The restoration process is complex to navigate, especially for first-time property owners responding to a natural disaster and building damage. Home and business owners must be prepared for the many moving parts and overwhelm of the restoration process. From insurers and third-party administrators to businesses and restoration subcontractors, there are many organizations at play to successfully restore a property. In a process which demands shifting deadlines and a flexible pace to accommodate collaborative efforts between industry experts, property owners should prepare to think cooperatively and stay informed.
Restoration companies, insurance providers and other groups vital to reconstruction successfully move projects forward by adopting a cooperative mindset to reach the best possible project outcome. A well-run restoration job moves the work forward while accounting for the needs and concerns of all parties involved, including the property owner.
The team at BluSky Restoration Contractors—an award-winning mitigation and restoration company based in Centennial, CO—fully endorses a collaborative approach to their work. “In my humble opinion,” Mike Erekson, a performance driven COO at BluSky Restoration Contractors said, “everyone involved in the mitigation and restoration process should work together and bring their unique skillsets to the group. In order to ensure a smooth process from start to finish, insurance companies, restoration subcontractors, contractors, and all other parties must bring their best to the table. When a client or partner is unwilling to work with the team, the project struggles to meet deadlines, budgets and successful completion.”
There are five major steps in the restoration process, each of which requires a different team member or company to step in with expertise. Being familiar with each step positions a property owner to actively and informedly participate. With an understanding of the restoration workflow and project benchmarks, you’ll come prepared to think cooperatively and collaborate.
- Begin by immediately filing a claim with your insurance company. Report the damage with pictures, evidence and other tangible documentation. Your insurance company will work alongside you to quickly generate a quote and source an adjuster.
- Start cleaning, drying or clearing out your property before your insurance adjuster is assigned, unless otherwise advised by the insurance provider. By getting a head start, you reduce downtime and further damage to the building.
- Get connected with a reputable restoration company in your area. This may be at the behest of your insurance company, or you may choose to find one on your own. It is important to find a professional agency as soon as possible.
- Start looking for ways to safely store your items. This could be in a separate (undamaged) area of your building, in a self-storage unit or in a PODS container. Be sure to talk to your restoration contractor about their recommendations for your home, property and inventory.
- As your project nears its completion, do what you can to monitor the work that is being done, checking in based on the established workplan you were given at the start of the project. Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively to reduce obstacles. Your ongoing cooperation will help the insurance provider and contractor complete work in a timely manner.
In all phases of the restoration process, two primary tenets of performance should be evident—professionalism and teamwork. In this context, professionalism refers to the ability to provide quality customer services in even the most stressful situation. Teamwork is the art of balancing multiple vendors, industries and situations with polite decorum and white-glove service. These values are necessary to a productive and positive restoration experience, particularly for facility owners experiencing a property’s loss revenue. Creating a professional and cooperative environment facilitates a streamlined restoration process and mitigates undue stress in an already stressful situation. Hiring companies who don’t espouse these core values creates roadblocks to a well-executed restoration project.
Leverage your industry understanding to locate the best restoration subcontractor for your needs. Before initiating the hiring process, keep these evaluation tips in mind:
- If possible, identify a high-quality restoration subcontractor before any emergencies or disasters befall your property.
- Look for local companies that have excellent word-of-mouth referrals and high-ranking online reviews.
- Check that the company has been IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification) certified.
- Carefully read through and understand the company’s contract. If you have any questions reach out for clarification before signing. Understand the scope of the restoration company’s work. If your questions remain unanswered, consider finding a different restoration and remediation group.
- Following the event of a major loss, know exactly what your insurance company expects to move the project forward. Refer to your claims adjuster with any questions, and get all answers in writing.
Thinking cooperatively during a restoration event is key to navigating a post-disaster project. While your insurance company may have the final choice, choosing the best restoration and reconstruction provider is paramount to a job well done. Response time is often critical in restoration, salvage and recovery of your business and property. Your insurance provider, third-party administrator, BluSky restoration subcontractor and other team members should be working together to move your project forward with professionalism, teamwork and collaboration.
