FAQs
Insurance
Q: Should I file a claim with my insurance company?
A: Whether or not you file an insurance claim is totally up to you. Discuss your options with your insurance agent to see if it’s practical based on the estimate and your coverage.
Q: Will my insurance company pay for these damages and repairs?
A: Your insurance is the only party who can definitively answer this question. Christians, Inc. can offer our experience but we suggest you contact your agent for guidance on whether or not to file a claim. The three most important words in damage restoration are: Sudden, Accidental and Maintenance. Traditionally, for a damage to be covered, it must have happened suddenly and been an accident. When coverage is denied, it is typically because the cause is a maintenance issue and/or a long-term problem.
Please remember that carelessness and ignorance are almost always covered! Examples of sudden and accidental water losses: overflowing from a bathtub, overflowing from sink, broken pipes, broken pipes, appliance leaks, washing machine leak, hot water heating system failure, broken fire sprinkler line, frozen pipes and more. What isn’t typically covered is ground water damage, unless a property owner has a specific flood insurance policy.
Q: Do you communicate with my insurance company?
A: If you would like us to speak with your insurance company, we are happy to do so. Just let us know.
Restoration & Remodeling
Q: Can we live in our home during the restoration process?
A: Our project manager with work with you on this personal decision and discuss the details of work before we begin. If there will be significant disturbance/inconvenience, it may be best to seek a temporary living solution. If you require a temporary living space, your insurance company will typically cover these expenses for a set amount of time. We can manage the request for temporary living and set the time and duration with the insurance company.
Q: What is going to happen to my damaged furniture and/or belongings?
A: All contents will be inventoried and damage type/extent will be recorded. This information will be immediately sent off to the insurance company so they may give approval on restoration or replacement.
If the contents are considered restorable and there is space onsite to perform the necessary restoration, that work will begin onsite immediately. If ample space onsite does not exist, affected items will be inventoried and packed out to our secure warehouse in Chanhassen where we will begin restoration work immediately.
We provide an electronic, photographic inventory on a specialized software called Assured Complete. Once the materials have entered the warehouse we will provide you with a copy of this inventory for your records.
Q: How much will my electric bill going to be with all of the equipment running for multiple days?
A: The total cost of electrical usage for our equipment is much less than you think. Also, this extra cost is customarily picked up by the insurance company. A three-day dry out with a standard amount of equipment runs about $25 in electricity. A five-day dry out with a standard amount of equipment runs about $75 in electricity.
Q: Do I leave your equipment running all day/night?
A: Regardless of equipment type, all of our equipment is rated to run for days without being turned off. Please, unless there is an emergency or we advise you otherwise, it is best to leave it on and running at all times until the job is completed. Our technicians will check and adjust the equipment daily as they track job progress. If you hear or smell something abnormal from our equipment please unplug the equipment and call us immediately at 952.470.2001.
Q: What if I’d like to upgrade or remodel my house?
A: If this ordeal has created an opportunity for you to do the upgrade or remodel you’ve always wanted, then we can help. However, keep in mind that if your plans are extensive, you may need to hire an additional contractor.
Fire & Smoke
Q: What are some safety concerns? Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?
A: After a fire, the main concerns are the structural integrity of the home and the smoke residue. When a fire burns, it melts building materials and can create toxic fumes that linger within the property. We recommend that you hire a professional team to clean up fire and smoke residue rather than cleaning it yourself. Smoke is dangerous to inhale, and our team has the proper equipment and expertise to adequately handle the damage.
Q: Who is responsible for paying for the service?
A: The property owner is responsible for paying for the service, but we recommend that you contact your insurance company after the incident to review your coverage options
Water, Moisture & Storm
Q: How does the water restoration process work?
A: When dealing with water damage, we work tirelessly with our skills and advanced equipment to make sure every ounce of water is cleaned up, ruined materials are removed, and the potential for mold growth is diminished.
Q: What are some common effects of water damage?
A: Water can cause additional damage to a property the longer it sits. It can saturate and deteriorate possessions and building materials, and lead to mold growth. Acting fast is imperative when it comes to water damage.
Q: How will you know when everything is dry?
A: We utilize cutting-edge digital moisture meters specifically designed for restoration. These devices check for proper moisture content in various types of building materials. Certain materials will take on more water than others, and sometimes can be more challenging to dry. Please feel free to ask our technicians about the process. We are happy to teach our customers about the process to alleviate anxiety.
Q: How long will my home take to dry out?
A: Under normal conditions, a residential water damage will take approximately three to five days to dry. Depending on the materials present and their total exposure to moisture the total time frame can grow. It is extremely important to begin the drying process within 72 hours of an event to reduce the possibility for microbial growth.