Fire Damage Process

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

CRBR is a locally owned company with over 60 years of experience with property damage services. We maintain a strong success record in the restoration industry as a full-service company. We are a general contractor and understand the process of rebuilding property due to fire damage. Whether it is an insurance claim or individual pay, CRBR has the time-tested methods to ensure your job stays within budget and is completed on schedule.

CRBR WORK AUTHORIZATION

CRBR is required to gain authorization to commence work from the Property Owner or designated Responsible Party. This authorization allows us to take action immediately and gives CRBR access to the property to mitigate any further damage. Any charges incurred during the emergency services phase will be clearly explained, documented, and included in the CRBR estimate. CRBR works closely with all types of insurance carriers on all charges associated with the job.

HOW WE PROCEED

Your input is critical: CRBR works with you to identify your needs and concerns before starting the restoration process. Rebuilding property is what we do and have done for over 60+ years. Understanding YOU and YOUR unique situation is crucial to both our success and end goal.

Securing the property: We work with City Officials & You to ensure the property is structurally sound and secure from potential hazards or intruders. Depending on the severity of the damage, the property may still be habitable, or the occupants may need off-site accommodations. In this initial phase, CRBR will also evaluate the property as to state/city/county codes for asbestos and lead before any demolition occurs.

Evaluation of damages: There are several aspects to this step in the process. Typically, CRBR will begin with debris that needs to be disposed of and hazardous areas that may need to be isolated. CRBR will assess the damage or potential damage of contents in the sections that have been affected. We will identify those items that can be restored vs. discarded carefully. We will give you a summary of our findings using our iCat bar code software. This software helps us streamline the restoration process by keeping track of all contents from pack-out to pack-back. Using iCat also allows adjusters to evaluate items we’ve deemed cleanable or non-cleanable without having to visit the property. We offer customers access to the list of cleanable items if they need to retrieve something. Items are either stored securely on-site or in our warehouse.

The extent of cleaning: We will review the extent of the smoke and soot damage. CRBR will proactively work through this process with the property owner to ensure the proper course of action per industry standards. Your insurance carrier will be very involved in the approval of estimates and any additional work scope that may need to be submitted.
Specialized procedures: Materials such as asbestos, lead, mold, or certain drywall types require unique protocols. CRBR will notify the involved parties to determine an appropriate course of action if these types of materials are discovered or believe there is a likelihood that such hazards exist in the structure because of the home’s age or other signs.

Window cleaning: For smoke or soot damage, windows will be cleaned on the inside. The approved scope of work and estimate may include the exterior.
Metal polishing: Metal such as silver and brass will be cleaned and buffed only. Polishing will be done if CRBR is authorized by both the Property Owner and the Insurance Adjuster.

Floor finishing: Hard surface floors will typically be only mopped. Stripping, sealing, and refinishing will be done only if CRBR is authorized by both the Property Owner and the Insurance Adjuster.

Clean/Prep-for-Paint: Wall and ceiling surfaces that are heavily damaged by smoked/soot will be cleaned entirely first, so that sealer paint will adhere. As the Property Owner, you request any non-covered services from CRBR, they can be billed as an upgrade, and payment to CRBR is the Property Owner’s responsibility.

Deodorizing: CRBR will perform these services within industry standards to remove all odor sources, clean, and seal.

Clothing: Your insurance company might encourage you to clean any affected clothing in your home vs. replacement. CRBR cleans & deodorizes in-house, but we can also facilitate large-scale clothing cleaning/deodorization using our Industry Partners.

Ductwork: If you have forced air heat, CRBR will inspect your system to determine if smoke has entered the ductwork. If so, we will recommend measures to remedy the situation.

Live Plants. CRBR recommends removing live plants from the affected property, as we do not take responsibility for these items.

PERSONAL ITEMS

In our cleaning services, we will sometimes be required to open doors, cupboards, etc., to qualify and restore the damage. If the area(s) contain sensitive items, finical information, or private sentimental belongings, please remove the items before we start work.

• Guns and Ammunition: Our crews are instructed NEVER to touch guns or ammunition. For this reason, we request you remove any such items from the areas we are cleaning.
• Valuables: Jewelry, Heirlooms, Sterling Silver, Prescription Drugs, etc., should be removed from the areas before the job starts. Please list any unique heirlooms or collectibles that require delicate treatment due to their value. It is the Property’s Owner to make CRBR aware of these items.

OVERLOOKED ITEMS

Although our supervisors inspect all work, you should accompany the supervisor on the final walk-through and bring any overlooked Items or concerns to the supervisor’s attention.

INSURANCE ADJUSTERS & AGENTS

CRBR is neither an Insurance Agent nor Adjuster. We cannot authorize anything to be replaced, repaired, or painted. Our job is to preserve, protect and mitigate further damage from occurring. CRBR’s goal is to restore damaged items to their pre-loss condition. If you have any questions or concerns concerning your insurance policy, coverages, etc., please contact your local Agent.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All occupants and pets should stay away from the work areas to protect their health and safety during the work process. The Client’s and our employees’ health is our main priority. Material Safety Data Sheets for our products are available upon request.

TREATMENTS

Our process may include the application of EPA-registered disinfectants. Material Safety Data Sheets for our products are available upon request.

REFERENCES