Home Insurance Claims can save your bacon, but they can also cost you! There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to home/business owners, their choice to purchase an insurance policy, and more importantly when to use it. If you are like the majority of home owners, a shiny or more preferably, a dusty old insurance policy is like a “get out of jail free card” when it comes to a loss in your home. However, in most cases this could not be further from the truth!
I have been paying insurance for Fifteen years. Why shouldn’t I make an Insurance claim now?
Every homeowner ever
Why Do You Have a Policy?
City water mainline broke and flooded a residential crawlspace with over 75000 gallons of water!
There is a big misconception amongst homeowners with what insurance is and when it is appropriate to make an Insurance claim. Your policy is there to protect you and your investments when things do not go as planned. An example of this would be a sudden break in a pipe leading to a water loss in your home. Another example would be if you’re cooking dinner and a grease fire sets your kitchen ablaze. Now if you take a step back, you may think, “this is exactly what I thought my policy was for already.” The key factor with deciding if it is a good idea to make a claim is the magnitude of the loss.
“Policy holders jump the gun when they see a puddle of water in their basement. They are eager to cash in on the policy that they pay for and hurt financially in the end.” – Over 20 different Agentshave actually told us this!
Improper window installation leads to wet floor, sheetrock, and insulation. This loss will likely lead to mold growth if left alone.
Not every tool should be used for every job. If you see somebody fixing your refrigerator with a hammer, you may need to ask them a few questions. Having a policy is an amazing tool for any homeowner, but it is not a “one size fits all” tool. If you make an insurance claim too quickly, you may find yourself in a worse situation down the road! Even small Insurance claims can add future costs to your premiums and in the worst cases can make you ineligible for renewing your policy! Now you have to shop for new insurance AND your home is still damaged and needing repairs!
When Should You File an Insurance Claim?
Floods are not just in Florida. Large residential water losses are far more common than you would expect.
There is no “cookie cutter” answer for when you should make a claim. However, most Insurance Agents will tell you, “not to make an insurance claim if the loss not at least 3-4 times the cost of your deductible.” Obviously, everyone has a different deductible cost as well as their unique financial situation, so sometimes that number could be hard to imagine. The safest bet would be to talk to your agent before making a decision to open a claim, they are the experts after all.
How Do You Decide if Your Loss is Worthy of an Insurance Claim?
Poorly insulated wires can cause major damage and can be a risk to your safety, especially in older homes.
Aside from your entire septic system filling your 3 story home, or being able to see your back yard through the charred remains of your living room, it can be hard to navigate between feelings and rational thought in the moment. How do wake up at 3am see your toilet overflowing and decide, “yeah, this is 3 times my deductible”? The answer is, most people can’t. Damages on the surface are normally just the beggining of the problems. The best way for you as a Policy Holder is to have a someone experienced and proficient in the field of emergency mitigation conduct a meticulous and thorough inspection.
Where Do You Find a Mitigation Expert?
Brice Baxter (Founder, CEO and IICRC Certified Master Water, Fire and Smoke Restorer) leading the weekly safety meeting
Finding a professional in the area can be challenging in a time of crisis. Not because due to a Lack of companies willing to do the work, but due to having to weed through all of your options, and picking the company that has your best interest in mind as well as being someone you trust. When you are looking for a company to work with you need to be looking for a few key aspects.
1. Response Time
When your home suffers a loss that requires mitigation work, time is your biggest enemy. With water damage, even a couple of hours can be the difference of multiple hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This means, finding someone that is willing and ready to get to you even when it is inconvenient.
2. Certification and Standards
Certification and Standards- The IICRC is the nationally recognized standard for mitigation training and they set the rule book for what your insurance adjuster is going to follow when it comes to handling your insurance claim. It is Imperative that who ever is working in your home is familiar with these: rules, guidlines, and standards covered in these certification courses. Without the proper training and Documentation, restoration costs can go up tremendously, and in most cases at the cost of the customer.
3. Customer Service-
When you are dealing with any size of loss in your own home, the last thing you need to worry about is Company XYZ coming into your home, tearing a wall down, leaving a mess, say goodbye, and send you a bill with no explanation. On top of that, you need to talk to your insurance, then try to explain to them what happened because Company XYZ did not bother to document the project. It is important for you to find the Mitigation team that will take care of you in your time of need. That means:
Taking extra steps to make sure that your home is clean and safe for you and your family.
Keeping clear channels of communication between Mitigation Techs and Homeowners.
Contacting the Adjuster in charge of your Insurance Claim, so that you can focus on the more important details of your fast paced life.
Giving the level of service and knowledge where you can trust the people working in your home.
4. Quality and Integrity-
When it comes to your home, safety, sanity and money, you do not want any second thoughts. No matter what size of project you have, you should never have any doubts about the people in your home, how they are going to treat your personal contents, wonder if it will be safe for you to be there, or have to question the final product. From the very first day, effective communication needs to be established. You should be greeted by a knowledgeable team that can efficiently walk you through the process, and answer any questions that you have. The final product should be satisfactory to You, the Team, and all other parties involved.
5. A Working Network of the Trades-
Believe it or not, not everyone will think of this when looking for a restoration company to help them. While Mitigation teams may be able to cover a wide variety tasks, at least one time in the project, they will probably need to look for help for problems outside of the scope of their skills or certifications. A quality business needs to have a network of trusted companies that will bring the same level of quality to your home that they themselves offer. This network would include, but is not limited to: Electricians, Plumbers, Abatement Companies, and Landscapers.
Where Do I Go From Here?
There are always options in your area when it comes to picking a Mitigation team. Generally insurance companies will give you a few options to choose from. The choice then is yours. When you are thinking of opening an Insurance claim, please consider all of the key factors! When you are waste deep in Water, Minutes can feel like hours and hours can feel like days. Pick the business that you feel most comfortable with, but always get an Inspection before opening a claim. Baxter Construction will inspect anywhere in Yakima County at no cost. Call and schedule today. You may save yourself thousands of dollars and keep your premiums from raising!
Baxter Construction and Restoration offers water mitigation services in the Yakima WA area and beyond. Learn more about the real cost of procrastination with water damage, mold growth, and the safety of your business, home, your loved ones, and the value of the professional experience that our well trained and experienced crew will provide.
The water Mitigation process is a science designed to eliminate any damages done to your home or business in the event of a water loss. Many homeowners do not realize the hidden risks of unchecked moisture in the home. This can lead to many unwanted and unnecessary: structural, visual, and health issues. When water damage strikes, the urgency of a swift response cannot be overstated. Many homeowners, however, underestimate the gravity of water damage and delay seeking professional assistance. In this article, we will explore the critical importance of acting promptly when dealing with water damage and the dire consequences that can result from procrastination.
Mold and bacteria growth from fresh water leak.
The Real Cost of Waiting on Water Mitigation
Time is of the essence when we are applying the mitigation process to a new water damage or loss. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a roof leak, or a flooding incident, water must be managed quickly and effectively. This urgency becomes even more pronounced when the water is contaminated by bacteria or other harmful substances.
We look for where the waterline is. We track what is wet, what might potentially be wet, and any specialty areas where it might not be so obvious. For example: – underneath cabinets, – crawl spaces, – underneath tubs, – vanities and more.
Joel Nateraz, Lead Estimator of Mitigation Department
Homeowners often assume they can handle water damage themselves and procrastinate seeking professional help. They may mop up a spill or attempt to dry out an area, believing the problem is resolved. However, it’s common for individuals to be shocked when they later discover mold growth or more extensive damage despite their initial efforts.
Most of the time, what you’ll see as the customer is only half the damage. You might think the water only went into your carpet, when in reality your crawlspace could be full of water after it leaked underneath your tile floor and throughout your entire house.
Tyler Baxter, Mitigation Estimator
Mold Growth: A Hidden Threat
Mold is not just unsightly; it’s a silent and potentially dangerous problem that can thrive in the aftermath of water damage. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 72 hours of exposure to moisture, and by the time it becomes visible, it may have already spread extensively behind walls, under floors, and in hidden spaces. The presence of mold poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals who may experience respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.
The Price of Procrastination
Apart from health risks, delaying water mitigation repair can lead to a substantial increase in mitigation costs. When water damage is not promptly and adequately addressed, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Repairing extensive water damage is a complex and costly process that may involve replacing drywall, insulation, flooring, and even structural components of your property.
If you don’t take care of the initial loss, secondary damage is bound to happen. You can get mold growth, your materials can start to rot and a lot of things starting smelling bad. Bugs really like to get in there and can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Tyler
Moreover, the longer you wait, the greater the risk of secondary damage. Water can infiltrate electrical systems, potentially causing fires, and weaken the foundation of your home, putting it’s structural integrity at risk. These additional complications can significantly elevate the overall cost of water mitigation and restoration.
Family Health and Safety
While the financial implications of delaying water damage repair are significant, the most crucial consideration is the health and safety of your family. The presence of mold and the potential for structural damage can make your home an unsafe environment. Preserving your property’s value is essential, but ensuring the well-being of your loved ones is priceless.
The Value of Professional Mitigation and Repair
Even when dealing with what may seem like minor water damage, it is imperative to engage professionals to assess the situation. At Baxter Construction and Restoration, our team is well-equipped and trained to handle various water damage scenarios. We are certified experts specializing in mitigating water damage, mold growth, fire damage, wind damage and even trauma clean up.
Water lines are not always visible without invasive techniques.
Baxter water technicians have gone through a lot of schooling, through the IICRC (Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Joel and Tyler have both been certified as:
Water Restoration Technicians,
Fire Restoration Technicians,
Cleaning Technicians, and also for
Trauma and Crime scene cleanup.
Plus the years of experience in their field have helped a lot on top their own training.
Baxter’s Water Mitigation Process in 4 Steps
Rapid Response: We understand the critical importance of time, so we respond swiftly to your call to minimize damage.
Thorough Evaluation: Our experienced team conducts a comprehensive assessment of the damage, identifying hidden issues that may not be immediately visible.
Professional Mitigation: We employ advanced techniques and equipment to remove water, thoroughly dry affected areas, and sanitize to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Restoration: Our primary goal is to restore your property to its former glory or even improve it. We work closely with you and your insurance provider to streamline the restoration process.
Why is Water Mitigaiton so Important in the Event of a Water Damage?
Delaying action when faced with water damage can lead to disastrous consequences for your property, finances, and health. Mold growth and structural damage are just the beginning of the potential problems. Swift water mitigation tactics are essential to minimize the overall mitigation cost and ensure your family’s safety. Remember, when dealing with water damage, time is not on your side; it is your most precious resource.
One of the greatest dividers of picky eaters and food connoisseurs. The choice of whether or not to use them can be the difference between the best burger in the world or one of the most medium liked kinds of food across the board. Some people like them on pizza, and others detest it. “The texture is the WORST part”, “The texture is the BEST Part”. While this discussion may not be resolved in our lifetime, there is one statement that we can all agree on. Mushrooms do not belong in your carpet.
As silly as it sounds, it is not as uncommon as you may think. Mushrooms are a sign of high humidity or even water leaks in your home. They might just be the reason you find the reason why your water bill was too high, or why that stuffy nose just will not go away. Mushroom growth is also a sign of potential bacteria or mold growth in the immediate area. Mushrooms enjoy dark, damp, low traffic areas, so how do you combat it?
When dealing with mushrooms, mold, or any other kind of bacteria growth, it is vital that you stop the spread by: removing and/or sanitizing all affected materials, making sure all salvaged material is dry, and stopping the cause by fixing the leak, adding ventilation, or whatever else is necessary to prevent more damage. The best way to fix a mold issue is to have a professional remove it properly.
On a nice Saturday morning, all you want to do is wake up, get some coffee, and maybe take a nice walk around the block. However, most people do not understand the joy of walking down into your kitchen to find water raining down from the ceiling! Was there a frozen pipe that broke? Maybe a faulty plumbing job from that guy that said he would run all of your pipes for a hamburger and a soda? Nope! It’s a rat!
You may not expect it, but many water leaks in the Yakima Valley are caused by rats or other rodents chewing holes in pipes. When these pipes get ruptured, even a small pin hole can let a large amount of water pass through and cause unseen damage for a long time. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, homeowners do not even notice the leak until there are visible signs of damage, and by that time there can already be secondary damage like mold growth. The only way to treat this damage is to get rid of affected material, sanitize and dry the area.
As a homeowner, the best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that all holes or possible entrances from the outside of your home are locked up tight, as well as just keeping the area around your house cleared of debris.
As we get into the Christmas season, most people would say that they would be happy with a new car. However, they would not want it to be delivered through their living room wall by a drunk driver at 3:27 am. As crazy as this sounds, it has happened to people in the Yakima Valley more times than you would probably expect.
When something as chaotic as this happens, what do you do? While you might be tempted to siphon the gas from the tank to pay for your deductible, the correct answer would be:
Get your family out of the house,
Call the authorities,
Get an expert on site to assess the damages to the property.
The last thing that you want or need is secondary damage or a secondary injury to occur. Have an expert secure the damaged area and investigate the structural integrity of the rest of the home.
From house floods, to fires, to break ins, and yes, even a Toyota 4Runner traveling at 50mph in a school zone. It is important to make your home or business as safe and secure as possible. Nobody can be prepared for this kind of event, but having a mental plan and an idea of the process is a step in the right direction.
“The loss actually occurred last week, but we waited to see if it would dry up.”
“We didn’t realize it was that bad.”
These are just a few examples of what we hear from our customers. When a glass of water is spilled, odds are you can clean it up by yourself, but what about a toilet overflow? At what point do you need help? When it comes to water damage, time is your most valuable resource. Water needs to be taken care of as quickly and as efficiently as possible. This statement only becomes more true if the water is contaminated by any bacteria or unclean substances. When customers call us a week after the initial loss, sometimes they are shocked to hear that mold growth has occurred even though they “cleaned up” the toilet water.
If water losses do turn to mold damages, the cost of mitigation can go up exponentially, not to mention the cost of your health and safety. Even with “small losses” it is important to call mitigation experts to come and at the very least give a thorough examination of the loss.
At Baxter Construction our team is fully trained and prepared to deal with any problem you throw at us. Our team is certified and ready to mitigate any water, mold, fire, or wind damage. We will work with you personally or your insurance provider to put your home back the way it was or better!
Do you have that family recipe for the perfect stuffing, apple pie, or turkey? Every family claims to have the best, but most people agree that they vary quite a bit. The one thing that remains constant is not burning your house down in the process.
As we get bundled up and start preparing for family gatherings and other holiday events, it is important to remember our safety precautions: keep an eye on your oven, cook with appropriate materials, keep flammable items away from heaters, and make sure your smoke detectors are in proper working order. Fire and smoke damages can be devastating, and they are the last thing that you want in your home.
Luckily Baxter Construction LLC is here to pick up the pieces in your time of need. Our 24/7 team is ready to help you secure your home, mitigate any fire, smoke, or water damage done, clean all of your household contents, and work with your insurance agents to put your home back exactly the way that you want it.
Household losses/disasters are like oatmeal raisin cookies, the smaller the better but none of them are good. Whether you have a small leak in your roof, or your sewer backs up and floods your whole house, you are inconvenienced in one way or another. You have the stress of something so small or large ruining an investment that you put a lot of time and money into. Nothing puts a damper on your mood quite like telling your extended family that you need to relocate your long-awaited Thanksgiving dinner to a Denny’s because the main floor of your house had the entirety of the block’s wastewater run through it the night before (yes, it happens).
If any of the above sent a little bit of anxiety through your spine, then I would say you had the appropriate response. If dealing with an endless stream of chunky grey water running through your home doesn’t scare you then I don’t know what will. The good news is you do not have to deal with that kind of stress alone (if the case should ever arise).
Baxter Construction has a full ICRC certified team ready to serve you 24/7, 365 days a year. We will deal with any problem you throw at us, so that when you feel like your plans are going down the toilet, you have a team behind you that you can depend on.
Prepared 24/7 to respond within minutes of your call.
Mitigate
We mitigate damage with industry-leading tools and experience.
Restore
Our certified professionals are skilled in restoring and protecting your property.
Testimonials
Just wanted to let you know that the project by Baxter Construction is completed to our satisfaction. Thank you so much for recommending them. They were very professional, excellent communication, and took a lot of pride in their work. We will be recommending them if anyone needs their services.
