The Factors That Affect Your Fire Estimate

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Colorado Springs, CO.

If your Colorado Springs, CO, commercial property is affected by fire, you need to start the cleanup and restoration process immediately. It doesn’t take long for unwanted stains and odors to settle into any furnishings that are salvageable. If moisture from the water used to put out the flames is left untreated, it encourages mold growth. The steps you take in the moments after the fire has been extinguished determine how well your property recovers. These steps often begin with obtaining a fire estimate from a cleaning and restoration agency.

3 Factors in Determining the Fire Estimate

One of your top priorities following a commercial fire understandably is getting back to business as quickly as possible with as little expense as possible. However, some less-reputable fire damage restoration companies may offer a very low bid. Beware of these bids; you could end up with low-quality work and a lot of additional charges. Before you put your business at risk of poor workmanship, make sure you understand the factors that affect the estimate:

1. Thorough Inspection

Trustworthy property damage inspectors have the licensing and insurance in place and can provide proof of these things. The inspector who visits your property will check the roof and roofing materials, the siding and concrete, interior walls, and plumbing and heating systems. The professional will also check for structural damage and check out the stability of doors and walls.

2. Emergency Response

You may have to wait several days before an adjuster catalogs the damage to your property, and then you need to wait even longer before the insurance company approves your claim. During this time, emergency services prevent further, or secondary, damage. The clean-up team may use temporary tarps and boards to prevent wind and water from carrying more debris into the area. Emergency services also often include securing your property to prevent trespassers from carrying away your property or causing more harm.

3. Full-Service Restoration

There are many different actions that restoration professionals take to ensure lasting, comprehensive results:

• Attention to the roof
  
• Removal of debris
  
• Thorough drying services
  
• Disinfection and thorough cleaning of belongings within the property
  
• Transportation and storage of belongings
  
• Repairs rather than replacements to keep costs down
  
• Reconstruction to all parts of the commercial property that were damaged
  

When you know all of the work that is involved in getting your property back to its previous condition, it’s easier to understand why the estimate from a reliable agency may be higher than the estimate from a lesser-known agency.

A Quick Estimate Is Required for Success

You don’t have much time after a fire occurs on your property to prevent secondary damage. It’s crucial that you contact your insurance provider and a cleanup and restoration company as soon as possible. The good news is that your insurance agent may recommend professionals with a tried-and-true history of success.

Once you receive your fire estimate, you can move forward with your damage claim and the needed repairs. You can then work with professionals from your insurance and your reconstruction crews to get the results you want in a timely manner.