Water

How long will it take my property to dry?

Location, duration and source of the water, the types of building material, the weather conditions, and how quickly emergency restoration begins all factor into drying time. We can determine when the drying is complete by consistently monitoring and evaluating the drying process. There is no definite way to tell exactly how long it will take your property to dry, it generally takes between three to five days or more, depending on the conditions.

How do I know when my property is completely dry?

Touch alone cannot determine if the property is dry as it can often be a false indicator. Proper testing with specialized equipment is the only way to determine if things are completely dry.

Do I need to move out of my property during this process?

This is a decision you must make on your own. Safety is the biggest thing to consider. Our equipment is as safe and childproof as possible, but it’s your responsibility to supervise your children so they do not play with it. Some equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise. The equipment needs to remain on to properly dry the property, so if you feel that the noise will disrupt you, you might want to consider finding an alternate place to stay. If you file an insurance claim, you may also receive guidance from your insurance representative.

What’s that smell?

It is not unusual to smell odors during the drying process. Increased heat and humidity after a loss can lead to increased odors that may be coming from the drying building materials. Do not confuse these normal odors with the odor of mold. As the drying process continues and humidity levels drop, you’ll notice these odors disappearing on their own.

What about my wet furniture?

Your furniture must be dried before damage can be properly assessed. The extent of damage, as well as the construction of the furniture, determines if your furniture can be restored. Our Contents division can help to restore any furniture that is able to be salvaged and non-salvageable furniture will be documented for you

Why are air movers and dehumidifiers used?

When water damage has occurred, water can be absorbed into the drywall, baseboards, sub-flooring, etc. In order to fully dry these surface, high velocity air movers are required to accelerate the release of absorbed water into the air. Dehumidifiers are then necessary to remove this excess moisture from the air to help protect property and create the conditions for efficient drying.

Fire

How long will the restoration process take?

Given the many variables at play during and after a fire loss, which can include fire, smoke, and water restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Talking with a representative at Regency DRT can help you determine the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.

Can I clean it myself?

Do-it-yourself restorations are not recommended, at least not without first consulting a qualified restoration company. Pre-testing and pre-screening, using the right cleaning agent for a certain material, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions, and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a qualified restoration technician expertly controls the results. Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration.

What items do I keep in my possession?

  • Cash
  • Medications
  • Valuable Jewelry
  • Checkbooks
  • Personal Documents
  • Valuable Paintings
  • Pets
  • Weapons/Ammunition
  • Gasoline Cans

Mold

What is mold?

Mold is a fast-growing fungus that can spread within 48 hours of water damage. In some cases, like after a flood, the need for restoration is obvious. In other cases, mold can be growing behind your walls without you noticing. Mold spores spread easily and quickly and can grow almost anywhere under the right conditions: on carpet, clothing, cabinets, drywall, in your walls, or even in your ceiling.

Why is mold a problem?

Many people aren’t aware that mold can cause serious structural damage to a property, and, if left undetected, can cause a property to lose value and/or require significant, costly repairs. In addition to being difficult to remove, mold can also produce allergens and, in some rare cases, even toxins.  And if you have suffered from allergies or have any preexisting medical conditions, exposure to molds can often cause nasal stuffiness, red and itchy eyes, skin irritation, or even more severe reactions.

Contents

Will I have access to my belongings while they are in storage?

Yes, with advance notice we can schedule time to meet with you and provide access to your requested items. We can also deliver emergency clothes the very next day and often in as little as five hours – depending upon delivery distance and the time we receive notification of your claim – at no extra charge!

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for full payment and will need to sign a form authorizing payment for the services.

If this is an insurance claim, Regency DRT generally collects only the deductible amount from you before work begins and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid confusion, please direct any insurance-related questions to your Insurance Agent or Claims Representative.

Reconstruction

How long will the reconstruction project take?

Because of the many variables involved, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the reconstruction project will take. Consult with your Regency DRT representative on the phases of your reconstruction project and estimated completion date.

Do I need a permit?

When required, your Regency DRT Project Manager will take out the appropriate permit(s) on your behalf. If applicable, permit fees are included in the estimate and may be covered by the insurance company.

Will I have to be home all the time?

No, we will do our best to make sure you can go about your daily routine as uninterrupted as possible. For site access, you can either provide a key to your Project Manager or opt for a lock box on the property.

Do my belongings need to be moved away from the premises?

Depending on the scope of work, contents may remain on location. Regency DRT will take appropriate measures to securely cover and protect the contents of the property.

Emergency

Why do I need to sign a work authorization?

Before the restoration process begins, you will be asked to sign a work authorization form. This gives Regency DRT permission to work in your  property and to communicate with and provide a copy of the invoice to your insurance company. Your execution of this form is required to start emergency mitigation.

For additional work beyond the emergency phase, a more detailed scope will be produced beforehand using Xactimate software.  Xactimate is the accepted estimating program for most major insurance carriers, ensuring industry-standard pricing and faster claim resolution.

My property has its own maintenance, do I still need to contact Regency DRT?

Yes. Even if your maintenance team handled the initial response, it is best to get a qualified restoration company, like Regency DRT, involved as soon as possible. We offer more specialized services, tools, and techniques that will ultimately minimize disruption in your home or business, long-term damage, and associated costs. We can also work directly with your maintenance team to make sure all your disaster recovery plans are followed.

Who should I call if I need emergency services in my home or business?

If you have an emergency,  the first priority is always safety.   If there are immediate safety issues, evacuate the building and call 9-1-1.

The next priority is to stabilize the situation and begin immediate mitigation to prevent further damage. Contact Regency DRT by calling  our 24-Hour Emergency Response Team at  888.221.5791.