The property damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County understand the concerns of the property owner who owns and rents out off-campus housing to college students. The challenges of being a landlord can be stressful. Landlords can reduce some of the stress by prequalifying a property damage restoration company with the experience and skill to work with this type of niche property.
By prequalifying a damage restoration company before students arrive on campus, a property owner can be ready in an emergency. A disaster mitigation and restoration team can be dispatched in minutes and on scene within an hour or less when the property owner knows who to call.
When would the services of a property damage restoration company be needed?
Owning off-campus rental property can be rewarding and challenging. Occasions that would require the services of a damage restoration company include the following scenarios:
-
Natural disasters
Cleburne, TX, experiences its share of the severe weather that hits the North Texas region. Hurricanes, tropical depressions, tornadoes, and heavy thunderstorms are a part of life in this section of the United States. When severe weather damages a home or business, emergency tarping is needed immediately to stop the water intrusion and prevent further damage.
-
Water damage and sewage damage events
A home full of college students will have its share of water damage and sewage backups. When these disasters occur, the damage restoration team can provide a rapid response, resolve the water intrusion or sewage spill, and begin the cleanup and restoration process immediately.
-
Fire and smoke damage from a cooking fire or electrical malfunction
Cooking in the kitchen is a leading cause of house fires. A home full of college students is also overloaded with electronic devices and chargers. The concentration of novice cooks and electronics increases the likelihood of a fire damage disaster.
-
Celebrations and weekend parties
Celebrations and weekend parties may create an environment that requires the immediate attention of a professional cleaning service. Some situations may fall into the category of biohazard cleanup when drug paraphernalia, narcotics, spilled alcohol, and bodily fluids are involved.
What to look for when prequalifying a property damage restoration company
The practical questions listed below are designed to assist a property owner in prequalifying a restoration company.
-
Basic business information
How long has the business been in operation? Is it locally owned and operated? What is the background of the owner? Is the owner involved in the day-to-day affairs of the business? Is the company listed with the Better Business Bureau?
-
Response time
What is the stated response time of the company? How soon can they be on scene for the specific property? A local company with a nearby base of operations will be more likely to arrive within the estimated time frame.
-
Upon arrival
What happens upon arrival? A qualified property damage restoration team will begin with an inspection and assessment of the situation. A water intrusion such as a burst pipe, a ruptured appliance supply line, or a leaking toilet will be mitigated by shutting off the water source. If severe weather has damaged the roof, emergency tarping will be immediately installed to stop the flow of water into the home. After the damage has been assessed and documented, a detailed estimate will be presented for approval. The benefit of having a prequalified restoration company means that the water removal process can begin immediately. Every minute counts in a water damage disaster.
-
Certifications and equipment
What IICRC restoration and cleaning certifications does the company have? Are technicians involved in continuing education and instruction?
-
Insurance claims process
Does the company promote its ability to successfully manage the insurance claims process for the customer? A competent property damage restoration company handles the insurance claims process from start to finish. They should use Xactimate, the industry-standard for job estimating, or a similar app recognized and approved by the property owner’s insurance company. The claims process is complicated, so leave it to the experienced professionals who have a positive track record dealing with insurance companies.
-
New construction and rebuild services
Is the company equipped to handle the restoration process, including any new construction and rebuilds? The restoration company that can manage the entire project to completion is a valuable asset to the distant property owner.
-
Customer reviews
Are customer reviews easily accessible, current, and positive? What are customers saying about their experience with the company?
These questions can help property owners identify a reputable property damage restoration company that can be trusted to competently, efficiently, and compassionately handle any size disaster, 24/7, 365 days a year.
As a locally owned and operated business, the SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County team lives and works in this community and is close by and ready to respond immediately when a homeowner or business needs property damage restoration or cleaning services.
For more information about SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County, contact the Cleburne, TX, damage restoration company by phone at (817) 297-8588 or by email at office@servprocrowley.com.
