Common Questions and Answers
The fire trucks may be gone, but without proper and IMMEDIATE response, the real damage and the costs are just beginning. To return your residential or commercial property to its pre-loss condition requires the assistance of a professional restoration company - This is not he job to do on your own.
For results you can have confidence in, we recommend that you hire Classic Carpet Care & Restoration. Restoration to a property can be complex. Proper smoke and odor removal are tasks that require trained technicians, and we are a trained restoration firm.
To select a trained restoration firm, several factors must be considered"
Formal and up-to-date specialized training
Health and Safety certifications
Experience in a wide range of restoration projects
Proof of proper insurance and licenses
Here are some common questions and answers pertaining to fire and smoke restoration:
A1: We use very specialized equipment and products to remove and/or neutralize smoke. We use the latest techniques available to put your house back to a pre-loss condition. Our job is not complete until you are satisfied.
A2: Often the amount of the cost to clean contents is unknown; however, our pricing is based on standardized pricing for the industry. We use a computer-estimating program that downloads the new price list every month. Your insurance company also uses the same program and price list. When an adjuster is assigned to your claim, we will explain to them what we have done up to that point for any emergency repairs, then get any authorization before further steps are taken. Before any repairs are made, we will have an agreed-upon estimate with your insurance company.
A3: Yes, we use specialized equipment to dry out your house. We are highly trained in water damage and restoration (please see our “Water Damage Restoration” service page).
A5: We use very high-tech moisture meters designed to specifically check for proper moisture content. We will not repair or cover up any areas that may be still wet. This is why it’s a good decision when you choose to call Classic Carpet Care & Restoration. We are trained in water damage restoration, thereby assuring you of the best quality service, and giving you the peace of mind that it will be dried out properly.
A6: The equipment we use is capable of running for months without being shut off. The equipment will not overheat with proper use. However, if you hear or smell anything which seems abnormal, please unplug the equipment in question and call us immediately at (906) 774-4514, or (906) 786-4514. Our technician will be checking all equipment and dry-out progress on a regular basis.
A7: We are very careful when using Ozone and will only use it on items that will not be harmed. After we have used Ozone, we will only allow you in the area when it is safe. We also now use HydroxilGenerators for odor control. They are totally safe to use around people and pets.
A8: We use air scrubbers to help clean the air. They use two pre-filters and a large Hepa filter. Air scrubbers remove 99.97% of all air particles, making a safer work environment.
A9: No repairs done.
A10: Because each insurance company is so different, we would advise you to ask your agent or adjuster.
A11: Each insurance company has different guidelines. You will need to ask your agent or adjuster.
A12: We will do our best to restore your contents to a pre-loss condition. If we are not able to restore any items we will set them aside to be itemized and turned in to your insurance adjuster. Your adjuster will determine coverage according to your policy. Don’t throw anything away!
A13: We have worked very hard at building a business where your responsibilities are very minimal. There may be a few items we will need you to pick out such items as floor covering, or other damaged items. In the event that is necessary, we will review it with you at the time we review your damage area. For the most part, you should be able to just go about your daily activities without much worry or concern.
A14: Our job is to bring your home back to pre-loss condition. We will use the appropriate methods to save each and every item. The heavily damaged items will need to be cleaned before we are able to determine what is considered permanent damage. If we are unable to save an item, we will set the item aside to be itemized and turned in to your insurance adjuster.
A15: We have spent thousands of dollars on specialized training and equipment, dealing specifically with fire damage. Our main objective is to minimize the impact on your day-to-day living. If you hire a general contractor, often they do not understand the concept of “saving versus replacing.” Just an example: We are able to remove smoke odor without replacing everything. By saving verses replacing we are able to get you back into your house sooner. If someone comes in and removes everything, the insurance adjuster may not approve the bill.
A16: It is your responsibility to pay your deductible. Your insurance company will subtract your deductible from our bill and pay us the balance. As an example, if you have a deductible of $500.00 and our bill is $3000.00, then:
Insurance check $2500.00
Deductible $500.00
Total amount paid $3000.00
A17: We try to stay as organized as possible to ensure the quality work and customer service you deserve. The paperwork we are required to maintain is a very important part of the foundation to help us achieve the highest standard of customer satisfaction.
A18: Yes, it is very important that we have access to monitor the job. If you are not going to be available, then we need to work out a plan to gain access.
A19: Classic Carpet Care has made every effort to use equipment that maximizes the fastest drying time and consumes the least amount of power necessary to achieve the best drying time and results. The following are approximations as to the additional utility costs for each piece of equipment:
Air-moving fans or axial fans – average $1.41 per day
Air Scrubbers – average $1.47 per day
Dehumidifiers – average $3.78 – $4.76 per day
Heaters – average $4.76 – $19.02 per day
Large Air Scrubber – average $3.59 per day
A20: No, we really need to keep the equipment running. Turning off the equipment may increase the chance of mold growth.
A21: The amount of smoke damage, and how it affects you, will determine if you can stay in your home. If you need to relocate outside of your house, you may want to ask your insurance adjuster about additional living expense or A.L.E. coverage.
A22: Often the adjuster will wait until the dry-out process is complete in order to be able to assess damages. On occasion, because of our good relationship with an adjuster, they may rely on our photos and scope of repairs without doing an inspection of their own.
A23: If the fire department used water to put out the fire, the humidity in your house has doubled or tripled from what is normal and materials are wet that normally are not designed to get wet. If it has been 3 – 4 days since the initial fire, and your house has not been dried out, you may start to smell a sour odor, which indicates that bacteria may be forming. After we have dried your home and have performed a thermal fog, the smell should be better. That is why it is very important to take immediate action to prevent further damage.
A24: We can give you a list of contractors that are accustomed to working with insurance companies.
A25: A Thermal Fogger is appropriately named. It is a device that uses heat to produce a fog without degrading the active ingredient. A Thermal Fogger produces a range of droplet sizes including a large number of very small droplets. This makes a Thermal Fogger the preferred type of equipment to reach air spaces in areas highly obstructed by vegetation, or other physical obstructions in buildings. The large number of very small droplets produced in a thermally generated fog also makes the fog highly visible. This can help the operator to monitor the fog and ensure thoroughness of application.
A26: The choice of repairs is always yours. Be aware that your insurance company only owes like, kind, and quality. If you choose to do something else, you may have to pay more out of your pocket.
A27: Ultrasound is energy in the form of a wave motion which is above the maximum level of audible sound. This energy is transmitted to the cleaning solution via a bank of transducers underneath the machine. The result of this process is termed cavitations, tiny bubbles of vaporized liquid which explode when they reach a high pressure. Cleaning takes place as shock waves dislodge soil from the surface of the contaminated articles placed in the water bath.
A28: You should always avoid contact with chemicals. We advise you to keep any pets away from the affected area.
A29: You may upgrade, however we will need you to sign a change order which shows the difference in price and gives us the authorization for repairs. You agree to pay the difference in cost. You may also want to contact your insurance adjuster to discuss this matter.
A30: Cobwebs are formed from smoke particles linking together forming a chain. When you see cobwebs throughout your home, it is not from your lack of house-keeping.
A31: Smoke is made up of small water droplets. Smoke rises and concentrates at the ceiling and causes large amounts of moisture to collect.
A32: Yes, Classic Carpet Care guarantees all of our workmanship. Before we consider any job complete you will need to sign a form of work completion and satisfaction.