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Fire and Smoke Restoration FAQ – Milwaukee, WI

RestorationMaster

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Can I clean the damage myself?

We understand that you want to have the damage restored as soon as possible; however, any “do-it-yourself” can actually worsen the damage if not first approved by your technician. Please keep in mind that we use advanced products in order to create complex chemical reactions in order to effectively restore the damage. However, there are steps you can take to prevent future fire damage in order to avoid additional time and money lost in the future.

How long will it take to complete the services?

There are many factors that contribute to the fire and smoke damage repair process. Therefore, it is difficult to determine exactly how long it will take. After inspecting the property, your technician will be able to provide you with an estimate for each service in addition to the total amount after they have been completed. You can also refer to our fire restoration checklist to get a better understanding of the services we provide to restore your property.

Are there any safety hazards I should be aware of?

RestorationMaster always puts the safety of its clients and technicians as our top priority. Upon arrival, the technician will inspect all areas of the property for safety hazards. They will be examined thoroughly and documented, providing both you and your insurance provider with a copy. These safety risks can include: electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, air quality, debris, etc. Any electrical appliances that have received fire damage will be unplugged, removed, and discarded properly. Any other items that are questionable will be separated from the property and examined by a professional. The power may also be turned off temporarily until it is inspected by a licensed electrician.

Am I allowed to turn on my A/C or heating unit?

It is highly suggested that both of these utilities remain off until they can be examined by a certified HVAC contractor.

What items should I keep in my possession?

  • Valuable paintings and jewelry
  • Pets
  • Personal Documents
  • Cash
  • Medications/Prescriptions
  • Gasoline Cans
  • Weapons/Ammunition
  • Flammables

How can I keep track of my personal items that need to be replaced?

RestorationMaster highly suggests that a list is created by either you or your insurance claims agent. This will contain the following:

  • Name of item
  • Quantity
  • Year purchased
  • Cost

Do I need to move out of my home during the restoration process?

Ultimately, this answer will depend on your personal preferences. However, you may want to consider a few factors before making the decision to temporarily relocate. These can include: electricity problems, odors, safety concern, noise from the equipment, and other inconveniences. You will also need to take care of the following services: suspending utility services, newspaper services, cable services, and forwarding your mail to your temporary address.

Will I have to hire other contractors?

The answer to this question will depend on the specific services that are needed for your property and where the damage has occurred. Keep in mind that the following services will require secondary contractors: flooring/carpet, installation of door, drywall/painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical, framing/finish carpentry, etc.

Do I have to move my belongings out of my house/building during the restoration process?

The answer to this question will also depend upon several factors, including the source, extent, and nature of the damage. We do also offer content cleaning and pack out services in which we can store your belongings in our climate-controlled facility until the restoration process on your property is finished. RestorationMaster Recovery Services will work with you and your insurance provider to determine which is the best solution for you if your items do need to be removed from the property.

Am I able to access my items while they are in your storage facility?

Yes. But we do require advance notice as you can schedule an appointment with your technician to access your belongings. There may also be a service fee that is applied.

What will happen to my specialty and fragile items?

A specialist will have these items inspected and restored carefully. We will work with you and your insurance provider to locate a qualified restorer.

Who is responsible for paying the service?

You as the owner of the property are ultimately responsible for the payment of the restoration services. As soon as the RestorationMaster technician arrives, he/she will present you with an authorization form for payment as well as permission to perform the service. If you have filed an insurance claim, we will only collect the deductible at the time of the service, billing the rest to your insurance company at your convenience. If the damage is considered a large loss, your mortgage loan provider as well as their signature may also be listed on the payment form. If an insurance claim was not made, the payment will be expected to be made in full upon completion of the services.

How can I learn more about what happened during the fire?

You can check out our page on understanding fire damage restoration for the complete answer to this question. In this page, the following topics are discussed: what happens during a fire, how your materials have been affected, and the quality of our fire cleanup services.