A. ServiceMaster is a national brand name that has independent franchise owners. ServiceMaster franchisees can offer separate or multiple services to which they have to purchase the rights (i.e., residential carpet and duct cleaning, disaster restoration, janitorial, etc.) Unlike other ServiceMaster businesses that are based on cleaning services and provide disaster restoration as an additional service, ServiceMaster 380 specializes in disaster restoration. We do, however, have a residential cleaning division that offers carpet, area rugs, upholstery, mattresses, automobiles and hard surface flooring cleaning. ServiceMaster 380 is an IICRC Certified Firm that was started by the owners of a successful insurance reconstruction company. We commit to excellence through continual employee training in the most advanced techniques and technology available in the industry. It is important for people to realize that it isn’t the quantity of years a company calls itself ServiceMaster, it is the quality of service in those years.

A. The insurance adjuster may write an estimate and supply you with a copy. The scope of work between Reconstruction 380's estimate and the insurance adjuster’s estimate may differ in some areas. However, Reconstruction 380 and your insurance company will have decided on the agreed figure. The price will be set before the start of your project. By using Reconstruction 380’s estimate, the project manager can make sure the entire project is managed properly and every aspect of the project is contained in the scope of work.

A. There’s a good chance the check you receive from the insurance company will be made payable to you and Reconstruction 380 or ServiceMaster 380. It may also include the name of your mortgage company. If a mortgage company is named on the check, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to have them release the check and set up any required inspections. As soon as you receive any insurance checks, please contact us immediately and let us know to whom the check is made payable. Also, please make sure the CORRECT mortgage company is named on the check.

A. When you pay us depends on the size of your project. If your claim is under $10,000, payment is due within 30 days of the date of the invoice sent to you. If your claim is over $10,000, a partial payment (draw) will be due at the end of the drywall stage (for Reconstruction 380). The remaining charges will be due within days of the date of the invoice. If a mortgage company’s name is on the partial payment check and there are complications getting funds released by the mortgage company, the project could slow down or be suspended until payment has been made. It is important for insureds to be diligent in getting their mortgage companies to release any funds so that the project proceeds smoothly and on time.

A. We will be glad to perform additional work while working at your home, as long as it works within each party’s schedule and timeframe. All additional work will be agreed to on change orders prior to the start of work.

A. The deductible is the first dollar amount paid by the insured on each claim. It normally is expensed in one of two ways: paid to the restoration company or paid to the general contractor.

A. A check endorsement from a mortgage company is normally obtained by filling out paperwork/packets from your mortgage company. If you are not issued one, you should contact them immediately.

A. It is the insured’s/homeowner’s right to have their contractor of choice perform the repairs on all insurance claims.

A. Generally, whenever you have a claim, you should contact your insurance company to file the claim immediately. However, it is your responsibility as an insured to minimize the damage, which may include contacting a certified drying or restoration professional.

A. Depreciation is the value that represents the wear and tear of materials over a given period of time. Almost all materials have a normal life expectancy or amount of time they will last before they expire.

A. Actual Cash Value is the value of the loss after depreciation has been removed. In replacement cost policies, the depreciated amount will be recoverable if the loss is reconstructed.

A. The process of drying water-damaged homes involves the use of proper evaporation rates along with equivalent dehumidification to remove moisture from the air. ServiceMaster 380 monitors this process by reviewing the relationship of relative humidity and temperature. This relationship is called psychrometrics. Regular household dehumidifiers are made to maintain humidity levels and are not capable of keeping up with the massive amount of humidity caused by water damage. Trying to dry your home out yourself can actually make the situation worse.

A. How clean the carpet looks depends on how worn the fibers are and the types of soils and stains the carpet has been exposed to. The sun can also fade carpeting. The best way to maintain your carpeting is by routine vacuuming and having the carpet cleaned every six months to a year. Applying a stain protector also helps prevent permanent staining.

A. Whether or not carpet can be cleaned will depend on the type of water (i.e. sewage, ground, or potable water) and the amount of time that has passed since it got wet.

A. Mold will not go away once things are dry. It actually goes into a dormant state in which mold spores can be easily released into the air. The mold will start to grow again when moisture is added, either by getting wet again or by absorbing moisture from humid air.