Have you found yourself in need of restoration services? Or are you just planning for any unforeseen circumstances that may put you in this position later on? If either of these is true of you, then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with potential questions you should consider asking your restoration service provider. Although it may be a little intimidating to ask these questions, especially when you’re going through a disaster that has affected your property, they can go a long way toward helping you better understand what to expect as cleanup progresses.
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Am I stuck with whatever company my insurance tells me to use?
While your insurance company is allowed and even encouraged to recommend a service provider, you do not have to go with the provider they suggest. You can choose any provider you might want to work with. However, you should make sure you choose carefully. Your insurance company will likely only pay for work performed by a professional restoration service. Keep in mind, too, that your insurance is only going to pay for repairs and restoration for these damages one time, so if you choose a company that makes things worse or otherwise provides bad service, you’ll be out of pocket for any further repairs needed. This goes double for picking a friend or family member who may not be licensed or trained to handle fire or flood cleanup.
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Do I have to file an insurance claim?
Nobody will force you to, but you probably should in most situations. However, if you choose not to, you can work directly with a restoration company to take care of any cleanup and repair needed, too. There’s no reason why you can’t pay for this service out of pocket, but in most cases, it’s better for you to go ahead and get your insurance involved. This decision is entirely up to you and your specific financial needs.
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What kind of immediate damage can water do to my property?
Water issues can do a lot of damage very quickly, and you might be surprised at just how much has already happened to your home or property before your insurance can even get involved. Right away, furniture and drywall will start to swell, and wallpaper will begin peeling off when exposed to water. Within a very short amount of time, mold will start to grow and will likely begin causing problems for anyone who has breathing difficulties or allergies in your home. Wood will continue to swell and dyed surfaces will bleed. Anything made of metal may start to rust or show other signs of damage as time passes, too.
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What kind of long-term damage can water do to my property?
The longer you go without calling someone to take care of your water damage restoration issues, the more trouble you’re going to have. As more time passes, water will continue destroying many surfaces, including drywall, wood, and paneling. You may start to notice a lot more health problems associated with exposure to mold and mildew, too, and you are going to see plenty of signs of damage all over the home.
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How long will restoration take?
The length of time your restoration will take depends on a lot of factors. First of all, it will depend on whether you’re dealing with water or fire damage. It will also depend on how severe the damage is and just what has been destroyed or will need to be replaced in order to complete the process. There is no way to give an estimate for how long a restoration job will take without seeing your specific, individual situation, so you should always ask this question of your restoration company after they’ve come out to do an initial survey. Keep in mind, too, that the length of time could change if more serious damage is uncovered as the job gets started.
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Can my restoration company give me some references?
Your restoration company should be ready and willing to provide you with references or with more information about previously-completed jobs if you ask for it. You should also be able to look up the company you choose with the Better Business Bureau or, potentially, with your local town council for more information. Do not be afraid to ask for references, especially if you are new to the area or have never used a restoration company before. You may also want to speak to friends and family members who might have some recommendations for you in terms of companies to choose, too.
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Can I go back into my home or property while restoration is underway?
No, you should not go back into the home or other property until services have been completed. If you’re dealing with water, then there may be hazardous mold present; if you’re in need of fire restoration services, there is probably a lot of debris that could potentially be dangerous in your home. Materials in your home could be charred and soaked, too, making it even more dangerous to go inside. Although your restoration company understands that you want to get back into your property as soon as possible, you should stay away until everything is safe again. If there isn’t any significant structural damage and there are no signs of lingering issues that could cause health problems, then you may be allowed back into the building after a short amount of time and before the job is completed. However, this may not always the be case, so try to remain patient if necessary.
No matter what type of damage your home or other property in the Aurora, Illinois area may have experienced, Restoration Techs is here to help. Call us any time for 24/7 emergency services or estimates at 800.600.3594.