What to do after a fire:
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Hopefully, you have already contacted your insurance agent.
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery, carpets, and etc. Cover any carpeted areas to be walked on with old towels, linens to prevent additional damage.
- Do not run forced air heating & cooling systems (A/C, heat pump, etc) and cover all air registers with double layer of cheesecloth.
- Change furnace filters
- If weather permits, open windows for ventilation.
- Empty freezer & refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with rolled up towel/newspaper. Discard any opened food packages, they could be contaminated.
- Remove pets to a clean environment.
- Send clothing & draperies with heavy smoke damage to a professional restoration cleaner rather than a dry cleaning company.
- Be aware standard cleaning methods may cause smoke smell/damage to "set in" and prevent them from being salvaged.
- Don't use TV's, computers, stereos, or other electronic appliances until they have been cleaned and checked.
- Don't wash papered and flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
What to do after water damage:
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping & blotting.
- Summer; turn on Air Conditioning for maximum drying, Winter; heat area to 74 to 76 degrees, and operate dehumidifier and fans.
- Remove or prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Put aluminum foil, wood blocks, or china saucers between furniture legs & wet carpet until dry to prevent stains on your carpet.
- Open drawers and cabinets for complete drying.
- Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels and lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and the hanger on the drapery rod.
- Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- Don't attempt to use any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water while standing on wet floors, carpets, or particularly wet concrete.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, wiring may be damaged. Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
- Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not go into rooms with standing water if electricity is still on.
- Do not wait to call professional help. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.
Do I have to pick out my new ___________... from the store my insurance agent requested?
Many of the major insurance companies have special programs with suppliers and contractors. This is designed to allow materials and replacement items to be purchased at established pricing and to expedite the timing of obtaining the product needed to restore your home. If you do not like the selection or store recommended, you can contact your insurance representative to discuss further options.
What if I want to change or upgrade my home/business
instead of restoring it to the original condition?
We always welcome the opportunity to give your home a custom touch. Contact Heritage Construction Cares, INC. so we can discuss your upgrades. If the options you want to change is above the amount your insurance company allows we will let you know up front so that there will not be any surprise charges.
What am I responsible for when a restoration is needed?
If this is an insurance claim, contact your insurance agent or representative. Be aware that some insurance companies will start a claim even if all they do is send their adjuster out to look at the damage.
If your insurance adjuster does not contact us directly, please contact us to give you an estimate. Once an estimate has been established, we can further discuss any items that you may be responsible for.
What am I responsible for when I am remodeling/adding new construction?
Besides money, we will be happy to discuss your responsibilities depending upon
the particular project at hand. Most of the time, all you will need to worry about is the
finances, decisions as what you want done, and We will handle the rest.
What if you find different damage, like dry rot, while working on the original repairs?
If other problems are found, we will discuss this with you immediately. Also realize,
that most insurance policies do not cover "pre-existing" problems. You may have
to cover the expenses for these repairs in addition to the original estimate,
or insurance claim.
