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Water Damage Repair Cost in Michigan?

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The average cost of drying out your property from category 1 water damage averages about $2592 according to HomeAdvisor.com.  As licensed professionals, we can determine the cause and extent of the damage by categorizing and classifying the damage, which are two of the largest factors in providing an accurate estimate for water damage repair cost, and the final bill.

How to Avoid High Cost to Repair Damage

To avoid elevated water damage repair costs for restoration, preventative measures immediately after the damage occurs is key. Moisture left untreated can cause mold spores to grow and standing water increases the scope of the cleanup which includes setting equipment for dryout, extracting any water, finding source of moisture and repairing, sanitizing, and replacing any damaged drywall or other materials needed to bring the property back to pre-loss condition.

Document the Damage

Whatever the cause or water damage repair cost, documenting the damage for your insurance claim is important. Contacting a professional immediately to diagnose, document, and determine the cause and extent of damages can save you thousands of dollars. Most people don’t realize the true extent of the damage. Some damage can take years to reveal itself such as wood rot and mold that is hidden and unseen causing damage to structures.

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Restoration Jobs in Michigan

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Start immediately at top pay!

Advance Restoration is hiring Lead Technicians and General Laborers in Clinton Township, Michigan for restoration jobs. Join one of the most trusted disaster recovery and restoration teams in Southeast Michigan and in the industry.

Proudly, we offer careers in restoration, to the most qualified, dedicated crews in the business. Consequently, everyone from our office staff to on-site recovery experts are customer satisfaction driven. Incomparably, the most compassionate water damage and restoration company hiring in southeast Michigan. Learn more about our current disaster restoration jobs by visiting our careers page on Indeed to apply immediately. Or, you can simply call us at 877-363-7462 now for a quick chat to see if we are a good fit for you.

Why Work at Advance Restoration?

Advance Restoration is proud to offer a number of competitive benefits to our employees. We feel benefits are just as important as pay, even more so for some. Hence, here is a list of our benefits.

  • 401(K) w/Company Match
  • Healthcare Benefits w/Pediatric Dental
  • Company Vehicle/Truck
  • Company Cell Phones
  • Company Bonus Opportunities
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Time

Furthermore, if you’re looking to join a devoted disaster restoration team as a Lead Restoration Technician in southeast Michigan, or a Cleaning Tech we’re the company for you! While we are hiring in Clinton Township, we service all of Southeast Michigan.

And so, if you are tired of working for big companies who don’t care about your future. We are family owned small company that is growing, with plenty of room to advance your career. 

Currently, positions at Advance Restoration can be found here on our careers page or apply directly on our applications page at ZipRecruiter. In addition, you can simply call us at 877-363-7462 for a brief and casual phone interview.

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House Fires: How to Help Prevent Them

House fires injure and even kill thousands of people annually. The National Fire Protection Association has developed a list of the most common causes of fire-related losses as well as some things you can do to help prevent them.

Faulty wiring and outlets are one of the top causes of house fires.

  • Check the electrical cords throughout your home for signs of fraying, and replace all frayed wires.
  • Do not pinch or cover electrical cords with items such as rugs.
  • Be aware of the capacity of your home’s electrical system. Do not overload your circuits. If you have questions about your home’s electrical system, you may want to consult a licensed electrician.
  • Understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips—both allow you to plug in multiple electronic devices, but only the surge protector will help protect these devices from a power spike. Use surge protectors to protect valuable electronic devices, such as computers and televisions.

Carelessness in the kitchen may also lead to a house fire.

  • Never leave your pots or pans unattended on your stove.
  • Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.
  • Keep your stove and oven clean. Built up food splatter or grease can later ignite when the stove or oven is turned on for cooking.

Clothes dryers are another common source of house fires.

  • If you are installing your own dryer vent, follow the directions in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, using the recommended duct material. If you are unsure about how to properly install the vent, consider hiring a professional to do the installation.
  • Clean out the dryer vent regularly.
  • Clean out the lint filter after each load.
  • Lint may also collect under and behind your dryer, so do not forget to clean these areas.

Alternative heating sources may also create a fire hazard.

  • Avoid using an older space heater, as it may not have adequate safety features compared to newer units. When purchasing a new space heater, ensure it is UL Listed and pay attention to the safety features.
  • Do not place a space heater near furniture, curtains or other objects that could easily catch fire.
  • If you plan to install an alternative heating system, such as a wood or pellet stove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure about how to properly install the system, consider hiring a professional to do the installation.
  • Before installing a wood or pellet stove, check to ensure it complies with the laws of your state and municipality.

Dirty chimneys also pose a fire hazard.

  • Have your chimney inspected annually by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweep. Have a professional clean and repair the chimney as needed, especially before the cold months, when you will be using it frequently.
  • Use seasoned wood only. Never burn green or damp wood.
  • Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or trees in your fireplace—these can all spark chimney fires.

Looking for help with fire damage or content restoration resulting from fire, contact Advance Restoration today.

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Mold and Home Insurance

Black Mold

Toxic mold can wreck havoc on your home and create fear in the homeowner about mold and home insurance coverage. Coverage often comes down to the source of moisture. When moisture goes unchecked, mold can grow and become widespread. Are you covered?

Homeowners Insurance and Mold

More often than not, home owners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by mold, fungi, and bacteria, says Spencer Yaklin, CEO of Advance Restoration, and property damage specialist. Coverage comes down to the source of the moisture causing the mold. It is recommended that every property owner review their policy, especially as it relates to water damage. Keep your eye out for language pertaining to mold exclusions or limitations. If it is still unclear, call your agent for clarity.

In most cases, if the mold is present due to a sudden or accidental covered disaster such as a burst pipe—that would warrant coverage, says Yaklin. The mold itself would not be the reason for the claim, but technically, the purse pipe is. Some claims are more apt to be rejected if mold is caused by negligence of home maintenance such as long-term exposure to moisture or repeated water leaks.

Approximately 22% of all home owners insurance claims result from “water damage and freezing”, according to the Insurance Information Institute. III puts the cost of the average mold claim between $15,000 and $30,000 as told in their 2003 white paper on mold. That is five times the average non-mold claims by homeowners during that time.

Most states adopted limitations on mold coverage after a rush of mold claims in the early 2000s. A typical home owners policy may cover between $1,000 and $10,000 of mold remediation and repair, says Spencer. And most policies do not cover mold as a result of flood damage. Home owners would need a separate flood insurance policy averaging about $540 per year via the National Flood Insurance Program.

As an add-on, it may be possible to purchase a mold rider to your current home owners policy. Riders offer additional coverage, the cost and personal risk-tolerance are driving factors behind any decision regarding riders. Ask your agent for information.

Newer homes are less susceptible to water damage as are older homes. Older homes located in humid climates where mold thrives will likely cost more to insure than those constructed in dryer zones. Homes built within the past five years or so are more likely to be made with mold-resistant wood, drywall and paints.

Prevention is Key

Keeping mold at bay is the surest way to avoid having to make a claim in the first place. To protect the value of your home you must prevent mold by eliminating the source of the mold—moisture. To prevent mold growth , we suggest taking the following steps:

  • Keep humidity low by using air conditioners, exhaust fans, and dehumidifiers.
  • Inspect under sinks and behind toilets regularly for lose fittings or leaks
  • Use paints that contain mold inhibitors when painting
  • Make regular maintenance checks on your roof and gutters to avoid backups and leaks
  • Don’t use carpeting in moist areas like bathrooms and basements
  • Remove excess moisture or water from soft goods such as upholstery and carpets within 48 hours of a water disaster

If you find yourself a victim of mold, hire a professional restoration service. Remember, where there is mold there is moisture. A professional will root out the source of moisture, clean up mold properly so that it doesn’t return.

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7 Tips For Winterizing to Avoid Homeowners Insurance Claims

Frozen burst pipes

Winter weather causes billions in homeowners insurance claims losses each year—it doesn’t have to.

Water damage, particularly the kind related to frozen or burst pipes accounts for the major share of homeowners insurance claims in Michigan.

Wrapping your pipes during winter months is recommended along with keeping your home at 65 degrees or more. Knowing where your home’s water shutoff valve is located will allow you to quickly shut off the water at its source in an emergency.

Following some basic maintenance steps can prevent catastrophic water damage from ruining your home and costing you money and grief. Be prepared by addressing problem areas around your home, here are a few tips: 

  1. Protect Indoor Pipes Burst pipes can cause up to $5,000 or more in damage. Pipe insulation costs a little as 50 cents per linear foot making it an inexpensive way to ward off frozen pipe issues. Insulation can be installed yourself around any exposed copper or PVC water pipes. 37% of all burst pipes occur in the basement so make sure to pay special attention to that area.
  2. Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space
    By keeping your attic cooler, you can prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your roof. Insulating the attic with properly rated insulation will help to keep your attic cool and avoid any unnecessary pitfalls.
  3. Service Your Furnace and Chimney
    Heating equipment, fireplaces, and chimneys are some of the biggest culprits of home fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Having them serviced and inspected annually is a safe practice. Be sure to have the inspector examine the condition of the chimney—brick periodically needs maintenance to keep water from leaking in.
  4. Repair Loose Roofing & Shingles
    Doing a once-around your property to inspect your roof can go a long way to warding of potential hazards. If you notice loose, damaged, or missing shingles, have a licensed roofing contractor do a deeper inspection so and mend any damage before the first snow flies. It has been said that a single cubic foot of snow or ice can weigh 20 to 25 pounds—that kind of pressure can cause shifting of shingles, allowing water to penetrate your roof and leak into your home.
  5. Clean and Inspect Gutters
    Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and then freeze once temperatures drop. Keep gutters clear and properly connected to ensure that melting snow runs off your roof and through your downspouts.
  6. Prune Dead Branches
    Branches covered in snow can easily break and cause safety hazards aside from the potential to cause thousands of dollars of roof damage. Before the first snow, have a reputable contractor, remove dead or protruding branches that might compromise your property.
  7. Secure Outdoor Water Sources
    Drain and store garden hoses before the first inkling of frost to eliminate any chance they’ll freeze or burst. Shut off the water-supply valve to hose bibs, from inside your house or basement, then open the outdoor spigot  so any water trapped inside will drain free. Simply shutting off the spigot will cause trapped water to freeze and cause a burst pipe inside.

If you experience any kind of water damage to your home in Michigan don’t hesitate to contact us at Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.

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3 Simple Ways to Ensure Your Fireplace is Safe

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A fireplace is one of the leading causes of house fire in the cold weather months. Avoid the pitfalls of fire and smoke damage with these five steps.

Before you light your first fire of the season, follow these tips to be sure your fireplace and chimney are in good shape.

#1 Check the Firebox

Be on the lookout for gaps, cracks, and signs of wear on the lining of the firebox. Seeing the steel sheath beneath the lining is a clear sign that your lining is impaired. A corroded lining can cause excessive heat to build up inside causing fire and smoke damage.

#2 Smoke Stains on Fireplace

Smoke leaves its mark. If you see smoke stains on the ceiling it could mean smoke is making its way through cracks or gaps betwixt the hearth and firebox.   Hearths in older homes commonly pull away from the firebox during settling. When this occurs, sparks can fall into the crevasse and up goes the smoke. Unfortunately, if this is happening, you will need a professional to fix it.

If you notice smoke stains on the outside of the hearth above the fireplace itself, it may be the flue damper. In this case, the damper can be hand-operated to help control the airflow into the fireplace. Oftentimes the damper mechanism can become caked with soot and crud that keeps it from working properly. If this is the situation, smoke can plume out of the fireplace causing smoke damage and odors that permeate the home and its contents. Call a professional or handyman to repair the damper mechanism before using the fireplace.

#3 Inspect the Fireplace Chimney

Okay, you may not want to get up on the roof to look down the chimney. However, you should not simply disregard it. Inspecting the chimney is one of the most important things you can do before lighting a fire in your fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual inspection by a qualified professional. Simply guessing that your chimney is in working order is what helps to account for an average of 22,300 chimney fires annually, according to the CSIA. 

Use these tips to avoid fire disasters and you will enjoy a safe and cozy cold weather season. If, by chance, you experience smoke and fire damage, call the experts at Advance Restoration for cleanup and restoration help. 866-465-2409.

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Wind Damage and Tornadoes

Hazardous wind damage weather outlook for many counties including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, and Saginaw

 

According to surfacing weather reports, there is a chance of severe wind damage due to high winds occurring Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. High winds and thunderstorms are expected across southeastern Michigan becoming more severe by evening as they become more intense.

Wind gusts up to 60 MPH could cause wind damage and injury according to forecast and isolated tornadoes toward the southern border of Michigan could potentially pass through.

Tornadoes can happen anywhere and anytime with the potential to bring intense winds and funnels. If you are under tornado warning, find a safe shelter immediately.

  • Take shelter in a sturdy building with a safe room such as a basement or storm cellar
  • Small interior rooms make good shelter on the lowest level of your home
  • Stay away from doors, windows and outside walls
  • Watch for flying debris
  • Take cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms or other sturdy covering

For more information on how to stay safe when a storm or tornado threatens, download this Tornado Information Sheet from FEMA. If you experience property damage in southeast Michigan due to storm you can find information to help you recover quickly by clicking here.

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DO YOU NEED MOLD REMEDIATION IN MICHIGAN?

It’s crucial to pursue water restoration within 24 to 48 hours of a flood if you hope to avoid mold remediation in Michigan. That’s why Advance Restoration offers 24/7 emergency services—to minimize damage by providing the fastest possible response.

Failure to act quickly could lead to a mold problem. Here are the signs to watch for:

  • Large patches of discolored walls, ceilings, or floors
  • Persistent musty odor
  • Standing water in areas that should be dry
  • Mold spores discovered in the HVAC system

OUR CERTIFIED MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY NEARBY IS READY TO HELP SERVE YOU

The team at Advance Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to perform water and mold remediation. You can take a few steps to clean up mold before the professionals arrive, but for your safety and to ensure the mold won’t return, it’s best to hire a professional. Let us do the brunt of the work for you.

Our certified mold remediation process entails:

  • Identify the extent of the mold problem – We send a professional microbiologist to your property to determine where the mold is growing, what type of mold it is, and how widespread the problem has become.
  • Contain the mold – We isolate the affected area to avoid contaminating the rest of your home during the treatment process.
  • Filter the air – Our team runs air cleaners with HEPA filters to rid the air of mold spores intent on landing, growing, and exacerbating the problem.
  • Remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors, and ductwork – Because mold penetrates surfaces as deeply as possible, it’s best to dispose of any moldy porous materials, including carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, insulation, and drywall. Nonporous and semi-porous materials such as metal, glass, hard plastic, concrete, and wood are often salvageable using antimicrobial cleaners and sealants.
  • Restore mold-infested belongings – We take the contaminated contents of your building to our climate-controlled storage facility for mold treatment, deodorization, and drying. We use state-of-the-art content restoration techniques to recover as many of your possessions as possible.
  • Prevent mold regeneration – After cleaning up existing mold, it’s vital to address the source of the moisture that caused the mold growth in the first place. We identify that source and devise a plan of action to ensure the mold doesn’t return.

If you notice any of these signs of mold growth in your Michigan building, contact Advance Restoration at 877-581-9176 as soon as possible to begin remediation.

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3 Proactive Home Improvement Tips for Fall

Fall brings the perfect weather for performing those last-minute DIY home improvement projects

While September reigns in cooler temps and summer activities waning what better time to show your house a little extra TLC. Use these 3 home improvement tips to save money on costly property damage repairs down the road.

Home Fire extinguisher

Home Improvement Tip #1: Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

According to the American Red Cross, home fires have increased, rising 10 percent since 2000. Generally, home fires are more prevalent during the fall and winter, with December and January being peak months. So, there is no time like the present to get started and avoid fire damage repairs altogether.

Fire extinguishers can break down over time and malfunction. Keep your home safe sound by getting your fire extinguishers checked by certified professionals every six years. Buying one for each floor of your house is a good plan—don’t forget the garage!

Home roof damage

Home Improvement Tip #2: Inspect Your Roof

Roof repairs can be a costly improvement project, but so can water damage restoration. Do a walkaround of your home to inspect the roof, siding, grading and gutters—to ward off issues in advance. It’s a lot easier to fix in the fall than on a snowy winter’s day.

Tree Trimming Improvement

Home Improvement Tip #3: Preventative Tree Trimming 

Winter storms are on the horizon and heavy snow and ice has been known to tumble a tree branch or two. Those dead branches can be deadly for your roof. Not to mention, your gutters, siding, and windows. A simple home improvement task can ward off these pitfalls—trim all branches within 3 feet of the house. Trimming your branches could save you oodles of cash on roof damage & repairs.

Are You Beyond DIY—Need Help with Property Damage?

Maybe you’ve done your due diligence or perhaps not, we’re here to help. If you find you have roof leaks, fire damage, or water damage give us a call and one of our friendly assistants will be happy to connect you to one of our property damage experts. 866-465-2409.

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#1 CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE—COOKING!

What you should know about house fire and your homeowners fire insurance coverage

Cooking is the #1 cause of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. Kitchen fire damage can be devastating— even worse, finding out that the home fire section of your homeowner’s policy does not fully cover your losses.

If you’ve experienced a minor kitchen fire or even a major home fire destroying your entire home— make sure you have adequate home fire insurance coverage to repair or replace destroyed property. After a fire is not the time to find out that your policy is incomplete. Here are some things to consider when buying or updating your policy:

  • Get the right home insurance coverage for your needs
  • Know the value of your home and possessions
  • Purchase replacement cost instead of actual cash value
  • Ask your insurance agent about guaranteed replacement cost for your home structure
  • Make sure your disaster living expenses are accounted for

Putting the right policy in place to make sure your home fire insurance coverage limits can cover you in the event of a total loss is important and by following these simple tips you will be closer to the coverage you deserve. You may want to visit FreeAdvice.com to understand your home insurance options.

Advance Restoration is a disaster restoration company devoted to fully restoring clients facing house fire damage including smoke & soot damage and content restoration. We want you to stay safe and believe it’s important to have a plan in place so that when fires flare up, you and your family know what to do—download a free fire Escape-Planning_Guide  provided by the National Fire Protection Association. Stay safe.