What’s The Difference Between A Property Damage Restoration Company and A Regular Contractor
Many people wonder what the difference is between a property damage restoration company, like CONSTRUCTEAM, and a standard contractor. We both perform construction services, so what’s the difference? What is it that property damage restoration companies do that contractors do not?
*Please note that while CONSTRUCTEAM is a property damage restoration service, we are also a remodeling contractor, offering full renovation, reconstruction, and remodeling services for homes and businesses.
Emergency Services
Property damage restoration companies are usually available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, whereas contractors usually stick closer to regular business hours and scheduled appointments. CONSTRUCTEAM is available 24/7 to respond if your home or business is affected by water damage, basement flooding, a fire, or other types of sudden and/or accidental damage.
Mitigation Services
Property damage restoration companies offer mitigation services, such as:
- Board Ups
- Roof Tarps
- Water Extraction
- Sewage Removal
- Specialized Drying
- Specified Demolition (Removal of overly affected materials)
- Deodorization
- Decontamination
- Smoke Residue Removal
- Fallen Tree Removal
- Mold Remediation
Contractors may be able to perform some of these services, but property damage restoration companies specialize in these services, and deal with these types of projects every day. They will also have the equipment on-hand, rather than having to rent it as needed.
Xactimate Scope of Work (Estimate) Preparation
Contractors have a variety of ways of preparing their estimates. Some jot down measurements on a legal pad and come up with numbers that way, while others have invested into newer computer software to help them prepare accurate estimates.
Property damage restoration companies almost all utilize Xactimate, which is the standard estimating software for the restoration industry. It’s used by almost every contractor, adjuster, and insurance company, and it’s so ingrained into the industry that using something else would be like trying to bring a hockey stick to a baseball game.
Property damage restoration companies like CONSTRUCTEAM don’t even actually determine the cost of the work they perform. All of the pricing is automatically updated each month by Xactware (maker of Xactimate), so that all restoration contractors, adjusters, and other involved parties are using the exact same pricing on every project.
Restoration companies prepare a “Scope of Work”, which is an itemized list of all of the work that would need to be performed at your home or business. This scope of work is so detailed that it can easily end up being dozens or even hundreds of pages in length, with each room or area in your property having a detailed list of every single item of work associated with it.
Claim Documentation
Property damage restoration companies are also experienced in compiling the proper photos, paperwork, and other documentation insurance companies require to move your claim forward. Moisture maps, humidity readings, content inventories – these are the types of things we’ll prepare to ensure your insurance adjuster and insurance company have everything they need.
Summary
As you can see, a regular contractor might be able to perform restoration work at your home or business, but there’s a lot more that goes into fixing your property than simply swinging a hammer. If you experience water damage, fire damage, or storm damage at your home or business, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced, certified, property damage restoration company like CONSTRUCTEAM to help fix your property.