Category: Maher

Tips On Hiring A Water Damage Restoration Specialist

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When an emergency or disaster strikes it seems though many people become skeptical of companies in which offer specialized emergency disaster restoration services.  The first thoughts and feeling that are experienced are that clean up should begin immediately and that we as homeowners should begin the process now rather than wait to contact and contract with a professional in disaster clean up.  Michigan residents experience many natural disasters from elements outside of their control.  Michigan is varied in weather which can be to blame for several types of emergency situations.

 

We experience tornados, hails, strong winds, droughts, floods, periods of heavy rain, ice, snow and extreme temperature changes.  These weather events can cause issues with a home such as a roof leak, plumbing issues, burst pipes and even flooding.  Many homeowners choose to clean up the situation themselves.  They believe this effort will save money but in fact in the long run can end up costing a homeowner almost double verse hiring a professional restoration company.

 

There are many benefits to using a reputable, experienced, professional disaster restoration contractor to fix water damage; fire damage and mold damage are outweighed.  Most insurance companies cover issues expenses associated with emergency clean up.  The circumstances surrounding the event and you current coverage will determine exactly what you will be covered for.  One benefit to hiring a restoration company is that they will also help in filing claims with your insurance companies and can best relay the damage in terms most conducive to getting a claim approved.  Most catastrophe clean-up companies have software devoted to prepare and outline the estimate for clients and insurance adjusters.  This allows access for the review process on the entire scope of the job including labor and material costs.

 

Even if one hundred percent of the disaster clean-up effort is not covered it is still in a homeowner’s best interest to hire a professional company to come in and help in the repair of the home to avoid issues later on down the road.  An example of this is any dampness left in water restoration can leave an environment susceptible to produce mold spores.

 

Another major plus involved in contracting the clean-up effort of your home with a professional service is the wide range of jobs they are able to service.  When a home is damaged because of fire or smoke a restoration company may offer the following services to their clients; storage of household goods, cleaning, maintenance of the homes inventory both compromised and non-restorable, removal of contents, deodorization, reconstruction, emergency securing of the scene, packing, furniture refinishing and reupholstering and repair of appliances and electronics.

 

Water damage restoration services may include drying methods that use heat for quick evaporation of the areas and items of the home affected.  They also will dehumidify the area which reduces moisture on surfaces and will use high powered fans for air circulations to help restore the home quickly.  All of this helps alleviate the possibility of mold and mildew occurring because of left over moisture in the home from the water damage.

 

The services a disaster restoration company can offer their clients far exceed the clean-up efforts that most homeowners could supply on their own.  When you contract with an emergency disaster restoration firm you are ensured that their ability to use every method and procedure it takes to achieve maximum results to avoid further issues for the homeowner.   It may seems hard to believe however you will find that these service professionals will eventually become entrusted members of your team in restoring your home to full function leaving you stress free and on the road to having your life all in one piece again.

 

Maher

Benefits Of Hiring A Restoration Professional

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When a disaster has struck your home and family the last thing you want is people entering into your space disturbing it even more.  In these moments after fires, floods, weather related damage home owners and business owners are distressed and worried about how long until life is back to normal again.  They are usually concerned about finances and the costs of a cleanup effort verse insurance coverage.  The loss is burdensome and often home owners believe if they begin the restoration process on their own they will somehow relieve some of the burden they are feeling.

This could never be further from the reality of the situation.  It is never recommended that any restoration including fire restoration, flood restoration or mold restoration be attempted by anyone other than an emergency disaster restoration service professional.  It may seem as though money could be saved by attempting the disaster cleanup on one’s own this in not the case.  Many times home owners find half way through the project that it is more than they can handle and abandon the effort and call in the professionals.  Often damage that is irreversible has already occurred and will in turn cost the home owner more that calling the disaster professionals in the first place.

A professional fire and water restoration company will have several years of experience with disaster clean ups of all kinds.  This will have given them valuable knowledge to know the exact techniques to use on your homes clean up. The learning curb you will have tackling your own homes restoration will be costly in terms of time and finances.  The most effective way in which homes are restored is if work is begun immediately and carried out by professionals with in the restoration business. Most restoration companies have many crews meaning one will be available to help with your homes restoration immediately.

Another advantage to hiring a professional company verse carrying out the restoration project on your own is the limited resources in equipment you will have in comparison to a restoration firm.  Crews will come in many sizes from anywhere between two to six people working on your homes restoration.  Man power in unison with proper equipment makes for a quick clean up.

Restoration companies also help home and business owners in working with their insurance company.  No matter how large or small the damage was to the home most insurance companies will be involved in some manner.  Filing a claim with most insurance companies is a long impersonal process.  The last thing you are prepared for after an emergency has taken everything familiar and misplaced it.  Many times insurance companies will try to undercut the value of the restoration and property destroyed.  With the help of an emergency disaster restoration team you will have professional on your side helping you with the fairness of any and all claims and offers by the insurance company.

To me the most important aspect in hiring a company to provide the cleanup effort in your fire or water restoration is the fact that you will be able to focus on getting on with the basics of life.  You can continue on with as much of a daily routine as allowed during any difficult time while they are busy restoring your peace of mind.

 

Maher

Professional Restoration Companies Service Water Damaged Homes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Water damage specialists should be called in anytime you find yourself with a water situation.  Whether you have water in the basement, the hot water tank has sprang a leak or a pipe has burst it is best not to attempt the cleanup effort on your own.  Calling in a water damage expert will ensure that the house is cleaned and dried to industry standards to prevent any more issues from arising down the road.

Hiring a professional to handle issues will help with the following:

  • Mold Problems:  When your home has issues with mold it is in your best interest to call in water and mold damage experts.  Leaving mold untreated will only allow it to multiply.  Treating it incorrectly will also lead to more issues.  Structural damage to your home is common when mold issues appear.
  • Mold Detection:  A water damage specialist can help detect if the home has a mold issue.  After a long winter or an incredibly rainy season it is important to hire a water damage specialist to inspect your home.  Things a professional will look for are leaks, water damage and potential damp areas which could harbor wetness that would allow mold growth.
  • Water Removal: If water has leaked into your home via a flood, leak, or broken pipe water specialist will have the equipment necessary for water removal.  Many homeowners think they can take care of the water damage themselves however a specialist will be sure to check for any structural damage that could wreak havoc with a home.
  • Drying: Drying and dehumidifying the areas within the home affected by water damage is a key element in making sure mold damage does not occur after the initial damage that has been done by the water. Specialists bring in high powered fans to thoroughly dry out carpets, rugs, flooring and affected areas within the home. Exposing the home to fresh, circulating air will help with the drying process.
  • Deodorizing:  Water damage leaves a strange odor within the home.  A water damage specialist will go through and deodorize the areas.  Ionizing the area will not cover the scent however will actually completely remove the odor.
  • Restoration: Water damage restoration specialists are the experts in home restoration.  When water has affected the home more likely than not some sort of restoration will need to take place to make the home as good as new.
  • Sanitation Work: Water damage can come from any area in the home with water.  This can mean the toilet, the dishwasher or other plumbing devices.  On most occasions a water damage expert can provide the same services as a plumber with additional cleanup done for the same price if not cheaper.
  • Assessing Damage: It is a safe bet to have all water damage woes assessed by a specialist before any work is done.  A professional can tell you exactly what needs to be done so that you, as a homeowner, get a clear picture of what needs in the home are.

 

Maher

Fire Safety Learned The Hard Way

Posted on by - Updated

When we woke up to the sound of sirens and the site of flashing lights we were startled to say the least.  Our neighbor’s home had caught fire.  We instantly worried about their safety and of the safety of those fighting to save their home and possessions. We quickly realized that our neighbors were going to be fine however their home was a completely different story.

The damage was quite obvious the smoke, soot, fire and water ravaged the home.  The home was damaged internally as well externally.  The fire fighters did a terrific job at maintaining the fire to one end of the home.  Although this still did not prevent the smoke, soot and water damage from happening throughout the home.  The actual fire damage was minimized because they were able to cut the fire off at the pass and stop it from spreading further into the home.  With the fire damage done and the cleanup effort on it leaves other homeowners to think about the prevention of fires within the home.

In speaking with the fire department they offered several tips in fire prevention.  One tip being to add fire extinguishers to the kitchen and central locations throughout a home.  Although it is not recommended that homeowners try to battle large blazes on their own small fires that are reacted to quickly can be taken care of to prevent major loss.

Appliances throughout the home also carry the risk of fraying cords.  Check cords to larger appliances often.  If you have small animals it is recommended that they are regularly checked for damage caused from small animals gnawing on them.  The smallest fray or broken wire can create an arc spark.  Given the correct environment that small spark can create a potentially large disaster.

During the winter holiday keep Christmas trees well watered.  Another thing to watch out for is wear in the Christmas lights.  Lights are not in good working order and create a spark on a dry tree the results can be deadly.  Holidays and special events lead to the lighting of candles throughout the home.  Candles are a large source of fires starting within the home.  When having candles lit throughout the home make sure that they are extinguished before leaving the home, exiting a room or falling to sleep.  A lit candle can be disastrous.

Another great tip to preventing fires is smoke detectors.  Smoke detectors can sense the smoke before a fire starts.  The fire department will have a better chance at finding and putting gout the source of the fire before the blaze encompasses the entire home.  The thing about smoke detectors is that they only work for you if they are working.   Make sure to check the batteries on smoke detectors every six months to keep them in working order.  Have smoke alarms scattered throughout the home.  One should be placed in each room and in centrally located positions in the hallways and entrance areas.  Don’t forget the laundry room and basement areas too.

Maher