The Importance of Quick Response: How rapid action can minimize damage and reduce costs in restoration
When it comes to total destruction of your home and livelihood, water and fire damage are at the top of the list. It is remarkable that something as seemingly benign as water can cause as much destruction as it does. The problem with a catastrophic event like a home or office fire or flood is that the damage is just the beginning; what you do in the wake of it makes all the difference in damage, cost, and restoration. However, most homeowners are too stressed to even know how to take the first step toward rebuilding, let alone clean up. If you are in survival mode, trying to figure out what needs to be done, the key is to get busy quickly! A quick response can give you these seven benefits.
1. Prevent Further Damage
It is easy to become paralyzed in the wake of a major catastrophic event, but action is a must. Water intrusion or fire residue can and will continue to spread to unaffected areas, exacerbating damage if the situation is not addressed immediately. Water can quickly soak into walls, floors, and structural materials. The quicker you address the situation, the more likely it can be contained.
2. Acting Quickly Stops Mold Growth
Mold is an organic substance that is found everywhere, but it needs the right ingredients to multiply and grow. After a flood, mold can start to grow within 24-24 hours, which doesn’t give you a lot of waiting time. The best way to inhibit mold growth is rapid drying and dehumidification. Restoration equipment can effectively reduce the risk that mold contamination will spread and lead to further loss and damage beyond the immediate affected areas.
3. It Protects Structural Integrity
Building materials are made strong, but not invincible. A fire can weaken building products, and water saturation can cause wood to swell, warp, or rot. Acting rapidly to remove damaged materials will help to stabilize the structure and prevent collapse or further weakening over time. The quicker you respond, the better. Also, by eliminating those parts that are affected, you can make the most cost-effective next moves.
4. Not Acting Can Lead to Health Hazards
Even if the flood was caused by clear water, it might still contain chemicals, bacteria, or sewage, which are hazardous to your health. Fire damage leaves behind smoke, soot, and toxic residues that contaminate your air quality and can lead to illness. When you clean up quickly, you can remove potential health hazards for you and your family. Since mold can be highly toxic, prohibiting its growth through rapid response will also reduce the risk that mold spores can spread into your HVAC system. Once they become airborne, they can circulate your home long after the event.
5. It Lowers Overall Repair and Restoration Costs
If you allow the damage to sit unaddressed for an extended period, it will lead to more extensive and expensive repairs. There are often situations where the quicker you respond, the more likely you are to save money on restoring rather than replacing.
6.0It Speeds Up the Recovery Process and Allows You to Re-Occupy More Quickly
Not only is the clean up involved in a flood or fire expensive, but the costs associated with relocation can become really costly. When you act fast, it allows you and your family or employees to get back to their regular routine more quickly. By reducing downtime, displacement, and business interruptions, you will save money. Most importantly, by re-occupying your space more quickly, it reduces stress, hardships, and location issues.
7. Documentation and Insurance Claims
Sometimes, one of the biggest holdups to recovering your daily routine is waiting for your insurance company to go through, process, and reimburse you for your claim so that you can get back to normal. Immediate response teams can move the insurance process along quickly. They know how to document damage properly to get your claim easily approved. A professional restoration company will also make sure to preserve evidence that will meet your insurance claim evidence needs. What might not look important to you can be key to your claim being approved. That is why hiring a professional restoration company can help reduce delays and disputes along the insurance process.
The Key Isn’t Just to Act Fast; Who You Hire Matters Greatly
When you hire a professional restoration company after a catastrophic event, there are essential things that you need to look for, such as:
Proper Certifications and Experience
There are right ways and wrong ways to clean up after a flood or fire, and the steps you take do matter. Hire a company that is certified by recognized organizations (such as IICRC). Also, make sure that they have experience handling fire, water, mold, or storm damage. When a company is certified, you can be assured that the technicians follow industry standards and know how to handle the complexities of cleaning up without unwittingly missing things, or in some instances, making things worse.
Rapid Response Availability
Time is of the essence for restoration services. Find a company that has 24/7 emergency response teams ready. The service you select should have a record of quick arrival times, clear communication, and a history of positive reviews. The quicker they react, the more money you will likely save.
Transparent Process and Insurance Knowledge and Coordination
A reputable restoration company will provide clear estimates, explain their process, document all damage properly and thoroughly, and work directly with your insurance company to streamline claims. When you hire someone with experience, it can reduce the risk of any unpleasant surprises that could have been avoided.
A fire or flood event can be catastrophic, but the best way to minimize the fallout is to act quickly. Most home and business owners are unsure what to do when crises hit, but we aren’t. Our industry knowledge, certifications, and experience with restoration and insurance company claims make us a clear advantage post-chaos. Contact us today and let us help get you back to business as quickly as possible.
