Superior Restoration

Water Loss: Q&A

Your basement has water pouring in. The carpets are ruined, the walls are wet, and your pretty sure that your “priceless” collection of sticky note pads is ruined. What do you do? Well you call us. However there are some things that need to be done first. Follow this guide and trust us, we have the experience.

Q: Is it safe to turn off the water?

A: If the flooding is in the basement and eletrical outlets have been exposed and you cannot first make it to the electrical box to turn off the power without risking contact with the water: NO. Wait and call the professionals. Otherwise turn off the power to the affected area and turn off the water.

Q: Should I call a plumber?

A: We will ask this when you call. If the problem is a pipe or plumbing issue it’s your responsibility to fix it. We will not be able to help much when water can just come back in. Unless you really want to pay us twice. Which if you do that’s okay.

Q: What about my insurance?

A: Again, we ask this within the first five minutes of the call. Call your insurance company and find out your coverage. If you are file a claim right then and there and remember the adjuster and claim number. We’ll be asking for it so we can contact them. Generally speaking sump pump failures ad pipe breaks are covered (so long as it’s not due to neglect) but ground water is rarely covered. Invest in flood insurance, trust us.

A:If you do not have insurance coverage tell us. We will still be there. Promise.

Q:Wait, why do you need my insurance information?

A: If you have filed a claim and the insurance says they’ll pay for it we talk to the adjusters about payment, and any questions regarding the services performed. We do this on a daily basis and are on first name basis with many adjusters, but in order to help we do need to know.

Q: How much money is it?

A: I get asked this every day, and the answer is there is no way to tell over the phone. Every loss is different with different variables that make it unique. We have trained estimators that will come out and determine that. We use a nationally recognized program to which almost every insurance company swears by. We use industry standards and the suggested prices of the insurance companies.

Q: Well, maybe I just want an estimate, do you give those?

A: Yes. We can do estimates. However we do charge $175 plus tax for an estimate. We’ll come out, look at the problems and walk you through what we want to do and then come back to the office to work up an estimate. However fear not, if you choose us to do the work that money is rebated off the main bill

Q: Why aren’t they free?

A: Estimates take specially trained estimators, we are a small business and do not get in bidding wars. We have never offered free estimates, and in the current economic climate we simply can’t afford to.

Q: My insurance is going to cover it. What do I need to pay?

A: If you insurance is covering the loss you are still responsible for paying the deductible if that applies. Also it’s good to note that sometimes the insurance company sends the check for the work performed to the home owner if this happens it is your responsibility to pay us. Travelers Insurance does this quite frequently.

Q: So will you do a good job?

A: You better believe it. We have over two decades of experience in this field and know what we are doing. Everyone in the office can help, and if we don’t know something there is someone who does know.

Any other questions? Feel free to ask! We will happily answer any questions that come out way. Be it water, mold, fire, cleaning.