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National Restoration of Northern Illinois
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The Professional RestorerToday, people want to make money virtually any way they can. This holds true for companies that perform general cleaning services and home remodelers who are often enlisted by the insurance industry to perform disaster restoration services. Unfortunately cleaning soot and char is much more complicated than removing normal soil from contents and structure. Home remodelers who normally just tear out and replace damaged or outdated structures are shocked when faced with water and smoke damaged structural components that need to be restored. The key word to remember is "restored". Professional restoration specialists are just that: specialists in restoration. The complexities posed by smoke and water damage will puzzle the average cleaner or remodeler who thinks he can do it for less when he really does not understand the variables involved. The definition of restored means to put it back the way it was, prior to the loss. Restored does not imply new although no one can deny that an improvement will be made. Restored also means that contents or structure can be put in a pre-damaged condition for less than replacement cost. Professional restorers must be experts in the cleaning of all contaminated content and structural items and in smoke and mildew odor removal. They must also understand how to deal with water damage no matter the source. This total service attitude demands a 24 hour commitment, a ready and trained certified staff and the proper equipment and supplies to handle any and all emergencies. Restoration professionals are not carpet cleaners who need something to do during their off season. Nor are they remodelers who find they cant compete in the regular market so they are trying insurance work for awhile. Although they appear to save a few dollars through a lower bid, in most cases, these non-restorers can cause more problems in the long run. The insured will often call the insurance company complaining about the quality of the work or an erratic work schedule complicated by numerous subcontractors. The insurance industry is seeking timely, quality work performed by professionals who are specialists in the areas of water, smoke, fire and vandalism damage; professionals who can empathize with the insured and handle the claim from the initial call through any emergency-type service required (i.e. water extraction, smoke odor removal, board-up services, pack out, etc.). Professional restoration firms are better prepared for handling multiple claim situations. Computerized estimation speeds claims more efficiently than phone tag or hand written estimates. These firms are aware of the most current technology available to reduce property claims. Professional firms subscribe to educational restoration magazines, are members of regional and national organizations, and attend conventions and trade shows to mingle with their peers. These efforts illustrate the desire to be better prepared when a loss occurs and to serve the insurance industry as a professional business person. |