The Health Hazards Of Sewage Backup

If a sewage backup occurs inside your home then immediately seal off the area from children and pets.  It’s important to contact a drain cleaning service in Colorado Springs to open up your drain and sewer lines.  They can help determine the cause of the backup and how severe the blockage is.

A sewer line backup is one of the worst home disasters you can experience.  We do everything we can to get there fast and protect you from the dangerous bacteria and damage to your possessions.  Please stay out of the contaminated area until our technicians have removed the black or grey water and used the proper anti-microbial solutions.

Insurance Damage Repair Bill of Rights

Water or sewage damage repair and mold remediation are stressful enough.  You don’t need the hassle of dealing with an insurance company without my help.  Instead of feeling vulnerable and confused this is a time when you need to think clearly.  You need to make good decisions since you will be living with the results long after the crisis is over.

As a professional restoration contractor I want you to understand your rights and the various alternatives available to you when insurance damage and restoration work are involved.

Your insurance policy is a CONTRACT between you and your insurance carrier.  The policy entitles you to certain rights but also lays out your obligations.  I have outlined for you some of your consumer rights so you might have a better understanding of the policy you have purchased and how it applies to any repairs that you have done.  Most Homeowners policies generally contain the same provisions all over the United States.

Disclaimer: The following is for educational purposes only and is not offered as legal advice but merely a general guideline of what most insurance policies contain and any questions should be addressed directly with your insurance carrier or attorney.

Here are some of your rights and obligations found in most policies:

  1.  You may take, and be fully compensated for the cost of emergency steps to safeguard your property from further damage after a loss.  You have an obligation to do so under the terms of your policy.  The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection.
  2. If you have secured adequate coverage, you are entitled to be paid for the fair cost of fully restoring your home to its pre-damage condition.  However, you are not insured for the repair of unrelated problems, code deficiencies, or prior damage.
  3. You are entitled to employ and should insist upon a fully licensed and insured repair firm of good reputation.  If you do not choose to employ such a firm, the consequences and liability for any injury, damage, or other action may rest with you.
  4. You are entitled to employ a firm with sufficient experience and stability in the community to stand behind its work and warranty responsibilities.  The repair contract and its performance is strictly between you and the contractor.  Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire.
  5. You are entitled to materials and workmanship fully equivalent to your existing installation in like kind and quality.  The insurance company has no obligations to improve your existing installation.
  6. You are not required to accept the lowest bid, nowhere in your policy do the words “cheapest”, “low” or “lowest price” occur.  Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality.
  7. You are entitled to receive a detailed listing of the scope of repairs and quantities of materials to be provided, before work begins.  Provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible.
  8. You are entitled to and should reject any contract that does not incorporate all Federal, State, and Local requirements for residential construction work.  You must be familiar with these requirements in order to enjoy the protection the law provides.
  9. You are entitled to select a firm who can demonstrate skill and experience in insurance damage repair as a full time professional service.  Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work.
  10. If substantial disagreement arises between you and the insurance company, over the amount of loss, you are entitled to request arbitration (“appraisal”) as described under the terms of the policy.   Lines 123-140 of the Standard Homeowners Form spell out these procedures for settling differences without resorting to lawsuit.  The company also is entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, whether or not you have received advance payments.
  11. You are entitled to receive payment from the insurance company within the time specified by the policy and your State Insurance Regulations which are designed to prevent insurance companies from using delay and personal hardship to compel a lower settlement.  However, the policy also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim.  Ask your adjuster or agent about these at the outset, so that you can be in compliance.
Since you are the policyholder, only you can demand that your insurance company lives up to its obligations under the policy.  As a Professional Restoration Contractor, I recommend that you do so, out of a strong conviction that fair dealing, good workmanship, and ethical business practices benefit the Insurance Industry just as they benefit the public at large.

Top 5 Common Mistakes

Learn the five most common mistakes people make when suffering from a disaster like water damage, sewage backup, or mold damage …

Mistake #1 – Waiting Too Long – This may seem obvious, but many people let too much time pass before repairing the damage done.  Either they’re too busy or just worried about the money.  Insurance companies can punish you with denial of a claim if you don’t take quick action to stop further damage.

For excavation and sewer line repair we recommend Affordable Rooter Inc of Colorado Springs, CO.  You can contact them at 719-964-8310, 2961 N El Paso St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

Solution: Having a certified water damage expert look at your situation quickly can save you money and needless worry.  AmeriDri will be at your home usually within an hour to start the drying process.  Our customers love us for it and so will you.

Mistake #2 – Using Uncertified Workman - This can really become a problem if the work they do isn’t performed correctly.  You may not even notice, but if your claim is questioned or later you want to sell your home then this mistake could come back to bite you.

Solution: Obviously, ask the company who is doing the work if they are certified.  If in doubt, then verify their listing with the appropriate agencies.  Joe is certified with the two main councils nationally recognized as the leaders and watchdogs for this industry.

Note: It’s also a good idea to only use companies that are members of The Better Business Bureau for the area.  This way you can find out their history and any complaints lodged against them.

Mistake #3 – Trying To Fix Damage Yourself – While this might seem like a good idea to some adventurous homeowners, the truth is most people lack both the knowledge and the equipment necessary to do a good repair job.  If your home isn’t repaired using the right equipment for drying and moisture detection then there’s a good chance mold or rot will develop.  This will greatly reduce the value of your home and create future problems if reselling.

Solution: I have a broad range of knowledge from years in the water damage and mold remediation business and have remained a student of new technologies and developments.  My team uses powerful drying equipment, dehumidifiers and moisture detection technologies so that every potential problem is taken care of the right way, the first time.  Guaranteed!

Mistake #4 – Not Knowing Your Rights – While most insurance agents and adjusters are professional and courteous they can be busy and intimidating.  Not knowing your rights as a consumer can prevent you from receiving the highest payout that your claim deserves.

Solution: If you have a homeowners insurance policy then most, if not all, of your water damage repair costs will be covered.   I can show you things your insurance will pay for that you would probably never think of.  I use the same computer software service, Xactimate, most insurance carriers use so I know exactly what they will pay for every item.

Mistake #5 – Not Using A “One-Stop” Company – You will find that many of the companies out there will offer to do the cleanup work but that’s it.  Now you have to hunt down two or more different companies and go through the interview process all over again for the rebuild.

Solution: My company, AmeriDri, not only cleans up your original damage, but also restores it to a “better than it was” condition.  You see, I also have a flooring division with skilled installers and contractors who are fully background checked to perform the restoration on your property.  ”I hope you will be my next satisfied customer.” -Joe Crivello

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