Category: Resources

Categories
Resources

Water Damage Restoration-Completing the Restoration

Step 3-Complete the Restoration

Our rē:network partners will complete the required water damage repair and restoration. This may be a long process depending on the extent of the damage, but a quality restoration company will give you an estimate for the length of the project. If a project exceeds the estimate, you will be informed of the change and the cause for delay so that you can make appropriate arrangements. Again, a qualified restoration team will keep you fully informed throughout the process, limiting the disruption to your life and the time required to get back to normal.

Dealing with water damage in your home can seem overwhelming and the idea that you might lose your home or belongings can be devastating. However, if you hire an experienced, reputable restoration company to complete the water damage repairs, you will increase both the amount of your possessions.

 

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Fire-Home Inventory

Create a Home Inventory:

A home inventory provides an account of what you own and it’s value to determine the right amount of insurance coverage. In the event of damage, you will be able to provide the insurance company a list of what has been lost.

Making a home inventory can be as simple as writing or typing up a list of the contents of your home.  Everything including: furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, appliances and even silverware  should all be documented.

Photo or video documentation of your items can be of great value.

Important note: Your inventory should be kept somewhere other than in your home. Keep copies in several locations such as: safe deposit box, office and with a friend/family member.Online inventories are a great option that would be accessible at anytime no matter what condition your home is in. There are quite a few computer programs and apps available as well. See below for some great resources available to help you make a home inventory.

Many of our ReNetwork partners can help you create a home inventory and will be happy to help you with this important step.

Online resources:

Many insurance  carriers have forms and resources available for you to use.

Other resources:

http://www.rmiia.org/downloads/Home_Inventory_list.doc

http://www.homezada.com

Apple:

  • Home Inventory by Binary Formations
  • Tap Forms Organizer and Secure Database by Tap Zapp Software Inc.
  • Itemizer by Digital2Analog Software Inc.

Android:

  • Home Inventory Organizer – SmartWare Inc
  • MyHome Pro: Home Inventory – Access Lane, Inc.

Apps for Apple and Android:

  • Encircle: Home Inventory: This one has a great feature where you take a picture of a room and then label each item in the room
  • III (Insurance Information Institute) Inventory – Know Your Stuff https://www.knowyourstuff.org

For more information about a home inventory please visit  http://www.mrrestore.com/taking-inventory-how-to-complete-a-home-inventory-and-why-you-need-one/

 

Photo credit: Sean Ryan, The Flint Journal

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Storm-Home Inventory

Create a Home Inventory:

A home inventory provides an account of what you own and it’s value to determine the right amount of insurance coverage. In the event of damage, you will be able to provide the insurance company a list of what has been lost.

Making a home inventory can be as simple as writing or typing up a list of the contents of your home.  Everything including: furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, appliances and even silverware  should all be documented.

Photo or video documentation of your items can be of great value.

Important note: Your inventory should be kept somewhere other than in your home. Keep copies in several locations such as: safe deposit box, office and with a friend/family member.Online inventories are a great option that would be accessible at anytime no matter what condition your home is in. There are quite a few computer programs and apps available as well. See below for some great resources available to help you make a home inventory.

Our rē:network  partners can help you create a home inventory and will be happy to help you with this important step.

Online resources:

Many insurance  carriers have forms and resources available for you to use.

Other resources:

http://www.rmiia.org/downloads/Home_Inventory_list.doc

http://www.homezada.com

Apple:

  • Home Inventory by Binary Formations
  • Tap Forms Organizer and Secure Database by Tap Zapp Software Inc.
  • Itemizer by Digital2Analog Software Inc.

Android:

  • Home Inventory Organizer – SmartWare Inc
  • MyHome Pro: Home Inventory – Access Lane, Inc.

Apps for Apple and Android:

  • Encircle: Home Inventory: This one has a great feature where you take a picture of a room and then label each item in the room
  • III (Insurance Information Institute) Inventory – Know Your Stuff https://www.knowyourstuff.org

For more information about a home inventory please visit  http://www.mrrestore.com/taking-inventory-how-to-complete-a-home-inventory-and-why-you-need-one/

 

Photo credit: Sean Ryan, The Flint Journal

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Water Damage Event-Home Inventory

Create a Home Inventory:

A home inventory provides an account of what you own and it’s value to determine the right amount of insurance coverage. In the event of damage, you will be able to provide the insurance company a list of what has been lost.

Making a home inventory can be as simple as writing or typing up a list of the contents of your home.  Everything including: furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry,  appliances and even silverware  should all be documented.

Photo or video documentation of your items can be of great value.

Important note: Your inventory should be kept somewhere other than in your home. Keep copies in several locations such as: safe deposit box, office and with a friend/family member.Online inventories are a great option that would be accessible at anytime no matter what condition your home is in. There are quite a few computer programs and apps available as well. See below for some great resources available to help you make a home inventory.

Many of our ReNetwork partners can help you create a home inventory and will be happy to help you with this important step.

Online resources:

Many insurance  carriers have forms and resources available for you to use.

Other resources:

http://www.rmiia.org/downloads/Home_Inventory_list.doc

http://www.homezada.com

Apple:

  • Home Inventory by Binary Formations
  • Tap Forms Organizer and Secure Database by Tap Zapp Software Inc.
  • Itemizer by Digital2Analog Software Inc.

Android:

  • Home Inventory Organizer – SmartWare Inc
  • MyHome Pro: Home Inventory – Access Lane, Inc.

Apps for Apple and Android:

  • Encircle: Home Inventory: This one has a great feature where you take a picture of a room and then label each item in the room
  • III (Insurance Information Institute) Inventory – Know Your Stuff https://www.knowyourstuff.org

For more information about a home inventory please visit  http://www.mrrestore.com/taking-inventory-how-to-complete-a-home-inventory-and-why-you-need-one/

 

Photo credit: Sean Ryan, The Flint Journal

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Storm-Pay Attention

 

Pay Attention-The first and best defense in the event of severe weather is awareness.  There are many options for staying up to date on developing weather situations. If flooding threatens, follow weather and news reports so you know how much danger you’re facing. Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.

  • http://www.weather.gov — you can access forecasts and warnings by simply typing in your zip code. Click on the Weather Safety tab to find a collection of resources from the National Weather Service.
  • NOAA Weather Radio — All warnings and watches are issued by the National Weather Service and you can have immediate access for as little as $20.
  • You can program the radio to alert you for your county and the adjacent counties for a bit more lead time on weather headed your way.
  • Local Alerts — Many local TV and radio stations now provide alerts on social media.

There are more tips for identifying your storm and flood risk and preparing for floods at:

http://www.disastersafety.org/disastersafety/national-flood-safety-awareness-week/

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/what_causes_flooding.jsp

 

Photo Credit: WallPress

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Storm-Create a Plan and Prepare

Create a Plan– Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and create a personal plan for your family. Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated. Also establish a contact point to communicate with concerned relatives.

If you have questions about how to prepare your home contact one of our rē:network partners.

Prepare your house by clearing debris from gutters and spouts, raise electrical components 12 inches above the projected flood level, place your furnace, water heater, and washer and dryer on cement blocks 12 inches above the projected flood level and move furniture and other valuable items to a safe place.

 

 

 

Categories
Resources Timeline

Before a Storm-Emergency Kit

Create a disaster kit which may include:

Water, non-perishable food, battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit,whistle, moist towelettes,wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, cell phone with chargers

Infant formula and diapers

Home Inventory list-Important documents (insurance policies, certificates and bank records etc.) in a waterproof container

Cash or traveler’s checks

Warm blanket

Change of clothing/shoes

 

Photo Credit: WallPress

Categories
Resources Timeline

After a Fire (5 months)

 

At this point everything looks like you are in the home stretch and you are getting ready to get back to normal. However, at some level it seems like you are never going to get back into your home and certainly nothing is moving fast enough.

The drywall is most likely installed, doors and trim are being replaced, painter has started on the project and close to completion.The restoration company has cabinets ready to be installed, plumbing fixtures are being completed, light switches and covers are installed and flooring is scheduled.

 

Categories
Resources Timeline

After a Fire (4 months)

 

At this point the demo has been completed, the structure is clean and the rebuild process by the restoration company is underway.

Permit inspections have been completed and approved. Maybe the damaged framing or roof decking has been replaced and the plumbing and electrical are likely in place.The HVAC system has been addressed, framing has probably been sealed and drywall is ready to go back into the home.

Depending on the scope of your claim it is possible that the project is at or near the 50% completion mark.

At this point it is time to have a mortgage company inspection completed for another payment on the claim. This process can take a few weeks so ideally the restoration company would like to get this ordered and have it completed at the exact time they are 50% complete to prevents any delays.The check would be cut on the next draw by the mortgage company and that also can take a few weeks. The goal is to keep the project moving with as little disruption as possible.

Categories
Resources Timeline

After a Fire (2 to 3 months)

The first check arrives from the mortgage company for the contractor and the restoration process is officially underway.

At this point the restoration company will get the appropriate permits pulled and finalize the demolition of anything else that will be required on the home.The structure cleaning for smoke and soot will be completed and the rest of the demolition will be completed at that time as well.

It is a good idea to have colors, cabinets, light fixtures and any other items selected. Having these items ready will help the process move along and not cause a delay in the restoration.