Do I want to wait for my adjuster to come out before you start?
For the emergency work, no. Your number one goal is to stop/mitigate the damages on your property as soon as possible. Documentation (pictures) are key. We will be in close communication with your adjuster at all times so that we make sure everyone is on the same page. Most of the time the adjuster wants the emergency work to be done first before they arrive so they can see the total extent of the damages.
How do I know my claim will be covered by my insurance company?
This is where we come in; documentation is everything. Our team is trained in taking the right photos that your insurance company needs to validate the claim. Your insurance is for sudden and accidental damages. Your adjuster is looking to us for the correct photos and terminology for their reports, so putting us in contact with them as soon as possible is very important.
My friend is a contractor. Can I use them?
Absolutely, but it’s not always recommended. Most contractors do not have enough knowledge to know how to navigate the insurance side of billing, management, and processes. This is a frustrating experience for them and will definitely become a frustrating process for you as well. We see it time and time again. If you do use a personal friend as a contractor, make sure that they know how to use Xactimate® software and that they are okay with receiving payments 30-90 days after completion of the project.
Do I have to be there while the work is being done?
We strongly recommend you be there for the first visit. We need to walk the project with you or a representative so we can both be on the same page. Once contracts are signed we can always set a lockbox, as the project may take several days to several weeks to complete, depending on the extent of damage to your property. We carry the appropriate insurance and can give you a copy at your request. Your project will have our team in and out of it several times during the progress of work. We do not expect you to meet us there every time. However, we will contact you each time to notify you of entry.
What about my personal belongings?
Christian Brothers will be happy to take care of every phase of the job, including any pack-out and storage of your personal belongings. If a pack-out is needed, we’ll send our Contents Manager to your property to walk through the process with you.
Why do I need lead and asbestos testing done?
Per EPA and OSHA requirements, any buildings built prior to 1978 need to be tested before work can be done. Our industry’s standard of practice is to test prior to 1985. This testing is done to not only protect you, the homeowner but also us, the contractor. If coordinated correctly, we can usually obtain samples and results within 24-48 hours.
The water extraction has been completed, why do I need to have dehumidifiers and fans set up in my home if nothing looks wet anymore?
Drying equipment is placed to help mitigate any further damage. Although material may appear dry, using a professional drying company like CHRISTIAN BROTHERS can ensure that affected material is dried out properly.
Can we just dry in place without removing any drywall?
Although there are very few circumstances where we can “dry in place” it is best in most situations to open up the drywall to expose the framing where moisture can get trapped so that drying of affected areas can be properly done to avoid to chance of secondary damage.
How do I choose a contractor capable of handling my home’s damage?
Not all contractors are familiar with insurance restoration. It is wise to contact a certified & insured contractor who specializes in restoration. This contractor should be able to identify restorable & non-restorable items, and items not affected by the loss at all. A restoration contractor is familiar with how insurance claims are handled, and will work with your insurance company to get your home back to original condition quickly, and with attention to detail. You should request copies of insurance certificates (with you listed as an additional insured), and cleaning and restoration certifications.
My home was just damaged by water. What should I do to prevent further damage?
Make sure the area is safe, and evacuate if necessary before calling your insurance company and an insurance restoration professional. You should call a restoration professional quickly, because the water can spread to additional areas. Avoid walking on affected areas. Also, if left for a period of time, mold & mold-forming bacteria can begin to spread. The longer a damaged home is left before treatment begins, the further damage will occur, in greater areas of the home.
How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?
Mold can grow immediately after water damage, but it usually takes anywhere from 24 – 48 hours to establish itself. For this reason, we highly recommend that you act quickly and call a certified asbestos company as soon as possible.
Why is my property monitored so often?
We place our industrial sized equipment so it will operate as efficiently as possible according to the moisture mapping. We monitor and check the progress of every job regularly so we can make any adjustments as needed. Remember our job is to get you clean, dry and sanitized as quickly as we can. So monitoring helps us do that.
Is it okay for me to open the doors and windows?
Please don’t!
Because our technicians have set up the best conditions on your property for drying it efficiently, if you open windows during the drying process it causes problems. Depending on weather conditions, opening windows slows down the drying progress. So, the best rule of thumb is to keep doors and windows closed, and don’t turn off air conditioning or heat without talking to us first.
If materials need replacement, can I replace them with something different?
Our job in water damage restoration is to return your property to you in its pre-damaged condition. Your insurance company will pay to replace “like-with-like.” However, after large water damage to your property, when many items have been removed, it makes the perfect time to renovate and update. But if you want to upgrade, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket from what your insurance company allocated.