After a fire, flood, natural disaster, or other property-damaging event, it’s completely normal to feel anger, anxiety, despair, and overwhelming worry about how you’ll pay for repairs to your home or business.
While filing an insurance claim can help get the ball rolling and provide funds for restoration, many policies don’t cover every single aspect of needed restoration services.
PuroClean’s Paramedics of Property Damage™ have years of experience in assisting owners navigate through the process of rebuilding their lives with compassion and expertise. For Chicagoland residents facing such circumstances, it’s essential to understand the nuances of restoration and how to make every dollar count for your unique situation.
The Importance of Assessment and Planning
The first step on the road to recovery is thoroughly documenting the damage. Our expert team partners with the nation’s top insurance companies to provide our Certified Priority Response (CPR) Program, designed to reduce costs and increase client satisfaction.
We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation of your property to determine the extent of the damage and work with you to formulate an effective plan of action tailored to your specific needs. From structural integrity to water damage and mold growth, every aspect is meticulously examined to ensure no issue goes unnoticed.
Once the scope of the project has been established, it’s essential to consult with your insurance adjuster. Review your policy closely to maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. It’s up to you to ensure you’re fully compensated and receive everything you’re entitled to — and acting quickly is essential.
Insurance companies are driven by profit, not friendliness, and they reap billions of dollars per year by paying property owners less than they deserve. Working with a professional restoration team like PuroClean of Evanston helps ensure your claim is successful.
You may also consider hiring a licensed public insurance adjuster, but be prepared to negotiate their fee. Trained insurance professionals are also available to assist you for free at the Illinois Department of Insurance, which can be reached toll-free at (866) 445-5364.
Smart Prioritization
When faced with a tidal wave of restoration expenses, it’s necessary to prioritize needs over wants. While it’s natural to desire a full-scale renovation, performing essential repairs first helps manage costs effectively. We can provide detailed estimates, suggest strategies to allocate your budget wisely, and help you make informed decisions based on your priorities.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends focusing on safety first. People are more important than property, so it’s crucial to ensure the home or structure is habitable. If it isn’t, you may be able to apply for funding for temporary housing, workspace, and other expenses through FEMA, the US Small Business Administration, the Red Cross, the USDA, or your insurance carrier.
If you need additional financial resources to cover restoration costs, a home equity line of credit could be a lifesaver. Many experts recommend annually setting aside 1%-4% of your home’s value to pay for repairs and maintenance, but not every property owner is in a position to do so.
Home systems like plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and electrical should be at the top of your to-do list. Hygiene, sanitation, and comfort are key. Restoring utilities and having access to clean potable water and a safe place to rest can go a long way to alleviating the stress and uncertainty of dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.
This could be a good opportunity to increase the value of your home by finishing your basement, opening up your floor plan, or enhancing your curb appeal. Many repair projects have a high ROI, such as updating bathrooms and kitchens.
Our Forward-Thinking Approach
During the process of property restoration, contractors present numerous material choices across a spectrum of quality and pricing. Consider longevity — higher grades will last considerably longer, warranting slightly higher upfront costs.
If your carpets were destroyed by flooding, you could rebuild with more water-resistant flooring such as ceramic tile. Prevent future mold infestations with innovative building materials like mold-resistant drywall, paint treated with an EPA-registered fungicide, and waterproof concrete.
Many unscrupulous contractors and other scammers prey on vulnerable home and business owners after traumatic events. Always do your research, read reviews, check references and licensing, never sign a blank contract, and be suspicious of anyone who asks for payment via wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash only.
You can depend on the PuroClean of Evanston team to guide you through the complexities of bringing your property back to life. We specialize in providing comprehensive support paired with the latest technology to make your experience as painless as possible.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions and help you take the first step on the journey back to safety and security. Don’t hesitate to reach out — contact us today!