Helpful Information

The Importance of a Home Inventory and Documentation of Damaged Items for Insurance Claims

A home inventory is a comprehensive list of detailed descriptions of each item of personal property that you own. This document can help you prove ownership in the case of loss. After a home disaster, documentation of damaged items can also simplify filing a claim for damage to your property. As a trusted Indianapolis restoration company, Five Star Complete Restoration wants to share some important tips for creating these documents. This will help ensure that your lists are both accurate and complete.

Home Inventory: Create a Photo Library

The idea of cataloging one’s possessions is intimidating for many people, and this is understandable. It’s taken your whole life to acquire these possessions. Although the first step may seem like the hardest, a simple way to begin is to walk through your home room by room and use your cell phone to take photos of every item of personal property.

Home Inventory: Put It on Paper and Keep It Pertinent

Once you’ve recorded your possessions visually, it’s time to begin writing a home inventory list. Having all of your personal property in a photographic format will make this task much more achievable. As you write your list, be sure to organize descriptions with photos to keep your progress streamlined. This is where you can share the most pertinent information about each item, including the date of purchase, purchase price, replacement value, and the model or serial number.

Documentation of Damaged Items

When you find yourself dealing with damage or loss, it’s important to have a reputable restoration company on your side. Specifically, a professional restoration service can assist with documentation of any damaged items due to fire, flooding, or other disaster. However, it’s also important to be aware of any existing damage to your home due to undetected water leaks in your roof or plumbing systems, problems with the foundation, and other home system issues. When you buy a new home, you’ll want to ensure the seller discloses any issues or that you discover them through a thorough home inspection. For septic system inspections, you’ll need to hire a specially trained inspector. This is especially important if you are buying an older home.

Store Documentation Safely

It’s essential that you store these documents in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. However, it’s also a good idea to take advantage of technology and create a digital copy to also be stored outside your home.

It’s never too late to be ahead of the game by creating a comprehensive home inventory to be prepared in the case of loss or damage to personal property. In addition, Five Star Complete Restoration is ready to be your ally to help you document any damages and restore your home to its original condition. If you’ve experienced loss or dam

Fire Damage Rebuilding Process

After firefighters have come and gone, you will find fire, smoke, and water damage. Our FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION Franchise Professionals specialize in the fire restoration needed to repair your house. While each situation is unique, our professionals are ready to meet your needs. Below are a few examples of what our process looks like when restoring your home. The first step is making the call.

 Emergency Contact and Inspection

Our work starts when you call the FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION Customer Care Center. We staff this call center 24 hours a day. A consultant will ask you a series of questions, this will help us understand the type of fire damage. We will then send out the closest FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION Franchise Professional with the proper equipment to use for your unique situation. Once we have completely examined and tested all the rooms on your property, the planning can begin.  All it takes is one call and you are ready to go. The next step is getting to work.

Boarding, Tarp, and Water Removal

The next steps are boarding up any missing windows or holes in the walls. Our Professionals will place tarps over any damage done to the roof. This will help maintain your safety while defending against any further damage. While water damage is not always present, we have the tools to assist you if water damage is widespread. We use air movers plus heavy-duty dehumidifiers to remove any water that may leave any water damage to your property, even in the smallest of spaces. The second to last step is getting clean.

Cleaning and Smoke Removal

With fire consequently comes extensive soot and smoke damage to the various surfaces in your home. Our FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION Franchise Professionals work to remove this damage with special equipment and skills. Having removed all smoke and soot Our Professionals will clean all items in your home damaged by the fire. With a range of cleaning methods to help restore your belongings to pre-fire conditions. Our FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION Franchise Professionals are trained to rid your home of any odors using fogging equipment along with industrial air scrubbers. The final step is getting to the restoration.

Final Restoration

The last step is fully restoring your house. This could involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting and installing new carpet. For more severe damage repairs could be rebuilding various areas or rooms in your home. Whatever your situation may be Our Professionals will work hard to fix your home or business.

Putting these steps in action we will help get your life back on track. Through our hard work and special training, we will bring your home and business back to its former condition. In some instances, our restorations are even better than the condition you started with. We understand what goes into making sure your home or business is ready to use one more. Even the smallest details will be ready when you turn to FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION. We are standing by and ready to help you. All you have to do is call.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

When dealing with fire damage, it is important to know what steps to take in order to prevent further destruction. We will share with you what to do while you wait for help and what to do after a fire. We will also share what not to do after a fire to prevent any further damage. These tips can help you manage the destruction from fire damage more easily.

What To Do While Waiting For Help

When coming face to face with fire damage you should check for a few things. Check to see if it’s safe to stay inside the house. If not, you should go outside and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Be cautious about any electrical issues that could potentially harm you. Wet materials may be very heavy so be careful not to handle them by yourself. Above all approach fire damage with caution and only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What You Should Do After A Fire

After a fire its important to keep movement around the house to a minimum. This will help prevent soot particles from settling inside of carpet and furniture. Keep your hands clean to avoid staining any more of the furniture, wood or walls. Place clean towels or blankets on carpeted areas, any rugs and the furniture. Make sure your electricity is off and then clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Once it’s clean make sure to prop open the doors. If you have any chrome in the house makes sure to clean and protect it with petroleum jelly or oil. Don’t forget to clean all houseplants getting the top and bottom of the leaves. Make sure you change your HVAC filter and tape a double layer of cheesecloth over any air registers.

What You Should Never Do After A Fire

Do not attempt to clean any walls or paint surfaces yourself. Similarly, you should avoid cleaning the carpets or furniture without first contacting your FIVE STAR COMPLETE RESTORATION franchise professional. Any electrical appliances that were near the fire, heat or water should be left alone. Wait for a professional repair service to come take a look at any damaged appliances. Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures as there could be wiring damage again wait to speak to a professional repair service. Any canned or packaged food and beverages should be thrown out if they were near the fire, heat or water.

These tips are important to prevent any further damage to your home or to yourself. Always speak to a professional before fixing any electrical equipment. Finally, remember to be cautious while walking around your home.