Disaster Restoration Myths Every Homeowner Needs To Know

Disaster restoration can be overwhelming and stressful, so it’s important to have accurate information.

Without accurate information, homeowners may be at risk of being taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors or making costly mistakes during the restoration process.

But first, what is disaster restoration?

Disaster restoration is the process of returning a property to its pre-loss condition after a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. This can include cleaning up and repairing damage from water, fire, or storms, as well as addressing mold or other hazardous conditions.

It’s not quite as straightforward as it seems, which is why we’ll be debunking some common myths surrounding disaster restoration. By fully understanding the disaster restoration process, homeowners can be better prepared to handle the restoration process and make informed decisions about their property.

Disaster Restoration Myth #1: Insurance Covers All Restoration Costs

One of the biggest misconceptions about homeowners insurance is that it covers all restoration costs after a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. While it’s true that homeowners insurance can provide financial assistance in the aftermath of a disaster, it’s crucial that you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

Many homeowners are surprised to find that certain types of damage, such as flood damage or damage caused by earthquakes, may not be covered under their standard homeowners insurance policy.

Additionally, even if a certain type of damage is covered, there may be limits on the amount of financial assistance provided.

It’s crucial to understand the specifics of your homeowners insurance policy before a disaster occurs, so you know what to expect in terms of coverage when a disaster strikes.

This can help you make informed decisions about your property and ensure that you have the financial resources you need to properly restore your home.

Disaster Restoration Myth #2: Home Restoration Companies Take Advantage of Homeowners During a Crisis

After a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, homeowners may be feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to move forward. It’s during this time that some unscrupulous home restoration companies or contractors may try to take advantage of homeowners, promising fast and cheap services.

However, it’s important to remember that not all restoration companies are the same. There are many reputable companies out there that are committed to ethical practices and delivering high-quality services to their customers. These companies understand that disaster restoration is an emotional and stressful experience for homeowners, and they strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

So how can you tell the difference between a reputable restoration company and one that’s looking to take advantage of you?

• Look for a Restoration Company With Experience. A restoration company that has been in business for a long time and has experience in the type of disaster you’ve experienced is more likely to have the knowledge and resources to effectively restore your home.
• Read Reviews. Look for a company with a track record of satisfied customers. Make sure the reviews are both recent and go back a number of years. It’s also important to check how the company responds to negative reviews.
• Ask for References. A reputable company should be happy to provide you with a list of references from previous customers.
• Get Estimates from Multiple Restoration Companies. This will give you a sense of the range of prices and services offered and can help you make an informed decision.

By following these tips, you can find a restoration company you trust, one that will give you peace of mind during a stressful time.

Disaster Restoration Myth #3: All Restoration Companies Offer the Same Services

Restoration companies and contractors are not the same, and not every restoration company is equal either.

A company that specializes in water damage restoration may not have the equipment or expertise to handle a fire damage restoration project, and a company that primarily focuses on mold remediation may not be fully equipped to handle the cleanup and repairs after a flood.

It’s important to find a company that has ample experience in the specific type of disaster you’ve experienced, as they will have the necessary equipment and knowledge to properly restore your home.

Some common types of disaster restoration services include:

• Water damage restoration: This includes cleaning up and repairing damage caused by water, such as from a flood, roof leak, or plumbing issue. They should also understand how to tarp a roof if the water damage is from a roof issue.
• Mold remediation: This involves identifying and removing mold from a home, as well as addressing the underlying issues that caused the mold to grow in the first place.
• Fire damage restoration: This involves cleaning up and repairing damage caused by a fire, including smoke and soot damage. There are also some fire damage do’s and dont’s to take note of.

By choosing a company with experience in the specific type of disaster you’ve experienced, you can feel confident that your home will be properly restored and safe to live in once again.

Disaster Restoration Myth #4: It’s Not Necessary to Document Damage Before Beginning Restoration

You should always document damages to your home before contacting your insurance company or a restoration company.

Take photos and copious notes so you have evidence of the damage and so your insurance company can make an accurate assessment of the damage and determine your compensation.

These photos will also help your restoration company know what they’re dealing with and if anything has gotten worse in the time it’s taken for them to begin work.

There are also some repairs you’ll need to do yourself to prevent further damage before restoration can begin.

Disaster Restoration Myth #5: It’s Best to Wait Until Everything Is Dry to Start Restoration

Waiting to start restoration can actually cause more harm than good.

One of the dangers of waiting to start restoration is the risk of mold growth. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of a water damage event, and it can be difficult and costly to remove once it takes hold, not to mention hazardous to your health.

By starting the restoration process as soon as possible, you can minimize the risk of mold growth and save yourself time and money in the long run.

Waiting to start restoration can also cause further damage to your home. Water and other elements can continue to cause damage long after the initial disaster, so it’s important to address the damage as quickly as possible in order to minimize further damage.

Overall, it’s best to start the restoration process as soon as possible after a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. By taking swift action, you can minimize the risk of mold growth and further damage, and get your home back to its pre-loss condition more quickly.

Restore Your Home With Axel Works

It’s important to be aware of the common myths surrounding disaster restoration, so that you can be better prepared for the restoration process at your home.

Ultimately, the key to a successful disaster restoration process is finding a reliable and experienced home restoration company.

Here in Orlando, Axel Worksis the local disaster recovery expert. We handle full restoration, emergency services, and remodeling projects after water damage, fire damage, natural disasters, and more. We’re also an approved vendor for the top insurance companies.

Call us anytime and we’ll get you back in your home before you know it.