Property Damage FAQ

Property Damage and Restoration FAQ

When it comes to property damage and hiring restoration services, you want to make sure you’re getting the best for your home. Read through our frequently asked questions and let Property Doctors in Colorado know if you have any more questions! 

When do I call a restoration company for property damage? ▼

Our restoration services can help with a variety of property damage, including: 

  • Water damage
  • Fire damage
  • Mold removal
  • Asbestos testing and removal
  • Sewer damage
  • Home improvement and construction projects
  • Emergency damage 

Call us as soon as you notice any type of property damage! Things like water and sewer damage can only cause more problems over time. That’s why Property Doctors have 24/7 emergency services available. 

Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance recommends? ▼

Your insurance company might recommend a list of restoration companies for you to use. But, in the end, it’s up to you which company you go with — and since it’s your home, you want to make sure that you pick a restoration company that’s certified and has years of experience. 
At Property Doctors, we have 25 years of restoration experience along with a IICRC Clean Trust certification. 

Do I have to wait for my insurance before I can hire a restoration company? ▼

This can depend on what kind of damage you’re dealing with. You always want to check with your insurance company to see what their policy says about restoration companies. 

But if you find large water leak or sewage backing up into your basement, you want to handle that problem immediately! Call a restoration company that can come in, stop the problem, and prevent any further damage. Once the problem is contained, you can work with your insurance company to follow the proper procedures for fixing any property damage. 

Do I file a claim with my insurance company? ▼

This is not a question we can answer. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your insurance policy on if you want to file a claim. But we can recommend looking at how filing a claim will affect your insurance premiums before deciding to file. 

If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to call your insurance company directly to talk to them about claims and your property damage. 

How long will it take a restoration company to fix my property damage? ▼

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Since we work with all kinds of property damage, it depends on what type of restoration you need, the size of your property, and any infrastructure issues we have to work with. 
If you’d like a better idea of how long a certain project will take, you can always contact us to talk about your specific property damage! 

Where in Colorado will Property Doctors help with property damage? ▼

We proudly serve communities throughout Colorado, including: 

  • Arvada
  • Aurora
  • Boulder
  • Centennial
  • Colorado Springs
  • Denver
  • Fort Collins
  • Greenwood
  • Littleton
  • Lone Tree
  • Longmont
  • Westminster

To see if we’ll come to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call! 

Water Damage FAQ

What are some signs of water damage? ▼

If you’re concerned about hidden water damage in your home, look for: 

  • Visible mold
  • Moisture and condensation
  • Musty odors
  • Peeling paint and wallpaper
  • Increased pest or bug activity

A great place to check for damage is around pipes and inside dark cabinets, the basement, or areas where moisture likes to be but sunlight can’t reach. 

What happens once my property dries? ▼

Once you’ve dried any moisture your property had, we can start to access any damages. Since water can cause mold and other problems, it’s possible you might need some additional repairs. Our highly trained team will work with you to find the best plan for restoring your home! 

What type of water damage do I have? ▼

There are different categories of water that include clean water, gray water, and black water.

Clean water is the water from your sink, bathtub, or toilet and does not pose any harm to you. But gray and black water can be dangerous so it’s important to avoid touching or cleaning up that water! Gray water contains contaminants while black water can come from sewage backups or surface water and contains dangerous unsanitary and pathogenic agents. 

Fire Damage FAQ

Can my home be repaired from fire damage? ▼

If you’ve experienced a fire in your home, we will help with tasks like: 

  • Soot, smoke, and residue removal
  • Odor control and deodorization
  • Cleaning up the damage
  • Boarding up 

If you’ve had firefighting services help with the fire, it’s also possible that your home will need repair from the water and chemicals used during that process. But at Property Doctors, we will work with you to fix all of those problems. 

Can you remove the smell of smoke from my home? ▼

Yes! We start with removing all the soot from your walls, furniture, carpets, and any other areas of your home. From there, we can deodorize your home to remove that smoky smell.

What does it mean to board up my home? ▼

If there are areas of your home — like windows, doors, and walls — that are left exposed, we will board those areas up. This will keep your home and your valuables safe during the restoration process and while you’re not staying there. 

When can I go back into my home following a fire? ▼

You always want to listen to the recommendations of the fire department. Once they’ve assessed your property damage, they will let you know if and when it’s safe to enter your home. Keep yourself safe and avoid any unnecessary smoke inhalation and exposure. 

How do I know what type of fire I had? ▼

There are different “types” of fires you can have depending on the source and what worked to fuel the fire. These are different things we consider when assessing your property damage and starting our restoration process. 

For example, you can have natural substance smoke residue in your home that can be cleaned up with a specialized vacuum, chemicals, and a chemical sponge. Protein substance smoke residue happens when chicken or other proteins burn and leave behind grease. This takes a different type of training to clean up. Synthetic substance smoke residue is when plastic burns and leaves a chalky substance that smears when touched. This cleanup is more complex and requires experts. 

Our restoration company will assess your damage and find the best course of action for cleaning up the smoke and fire damage in your home. 

Mold Removal FAQ

What are signs of mold to watch out for? ▼

Mold can be a few different colors, including dark gray, green, and black. They often come with a mildew-like odor along with a raised and textured surface. 

Beyond that, you can watch for symptoms of mold exposure in you and your family, including: 

  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches 
  • Respiratory issues 

Where does mold like to grow? ▼

Mold likes to grow in moisture, darkness, warmth, or inside organic materials. Learn different ways to avoid and prevent mold in your home. 

How is asbestos different from other mold? 

Asbestos is a type of mold that becomes hazardous when disturbed. Asbestos has been found to cause serious health problems, including respiratory diseases and cardiac failure.

If you’re worried about asbestos in your home, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, call our trained and certified experts and Property Doctors immediately. 

You can also learn more about asbestos and signs to watch for here.