Frequently Asked Questions
What is IICRC and why is it important?
IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Formed nearly 40 years ago, it is a non-profit organization that establishes globally recognized standards for the cleaning and restoration industry, as well as providing certifications, journeyman and master designation, and education.
By choosing a firm with IICRC certified team members, you are assured the cleaning professionals have undergone rigorous training and will handle your disaster restoration with the highest standard of care.
Is water damage really that serious?
Water damage nearly always involves a biohazard component. Most people recognize this in circumstances involving mold or raw sewage but may not consider it in seemingly less ominous situations such as grey water damage. However, even in these cases, there are particulates present that can cause health issues and it’s imperative to don the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and ensure proper measures are taken to thoroughly sanitize the property. There can also be electrical hazards present, as well as the potential for mold growth or wet rot if the water is not cleaned up properly.
Why is it important to use a professional for disaster mitigation?
Unexpected property damage is stressful and can tax even well-prepared homeowners and businesses. Moreover, it is easy to underestimate the extent of the damage. While it might be feasible for some restoration work to be handled by the property owner, having a professional, specifically certified company to take care of unknowns, provide reputable service vendors for any specialty situations, and to interface with your insurance carrier when necessary can provide you with peace of mind during an upsetting event. The specialized pieces of equipment we use are not typical household items most customers have on hand: thermal cameras, moisture meters, thermo hygrometers, ozone and hydroxyl generators, etc. Our experience and knowledge allow us to customize the cleaning to your specific situation; for example, we can adjust the cleaning and deodorization routine on a smoke damage job based on the type of fire (grease/oil, electrical, standard combustible, etc.). Most importantly, we will do the work so you can do your life—that doesn’t stop just because disaster struck.
Is water damage always visible or can it be hidden? How do I know if I have a water problem?
Water leaks can be stealthy! Even if you don’t see the leak, you can look for signs. Water spots and mold are good indicators you have a water issue. Even when there are no visible clues, mold and mildew often have a pungent smell that can give away the presence of water damage.
HRS set up fans on my property; are they really necessary?
YES! While it may seem inconvenient to have the industrial fans running, these are integral to helping your property dry out faster. In addition to decreasing the drying time, they also help decrease the probability of mold growth.
My facility already has a maintenance team on staff; do I still need HRS’s services?
The short answer is, yes, unless you have a disaster restoration expert on staff. HRS provides specialized services specifically to manage disaster mitigation situations—your maintenance team may not have the equipment or expertise to handle these. We can collaborate with your team, utilizing our tools and techniques to minimize your business’s downtime and reduce the amount of damage that sets in before the restoration begins.
My company would like to set up a plan to use HRS for any “on-call” disaster restoration work that may come up. How would we arrange that?
How do I find out if my property contains asbestos?
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home or business, HRS will perform a careful inspection of your property to first identify which materials could potentially contain asbestos. Asbestos can be found in numerous construction materials, including concrete, asphalt, roof shingles, pipes, siding, wall board, floor tiles, joint compounds, adhesive, and insulation. We will take samples of the materials that may contain asbestos and send them to an NVLAP certified lab. If asbestos is present, we will develop an abatement plan to safely remove the asbestos from your property.
Does homeowner’s insurance pay for disaster mitigation services?
It depends on the individual insurance plan, but most times insurance will cover many of the services HRS provides. HRS will work with the insurance adjusters to help navigate the claim process.
My insurance company specifies a certain dollar amount for the type of claim I’m making; how do you work with that?
Most claims are well under insurance policy limits. We will work with your insurance adjuster to ensure they have the information to execute a detailed claim estimate that is inclusive of the full scope of loss caused by the damage. If an adjustment is necessary due to additional damages that are uncovered during the restoration process, we will coordinate this with your adjuster and provide the required documentation.
If a crime is committed on my property, who is responsible for the clean-up?
Unfortunately, when a crime occurs, it is normally the responsibility of the property owner to take care of the clean-up. This is the case for both private homes and commercial properties such as apartment complexes or businesses. Crimes can leave behind myriad wreckage, and when it’s a violent crime, biohazard contaminants such as bodily fluids are a consideration.
Can I decide to upgrade or remodel my property during the restoration process?
Seeing your home or business go through the restoration process may inspire you to undertake upgrades or additional renovations while your property is already under construction. As a licensed general contractor, HRS can help create your new space and guide you through the process.
How much do you charge for your services?
Each situation is unique and must be fully evaluated to determine a cost. We do offer competitive pricing and utilize the same software the insurance companies work with, making it easier for them to approve our quote.
Does HRS handle hazardous materials?
No, at this time we do not handle toxic chemical spills, radioactive materials, explosive/flammable materials, or meth lab clean-up.
HRS Restoration Services – Denver
When disaster strikes, HRS’s 24 hour restoration services are here for your emergency cleaning and professional restoration needs. In addition to water extraction and water damage restoration, HRS offers the following emergency restoration services:
Water Extraction & Water Damage Restoration
Discovering water damage in your home or business—whether from a flood, a dishwasher malfunction, or a sewer backup—can feel devastating. And it can be a serious problem if not dealt with properly. In addition to causing damage, water can also spread contaminants that may lead to disease. A quick response to water intrusion is imperative due to the invasive properties of moisture:
Mold Inspection, Testing, & Remediation
No homeowner or business owner wants to hear that they have mold. Mold spreads quickly and can cause severe respiratory problems, especially in infants, children, the elderly, and those with health issues. Depending on the extent of the mold, a property can even be declared uninhabitable due to the threat it poses to the health of the occupants.
Trauma/Bio
Trauma clean-up and bio-cleaning is not a subject people give much thought to until they need the service. When dealing with a crime scene at your home or business, or with the aftermath of a fatality, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. HRS professionals can help ease the burden of the situation by eliminating all trace of the death or incident. This includes removing unsafe items and substances such as blood, other bodily fluids, and filth, all of which can contain biological hazards.
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos is commonly found in older buildings, both residential and. It can be found in numerous construction materials, including concrete, asphalt, roof shingles, pipes, siding, wall board, floor tiles, joint compounds, adhesive, and insulation. The US banned the use of asbestos in the manufacturing of most materials in 1978, which is why we assume properties constructed before 1980 could have asbestos present.
Reconstruction & Restoration
Handling a home or commercial property’s disaster situation requires both mitigating the issue and rebuilding the affected areas of the property. Once the emergency has been taken care of—whether it’s water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, trauma clean-up/bio-cleaning, or asbestos abatement—the property will need to be restored. This could include structural repairs, drywall, plumbing, electrical, and/or landscape replacement … just to name a few. As a fully licensed general contractor, we can provide these services to homeowners as well as commercial properties. Our work ranges from basic repairs to complex, multi-faceted projects.
Commercial Restoration
Dealing with a disaster situation at a commercial property type requires an additional skill set. Unlike a residence, commercial buildings have employees and, often, patrons that are affected by an incident such as a water event or smoke damage. HRS will provide the necessary remediation services efficiently and discretely.