Do I need a certified restorer if I suffered from water, fire, smoke or mold damage?
 Yes, you do. However, it is crucial that you pick the right specialist for the right problem. If not, you will damage your home as well as your health.
You'll want to call someone who has specific training in how to properly clean up a house, furnishings, and possessions if your house suffers damage from a fire, flood, burst pipe, or water damage from wind and storm events. This means that you will need a certified restorer.
By providing specialized services to assure removal of mold and odors as well as repairing damage, certified restores specialize in repairing homes after sewage backflows, fire damage and water damage.
According to the National Institute of Disaster Restoration (NIDR), a member group of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoring (ASCR), certified restorers are able to handle varied losses to a vast variety of materials because of their continuously upgraded level of training.
Who are you going to call? Members of the NIDR usually stick to code of ethics and upgrade the latest technology in the industry. They will be able to provide expertise for restoration of valuable contents and structures.
Certifications to home restorers are issued by the ASCR, The Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration Certification. A minimum of three years experience with damage-restoration work is required for candidates. They should also have a good credit history, pass the criminal background check, have references and comments sent by other restorers.
Certified adjusters and insurance companies usually don't maintain formal relationships. As a matter of fact, they are prohibited from having any relationship in some states. Be your own advocate rather than relying on your insurance claims adjuster in requesting a certified restorer if your home suffers from significant damage.
You should also keep in mind that certified restorers are impartial in insurance claims. They aren't the property owner or an advocate for the insurance company. On the contrary, they provide you with their personal opinion about what work needs to be taken care of.
By contacting the IICRC or the ASCR, you will be able to find a certified restorer. ASCR's website and IICRC's web cite have online referral systems that will be able to assist you with finding certified restorers in a location near you.
Contact either the ASCR or the IICRC, and find out what certified restorer you need and where you will be able to find him |
