4/22/10

While one might expect the Insurance Company to want to be involved in hiring a contractor, in fact they are, but the homeowner is the one who chooses. And one might also think it doesn't matter if the contractor is familiar with restoration or not. After all, isn't rebuilding the same?

This answer is no. For a movie reference see "Sunshine Cleaning". Oregon, in particular, is a leader in recycling and appropriate disposal of tainted materials. With an older home (built in the 1940's) and popcorn ceiling in the living and dining room every contractor who has come through the front door looks at the ceiling and mutters the word "asbestos" followed by the equally fabulous phrase "lead paint." Add lathe and plaster construction and you have a home with issues.

"Smoke gets in your eyes", but it also gets in the walls, floors, fabrics. Not only is it toxic, it has acid properties. Smoke left untouched will etch into glass and mirrors and you probably won't be seeing the the outline of the Virgin Mary when it's done.

Choosing a contractor is more than thinking the company is reputable or the man/woman in your home seems competent. This is a "relationship" that once started will continue for 4-9 months. And nothing is worse than going home with the wrong man at night and in the light of day wondering just exactly how drunk were you?