in are: the hot or cold water hose to the washing machine rupturing; dishwashers and washing machines continuing to fill and overflow when the float ball malfunctions; toilets that are flushed, stop up and continue to run; and bathtubs that are being filled and are forgotten.

Preventive Measures

As you can see from all of these examples, the easiest thing you can do to limit or prevent water damage in your home or business is to turn off the main water line when you will be away for an extended time. Some of worst days for water damage losses are right after major holidays or popular vacation times when people are returning home. That's when they discover that water has been leaking for who knows how long, and when the damage is severe and the cleanup and repairs extensive. How long you are willing to be gone without turning off the water to your home or business depends on how big of a risk you are willing to take.

But even simpler and smaller steps than turning off the water main to your home can be taken to avoid common water damage situations. For instance, don't leave your home with the dishwasher or washing machine running, or with a toilet that hasn't stopped running. Also, if you are going to be gone for more than a day, at least turn off the hot and cold water to your washing machine. That in itself will eliminate a common cause of water damage.

And one last thing, if the water service to your home is ever interrupted, make sure to turn off every faucet and shower that was on when the water went off. Severe water damage can occur when faucets and showers are inadvertently left on and the water service is restored while the homeowner is gone. So you can see that many water damage losses, and the grief that goes with them, are very preventable if you are willing to take a few simple precautions.

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Christmas Tree Fire: Watered Tree vs. Dry Tree

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree. In this video, NIST fire researchers demonstrate what could happen if a fire starts in a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry Christmas tree.

Fire Damage Cleanup - 4 Reasons the Professionals Should Handle It

Fire damage cleanup is never an easy job to get completed and a lot of people like to attempt it themselves. This shouldn't be done if you don't know how to do it right, but instead should be left up to the professionals that know what they are doing.

There are many reasons why cleanup should be left to the professionals. Knowing what the reasons are will allow you to see why the professionals are the ones that should do the cleanup.

Here are the main reasons you must understand.

One: Fire cleanup can be dangerous - Most people don't realize that after the fire has been put out, there is still danger in your home. Most times the fire will cause damage you can see, but it can also cause damage that you can't see.

This could include foundation damage to your house. If you make one wrong step in your home without understanding the remaining dangers, then you can end up with your home falling down and you getting hurt or worse.

The professionals know what danger and damage signs to look for because they have experience with cleaning up after fires. They also know how to avoid the fumes and smoke that linger in your home after a fire that you may not know to avoid.

Two: Run the risk of causing further damage - If you are inexperienced with fire cleanup, then you have a very real risk of causing further damage. This can do you and your home more harm than good.

The professionals have the knowledge to prevent further damage and will get the job done right in a timely manner so you can resume your life as quickly as you can.

Three: Physical and emotional instability - Fire in your house can be very physically and emotionally hard for anyone to deal with.

Cleanup on your own house and belongings is more than some people can handle because it is very hard to deal with the mess left behind.

You can easily avoid this by letting the professionals handle the cleanup for you. They will do the job right so that the fire can be become a part of your past as fast as possible.

Four: The professionals have the equipment to restore your property instead of having to replace everything. This will allow you to save some money and make sure that any traces from the fire are gotten rid of.

Now that you understand why fire damage cleanup is best left to the professionals, you need to decide for yourself if this is the right thing for your cleanup. Just remember that anyone that doesn't have experience with this will have to learn how to do it before it can be done, so if you want it done right and without delay, then hire the professionals for it.

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What To Do When Catastrophic Flooding Strikes

IICRC First Vice President Kevin Pearson, who lives and owns a business in the Houston-metro area, offers tips for home and business owners on what they can do immediately after experiencing a flood.

Add Value To Your Home With A Professional Remodel

One of the best ways to boost your home's value is by remodeling it. Remodeling the home will update the interior setting and can also boost your home's curb appeal. Bathroom remodeling is the best way to add value to your home, but there are also other steps you can take. When you want to increase your home's property value, here's what you should do as a homeowner.

New Garage Door

Most people don't assume that they can increase their home value with a new garage door, but the feature will transform the look of the exterior setting. You can spend $1,500 to $3,000 on a new garage door and get a return on investment of 83 percent. Choose a feature that complements the surrounding architecture and color scheme of the home to allow it to blend in well with the house.

Bathroom Remodel

Replacing the fixtures, installing a new shower, adding new tile, and a porcelain tub will increase your home's value with changes that are made. Bathroom remodeling can cost up to $16,000 but will update the home and reduce the risk of repairs that are needed in the future.

Add a Second Floor

A second story on your home not only makes the building stand out on the market but will also add extra square footage to your property that can significantly increase its value. The average cost of a second story is $155,000 but will provide you with a 71.8 percent return when it's time to sell it.

Wood Deck

A quality wood deck will make it easy to spend more time in the backyard where you can entertain and lounge outdoors. The project will cost under $10,000 to build with a return of 87 percent. You can even add a place to barbecue or cook when you want to have guests over. This new addition to your home adds a brand new dimension to the original construction while adding an exterior entertaining concept.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is known as the most important room of the home where the residents spend the most time each day. The room can be updated to look stylish and help make the home more in line with the modern construction trends all around the country. Kitchen remodeling can mean replacing the cabinets, adding new countertops, and installing energy-efficient appliances that look sleek. Expect to spend an average of $18,000 and get 82 percent back. Making minor changes will transform the setting without overdoing it to ensure that it still blends in well with the interior setting.

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What Are the Steps Involved in Water or Flood Damage Restoration Work?

When it comes to water damage, the major issue is that you usually can't see the full extent of the problem with the naked eye. This is where a professional water or flood disaster restoration team comes in. With their specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge, these experts will be able to properly assess the situation, fully dry and restore your home, and check in afterward to make sure the restoration is complete. That means that you don't have to worry about lingering dampness, mold, or bacteria growth. Instead, you can get back to enjoying your home in comfort.

If you've experienced water damage in your home and you call on a water and flood restoration service for assistance, the first thing they will do is to perform a moisture assessment. Your restoration company will determine the location or source of the moisture and the extent of the area affected. This part of the process ensures that all the damage is taken into account--even the parts not visible--before the restoration process begins. Once the assessment has been made, your restoration professionals will use specialized equipment to remove standing water, complete drying with air movement, and clean any carpeting thoroughly. With these different steps, your restoration professionals will be able to totally dry your home and sanitize the area.

After the core drying out work comes the most important part of the water damage restoration process: the follow-up. Water damage is a very difficult problem to deal with because it can be so hidden. Even if you get the most thorough flood or water damage remediation company in to take care of the problem, it's possible that there will be a lingering issue or dampness somewhere. However, most restoration professionals offer follow-up services because they know of this potential. After completing the restoration and drying work, and depending on the severity of the damage, they will either come back for a post-job assessment, or you can call them if you notice any issues. This crucial stage in the restoration process should not be skipped. If there's any chance that some dampness may have gone untreated, get it taken care of immediately so that it doesn't lead to more serious issues down the line.

Experiencing flood or water damage in your home is unpleasant, but it does not have to be an impossible situation. With assessment, restoration, and follow-up services provided by a professional water restoration company, you can get your home back to normal in no time.

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Restoration After Water Damage

We sometimes take for granted the things that are most important to us like our home. Some of us may never be prepared for a devastating weather to occur. Some even fail to buy homeowner's insurance and may suffer consequences in times when harsh, unexpected weather may occur. One problem that can occur is water damage. Thousands of people are often affected when strong storms move through their areas. Some of these storms, depending on the nature, may leave behind serious damage leaving so much to repair and some temporarily homeless.

So, if water damage finds you, where do you begin to restore the damage and how does it work? There are many local restoration companies to rely on if it is needed. It is a good idea when looking for these companies is to check certification and experience. This will ensure that the job will be done. With water damage to certain elements in a home or business, the damaged areas must be treated immediately to prevent mold and mildew, like with carpet, for example. If restoration is an option, the company you choose for repair may start from the floor up.

Restoring carpet and other flooring is by all means, cheaper but may not be saved without a fast response. In some extreme cases of water damage regarding carpet, the carpet may be removed and treated with fungicide before re-installation. There are options to research techniques and facts about water damage restoration on websites and it may be a good idea in the event that your home, businesses, or commercial property suffers.

Many wonder, how some things are to be restored after taking in a large amount of water. Many companies across the country have created special techniques to help those who pay this consequence. Another common problem, seen often after flooding has occurred is mold. We all know that mold can create numerous problems including exposing us to dangerous bacteria. We should all take precaution not to allow this to happen. Water damage restoration can in fact aid this problem.

Trained technicians can sometimes remove mold using scrubbing and sand blasting techniques, not only from large areas but the hard to reach as well. There are even treatments for hard wood floors and tile, debris removal and odor control techniques for that terrible smell left behind by water. To learn more or find information about water damage restoration, check local water damage restoration companies and websites. You never know when you may come in contact with water.

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Fire-Water Restoration Companies: Why It Is Important To Hire One?

Fire-water restoration companies offer highly specialized services to bring your residential or commercial property back to pre-loss condition. Taking care of fire and water damage is skilled as well as a dangerous job. Don't risk personal safety or the value of your building with a DIY effort or inexperienced services.

Why you need an experienced fire-water damage restoration company?

• Gets the repairs done properly: Fire and water damage threatens the structural integrity and the safety of the building. A professional service knows what to look out for and has the necessary training to get the job done correctly. This is crucial to restoring the look, safety and value of your property.
• Helps avoid future remediation expenses: You might think your fire or water damage is minimal and doesn't warrant professional restoration-only to discover hidden problems and be faced with huge remediation expenses in the future. It will cost you, even more, to have everything redone. Getting an expert service provides peace of mind and protects your investment.
• Has the right training, experience and safety equipment: This is absolutely essential to the fire or water restoration process. One of the more important chemicals used in cleaning smoke damage is trisodium phosphate - TSP, an extremely powerful and harsh compound that can irritate the skin and eyes severely. Professionals have the training and equipment to get the work done without compromising the health and safety of their customers or staff. In the case of water damage, there is always a risk of mold, another health hazard. Unnecessary exposure can make you seriously ill while inexperienced handling will only cause it to spread. Can you really afford to take that chance?
• Can deal with your insurance company directly: Fire and water damage is often covered by your insurance. The insurance providers, however, require that you work with approved fire-water restoration companies in order to process your claims. The benefits of working with such a service far outweigh the costs. Being experienced in insurance procedures also means they can save you the stress of navigating the complex claim process as well as help expedite your claims. Industry recognition also offers some assurance of work quality and money well spent.

Look for certified fire and/or water restoration companies in the event of a disaster. It means they have the necessary credentials to do the work. Recognized companies are also less likely to risk their reputation with bad service. They will use the right techniques and equipment to restore a clean home or office. Most also offer a free written estimate. It is important to document the scope and cost of your project. This will avoid any hidden charges and nasty surprises when the bill arrives. Try and select a contractor one that offers 100% satisfaction on every job for total peace of mind.

Fire or water damage repair doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. An established fire and water restoration company has the expertise to get it done quickly, smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. Don't settle for anything less.

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California Wildfires Update

Over 9,400 firefighters continue to battle three large wildfires currently burning in California. These wind-driven fires have burned more than 242,000 acres and destroyed thousands of structures. Here’s the latest on the California Wildfires.