Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage & Fire Damage Restoration

Do I need to get multiple estimates from different restoration companies?

No. Insurance carriers, adjusters, and restoration professionals use a third party pricing system, called Xactimate, to determine industry standard rates for restoration. Since all parties agree to the pricing of Xactimate, the difference in calculated restoration estimates are items or steps being included or excluded within the system. The pricing should be close to or equal, allowing homeowners to pick the best restoration expert, not the cheapest.

How quickly can you be to my property?

Once you’ve contacted us about your emergency or restoration project, one of our IICR certified technicians will be dispatched to your location promptly to assess the situation and provide additional information.

Do I have to wait for adjuster to come out before I call you out?

Absolutely not. Responding in a timely manner is critical in restoration. Having a professional onsite quickly will help minimize costs and further damages. We are the experts in our industry, and most insurance providers trust our knowledge and expertise to do the proper mitigation before they arrive. We will make every effort to ensure we are not completing work that is outside the scope of your insurance coverage.

Do you need my claim number before beginning work?

We do not need the claim number to begin restoration services. We will need the claim number before the job is complete in order to bill your insurance company. Once you receive it, please contact our office.

Do I need to move out of my property during the restoration process?

If you file an insurance claim, we recommend discussing relocation with your insurance adjuster. Here are some things to consider as you determine what’s best for you; safety concerns, odors, electricity, and noise from equipment.

Noise is the number one complaint we receive from property owners that stay on site during restoration. Air movers and dehumidifiers will create a lot of noise and make your property drafty for the days they are onsite. It is crucial to the restoration process that equipment remains on. If the noise is disruptive, you may want to consider relocating during the restoration process.

How long will the restoration process take?

WATER DAMAGE: Drying time for water restoration is determined by a number of factors that include location, duration and source of water, types of building materials, weather conditions, and how quickly emergency services begin. Through consistent monitoring and evaluation of the drying process, we can determine when the drying is complete. Your carpet may feel dry to the touch, but the padding and sub-flooring beneath may still be wet. While your specific case will need to be considered, we can tell you, on average, it may take between three to five days or more, depending on conditions.

FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE: There are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration making it difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration of your home or business will take. Our technicians will review the scope and expected schedule of events with you once the initial inspection has been completed.

Does someone monitor the equipment?

Our technicians will monitor equipment to ensure the best results in the shortest amount of time. It is important to the drying process that the equipment remain on at all times in the specific location placed by the technicians. Please notify our office immediately if there is an interruption in power or if the equipment turns off.

Do I have to be at my property every time a technician is there?

If you prefer to be there, we will happily work around your schedule. If you prefer not to be there or cannot be there, we can provide your property with one of our secure lock boxes for a spare key. We will need you to be on location for the initial visit to sign paperwork, receive information about the project, and have the opportunity to ask questions. We completely understand that this is not always possible and are available to work with you to make sure that all these items are handled remotely.

Does everything need to be moved out during restoration?

Not typically. If items need to be moved, we will let you know in advance and our team we will not only work with you and your insurance adjuster to determine the specifics, but also assist in moving.

Do I need to keep track of things I throw away?

We recommend you make a list of non-restorable items (including food items). Be sure to label what item was, the quantity, the year of purchase, and the cost or approximate cost. Ask your adjuster if they have a certain form they would like you to use and be sure to make a copy for yourself and your adjuster. We are available to assist you throughout the process.

The mitigation is complete; my property is all torn up, now what?

First Choice Restoration is also a restoration contractor. We will be the ones to put everything back together and if there are any areas in which we can’t assist, we have a network of qualified contractors that can ensure the project is done right, the first time.

Need help? No problem! Just contact us and we will be in touch ASAP!