It is important for contractors to recognize the need to provide prompt mitigation to equipment that has been affected and damaged by fire thermal damage, explosion, smoke & soot, water infiltration, dust contamination, corrosion induced events, secondary moisture intrusion and other loss related offending contaminants. Efforts aimed at salvaging carpet and drywall is understandable and avoiding mold is necessary but allowing equipment to corrode and degrade while saving this other less expensive structural items is unforgivable. Much equipment has been compromised while the carpet has been salvaged because contractors do not understand the need for arresting the offending contamination and stopping the ongoing corrosion and degradation. The cost of losing equipment can be great.
After the initial onslaught is over complete restoration can then begin. Restoration contractors skilled in commercial work are our true strategic partners. This understanding allows us to work hand-in-glove on the technical claim while they handle the building. The contractors we work with understand the need to get insured’s production and business operations back on line quickly and we work together to make this happen. As specialist it is our job to determine if equipment was “in use” or “out of service” at the time of the loss event. Pre-existing conditions must be noted and documented such as previous physical damage, abuse & neglect, lack of maintenance or normal wear & tear issues; which are all pertinent to the loss at the end sign off phase but should also be considered when repairing items that are loss related virus those that are functional and not loss related.
Uniqueness and lead-time availability also play into the restoration decision- equipment that is “one off” and “custom built” may need repaired due to no stock replacement machines- in this case restoration is an effective and valid option. In other cases common items heavily damaged may be replaced due restoration not being a cost effective option. Parts availability and obsolescence of machinery should be considered as well as machines that are not up to code or current standards. Restoration contractors that understand the nuances of machinery and equipment often take jobs away from others who offer incomplete services and have little or no knowledge of the complete restoration concept of contents and structure that must come back on-line at the same time.
The thoroughness of our restoration protocols allows us to guarantee our work while implementing re-warranty and even re-certification of equipment to O.E.M. standards and specifications. Our strategic partners who understand the need for technical resonation take us to the losses and allow us to scope and evacuate the items in our area of expertise together so they understand the cost benefits of restoration to the insured and the value to the insurance carrier.
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