A Homeowner’s Bill Of Rights for Water Damage

3. February 2012 by Dean of Clean.

If you’ve ever experienced a flood, water or sewage damage at your home or business, you know that it can be a traumatic, confusing time. Here are some things to remember - a “bill of rights” if you like - to get the best cleanup and restoration job possible.

1 -YOU control who works for you. Insurance companies will often try to “steer” you toward this or that company, (often a national chain), but this is usually because they have an agreement to get a “rebate” or lower price from that company in exchange for the referral. It’s almost never because they have extra confidence in a given provider’s superior work. Remember that the final decision on who to hire for your water damage cleanup is yours.

2 - You have the Right to check Certifications and References. Personnel performing the work should be CleanTrust Certified Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT), and supervisory personnel with Applied Structural Drying and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (ASD/AMRT) certifications are preferred. Also, a company should be willing to provide you with references from satisfied clients.

3 - You have the Right to be Informed and consider what chemicals they’ll use in your home. Most companies still apply Phenols and Glutaraldehydes as anti-microbials, because they’re cheap, and use petrochemical cleaning products for the same reason. And although the EPA requires respirators to be used by personnel applying these products, they’re left to dry in your home afterward. But there are new, plant-derived anti-microbials and cleaning products that actually do a better job, without the harmful VOCs and need for respiratory protection. What would you rather have used in your home?

4 - You have the Right to Be Comfortable with the personnel that are going to perform your cleanup and drying. After all, you’ll be seeing a lot of them for a few days, and you’re trusting them with your home! Look for clean, courteous, uniformed technicians who respect you and your home and explain what they’ll do and why it’s necessary, not just barge in and “take over”. Some companies even have the ability to help you find temporary housing if the loss is a large one or if the water is Category 3 (sewage) and you need to vacate the premises during cleanup procedures, and provide referrals to qualified reconstruction, carpet and plumbing professionals should you need their services.

Click the link for more information about 24/7 Water/Sewage Damage Cleanup, Structural Drying and Restoration in Durango, or call us at 385-8444 if you have an emergency (press 4 to be connected to an immediate response team)

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