DISCUSSING WATER DAMAGE, MOLD & MORE
Just recently, Matt Adlesperger, Owner of Water Extraction Experts was featured in a local Real Estate Magazine to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Water Damage, Mold and More! Here are the questions and Matt’s knowledgeable responses/advice.
What is the proper procedure for water damage? Contact a professional restoration company to diagnose the proper scope of work, and discover any hidden damage in ceilings, walls, under flooring, or behind cabinets. They will develop a proper plan for structural dry-out and repairs to restore your home or business efficiently and effectively. Specialized equipment such as commercial air movers, dehumidifiers, air scrubbing machines, wall injection units, heated drying units, and specialized applications work in tandem to keep the home and occupant safe during the restoration process.
When mold is discovered, what is the proper course of action? Contact an environmental hygienist to test the area by swab or air sample to determine if it is an elevated issue that could cause health risks. You can also contact a professional remediation contractor to provide the steps to contain the affected area, remove the materials properly, go through proper cleaning protocols, etc. Mold spores can live inside and behind many porous surfaces such as flooring, drywall, cabinetry, wood shelving, insulation, and paneling. We have obtained certification through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a standard in the industry, for the removal and replacement of these materials. Beware of those who do not follow the professional remediation protocols and procedures, including fogging a home without mold removal and cleaning. Be cautious of remediation contractors who perform the remediation work (doing their own testing for mold before remediation and performing their own clearance testing), and contractors who assume that an entire home needs treatment for an isolated occurrence of mold.
Is it safe for the homeowner to be present during mold remediation? Yes. In most cases, the work area will be contained and sealed from the unaffected areas. During the process, the air quality will be controlled with HEPA air filters, making the environment safer and cleaner. In some cases, kitchens or utility closets need to be remediated. Homeowners might want to find alternate living arrangements to avoid the inconvenience of the lack of a functioning kitchen or water heater.
What should real estate agents avoid doing if they discover mold or water? Don’t put any air movement on the direct area. While most people want to dry out the area immediately, direct air movement will disturb the mold spores and make them airborne. Also, avoid cleaning the area with chemicals, which will discolor the mold and not kill the spore. It will also make it harder for a professional remediation contractor to determine contamination and the scope of work. Leave the area in the condition you found it. Call a restoration contractor and schedule an inspection right away.
Should mold or water damage derail a closing? Generally not, as long as it is caught early during inspections. The more time a restoration contractor has to provide an inspection, estimate, and perform remediation, the better. With proper communication, expectations and timelines can be properly set, and work performed in a timely manner.
How do you work with insurance? Documentation! Choose a contractor with experience working with insurance companies, providing very detailed bids, cost reports, and many photos of the process. The more documentation, the better. Water damage is covered in most homeowners’ policies. Mold will depend on the insurance company and their coverage.
Describe the health hazards of mold. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms. Others can have allergic reactions, severe headaches, respiratory issues, or issues with their organs.
How long have you been working in the mold and water remediation industry? I have been in the restoration industry for ten years. Our family business operates here in Albuquerque and surrounding areas, as well as in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Southern Wyoming.
How many properties have you treated? We have positively impacted over 2,400 clients, helping them restore their properties while setting the standard of exceptional customer service in our industry.
How do you cater to Top Producers? When they call, we react immediately. We have provided inspections and estimates the same day, started work the next day, and met very tight closing schedules. (Just don’t ask us to do that
every time!)
If you have more questions, we are happy to help in any way we can.
We are the Experts that Care.
505-250-6500