The property restoration process after a major disaster like water, fire, or storm can be quite complicated and challenging. It can be pretty hectic from when the disaster happens until the last drywall or roof sheet is nailed in.
That’s why experts advise against undertaking property restoration on your own, as it can mess up a lot of things if not done correctly.
The team at SERVPRO® of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co, a full-service property restoration company in Keller, has outlined the following steps for effective property restoration after a disaster:
1. Verify the stability of the property before entering it
A property restoration specialist will first confirm the stability of the building to ensure the structures are sturdy enough and won’t put the inhabitants in danger. They will carefully access and inspect various parts of the building, looking for signs of structural problems that compromise it.
If you have any doubts, you should wait until an inspector certifies that the place is secure before going inside.
2. Speak to your insurance company
If you have property insurance, then it will likely pay for the restoration. However, you must first inform your insurer about the disaster and gather evidence for your claim. Call your insurance company about the restoration.
Your insurance provider won’t be able to send an adjuster immediately to evaluate the damage, so you’ll need to take pictures or make a video before you proceed with the restoration.
3. Remove valuable items
The expert will typically remove any affected items from the damaged area. They’ll sort through the affected items and throw away those that can’t be restored. Belongings that can be restored will be taken outside or to another room, where they will be cleaned and dried.
Also, it’s essential to remove unaffected items like paintings so they aren’t damaged during the property restoration process.
4. Start property restoration
The restoration specialist will begin the property restoration once you get the go-ahead from your insurance company.
If the damage were caused by water, the first step would involve removing any standing water on the property. If it’s caused by fire, you’ll have to deal with the smoke and soot after the fire has been put out.
Property restoration professionals have specialized tools like industrial pumps that allow them to quickly remove any water on your property.
5. Dry up the property and belongings
After removing the standing water, the property restoration experts will dry up any remaining water soaked into the wall, floor, or other properties. They’ll use industrial dryers, dehumidifiers, and moisture sensors to find any hidden moisture and dry it to prevent further property damage.
They will also clean and dry affected belongings like your furniture, carpet, and documents.
6. Disinfect, sterilize, and deodorize
After drying, the experts will proceed to disinfect the affected areas to kill any bacteria and make them safer for you and others using the space. They’ll also sterilize the space to prevent mold growth and then deodorize it to eliminate the weird smell from water or fire damage.
7. Property damage remediation
The expert will put in place short-term fixes for any damage to your property. These temporary measures will help secure your property and stop further damage.
For example, if a storm damages your roof, they’ll cover it up with plywood to prevent the elements from getting in. Similarly, if your walls are damaged, they’ll board them up to stop thieves from getting into your property.
Get professional property restoration services in Keller, TX
Did you experience a water or fire disaster and need help restoring your property in Keller, Texas? SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co can help. They offer professional property restoration services to get your home or business back to its pre-loss state.
They have a team of trained and certified restoration specialists that can handle disasters of all sizes and in various settings. They’ll clean and remove standing water, soot, and smoke to make your property habitable again.
Contact SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co at (817) 595-2506 to speak to one of their restoration specialists.
