Restoration 101.
Introduction:
It is often the case that untreated water damage or inadequate cleanup and drying procedures can lead to mold growth caused by nothing more than a common plumbing or air conditioning leak. It becomes the responsibility of the policy holder to employ a qualified contractor to properly assess and treat the damage at the first onset by utilizing proper cleaning and drying procedures.
Restoration Procedures:
The first priority is to identify and eliminate safety and health hazards by limiting or mitigating further damage. Equipment should be utilized for water removal, proper structural drying of walls, flooring, and cabinetry to prevent microorganism growth by performing anti microbial treatments and creating a controlled environment of proper drying.
What Qualifies Under (Water Damage) in a Homeowners Policy?”
Secondary damage: wet structure - walls, ceilings, cabinetry, flooring, air ducts, etc. Usually caused by a broken or leaking water pipe, drain, condensation lines, slab leaks, or storm related damage.
Who Pays for Emergency Service, and Repairs?”
Secondary damage, or (water damage) is normally covered under a standard homeowners policy. Although the repair of the plumbing is not normally covered, the cost of repairing any secondary damages caused by the leak is. Including any access charges incurred to repair the initial problem such as accessing through the drywall or a concrete slab in order to make the repairs. In fact, ignoring the damage may constitute negligence on the part of the policy holder. The claim may later be denied by the insurance carrier if it wasn’t addressed at the time it was discovered. This is why it is imperative to address the problem immediately, protect your property, and minimize any further damage.
Rates for Emergency Service:
A legitimate contractor will bill the insurance claim directly through a recognized insurance carrier in order to prevent the out of pocket expense for the homeowner. Insurance repair rates are based on established estimating software that determines these repair rate allowances such as Xactimate® or Accuscope® programs that are utilized by insurance companies and repair contractors nationwide.
Customer Rights:
The policy holder always retains the right to select any licensed contractor of thier choice. Nowhere in any standard homeowner insurance policy does it specify that you must wait for your insurance carrier to approve of any certain vendor. Nor does the term “lowest” or “cheapest” ever occur in a homeowner policy. The policy holders are entitled to quality materials and workmanship equivalent to their pre-damaged condition as well as reasonable and customary emergency expenses and replacement costs to put their property back to normal.
© Center4Restoration 2006
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