Who to Hire After a Business Fire

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

After your building has been affected by fire, there will be a lot of fire and smoke damage, as well as water damage from the firefighters' work. At this point, you'll have many decisions to make. Naturally, you'll want to turn to some experts whose advice is relevant to your situation.

• Your insurance company should be one of the first calls you make. The company will probably send a professional, such as an insurance adjuster, to assess damages and provide you with coverage information.
• Contact a fire damage restoration company. The sooner these professionals can begin correcting the damage to your business, the better off you'll be.
• You'll naturally want to check in with employees, vendors, and customers to let them know what your plans are during the reconstruction period.

Sometimes, business owners consider hiring multiple agencies to handle their cleaning and restoration work. For example, they may plan to hire a water or fire mitigation company to contain the fire damage and then hire a restoration company to complete repairs. Should you hire two sets of professionals?

Mitigation vs. Restoration

As you decide how to proceed, you should understand that mitigation companies focus on preventing further losses. They may board up windows, take steps to control mold, and work on removing any remaining water. However, they don't repair damaged property and they don't treat lasting effects, such as mold.

Restoration companies may or may not be able to handle mitigation. Their focus would then turn to necessary repairs and rebuilding. They'll replace structures that have been damaged beyond saving and put an end to mold growth and smoke damages.

Which Is Best for You?

Ask your insurance adjuster whether you have coverage for both services; some do. However, many in Johnson City, TN don't. Also, you may find that choosing a company that can handle both types of work resulting from fire damage is a more efficient way to restore your building and get back to business. Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on fire damage.