HELPFUL TIPS: After a business or Commercial damage

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Tarping a roof can prevent additional damage.

When your business or commercial property is damaged by fire, water, or storm, your immediate concern should be temporary protective measures. For example, a damaged roof should be covered with roof tarps to prevent additional damage. Boarding up windows and doors can secure your business or commercial property until you can remove any water and debris.

After any storm use caution before entering your commercial property. Check for power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If any of your electrical equipment is wet, contact an electrician. Prepare loss information  for insurance claims and get independent estimates of the damages. 

Once you protect and secure your business or commercial property, professionals at SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth can begin the restoration process. You may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

HELPFUL TIPS:

1. Protect Yourself From Contactor Fraud
Only hire licensed contractors to do repairs on your commercial property. Check with your local building department to ensure the contractor is licensed. If you hire a contractor, don’t pull the permits for them. If the contractor makes this request, it may be an indication that the contractor is not properly licensed. 

2. Take Photographs Of All Damage
Photographs of the after-storm condition of your commercial property can provide proof of damage for insurance and other purposes. Take the photos immediately after the damage and before repair work begins. Keep all your receipts for insurance purposes. 

Don’t wait for a storm to begin preparing. Take a complete set of photographs of your commercial property in its current condition to serve as “before” pictures. If and when a storm strikes your business you can take “after” pictures to show the full extent of the damage.   

3. Assess The Damage And Contact Your Local Building Department
After assessing the damage to your business or commercial property, contact your local building department for information on the required building permits. Permits are always required for any demolition or permanent repairs, reconstruction, roofing, filling, and other types of site development.