Content Restoration FAQs: What Homeowners Need to Know

When most people think about fire or water damage restoration, they often overlook one of the most important steps of the process. In their focus on getting the water removed and repairing their house, they forget to clean the household items that were affected by the incident. 

However, content restoration is one of those must-do tasks before a house can be fully returned to its pre-loss condition. It’s the part of the process that salvages memories, sentimental items, and any other personal property that has been affected by the water damage.

Since it is an incredibly important step, many homeowners often have many questions about what happens. Keep reading to learn more about the answers to content restoration FAQs.

What Do Homeowners Have to Do?

One of the first things that homeowners ask their restoration company is, “what will I have to do?” While it’s true that a water or fire damage restoration contractor can take care of most of the process, there are still a few things that homeowners may need to do. For example, most restoration companies require a signature that authorizes them to clean the household contents. 

That’s not all!

The process can go a lot more smoothly when a homeowner discusses their needs with their content restoration specialists. They should clearly communicate their priorities so that the contractors know which items should be cleaned first. 

Homeowners should also make the ultimate decision on whether or not something will be repaired. While a contractor can give their professional opinion on whether it is possible or not, it’s ultimately up to the homeowner to decide if it is worth it. 

Finally, the homeowner needs to be a part of the pack-out and delivery of the processions. Participating in this step allows homeowners to oversee everything and ensure the items are returned to the right place.

Should Homeowners Just Replace All Non-Sentimental Items?

Everyone responds to tough situations differently. For some, it may seem like it's better to just replace everything that was damaged in the home. They believe this will save all them time it would take to go through the entire household’s contents. There are certainly some rare circumstances where this may be the best option, but most times, this isn’t the case. 

Choosing to replace all of the household contents is far more expensive than cleaning, and it is usually just as time-consuming. Not to mention, this approach can cause a homeowner to max out their insurance coverage, and they would be left to pay for the replacement items out of pocket.

Can Some Household Contents Be Cleaned by Local Dry Cleaner?

Many people think that the contents cleaning process is a DIY step, but when dealing with mold, water damage, or smoke, it’s best to leave it to a team of professionals. The local dry cleaner typically doesn’t have the right equipment and specialized processes to deal with these situations. As a result, they typically have a lower success rate when it comes to getting clothing cleaned.

What Types of Cleaning Techniques Are Used in Content Restoration?

A content restoration company utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and proven technology to carefully repair and clean personal property. The following are just some of the cleaning techniques that may be used:

• Precision Drying
• Deodorizing
• Sanitizing
• Soot Cleaning
• Ultrasonic Cleaning
• Industrial-Grade Washing

These advanced methods and tools are typically only available with professional cleaning and restoration companies. If a homeowner is able to access these items to DIY the process, it would cost far more money, and they may not have the knowledge to determine which method is best for each type of item.

What Categories of Household Items Can Be Restored?

This is one of the most common content restoration FAQs. Homeowners want to make sure that a content restoration company can handle all of their different household belongings so that they don’t have to hire more than one company. For the most part, professional cleaning and restoration can help homeowners restore: 

• 
  Furniture
• Appliances
• Electronics
• Books & Documents
• Linens & Clothing
• Upholstery & Textiles
• Leather Goods
• Art Work
• Other Home Décor
• And More!

Contact ABC Environmental for More Answers to Content Restoration FAQs

Whether homeowners have more questions about the process or need immediate assistance, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact a professional restoration company. Fortunately, residents of St. Louis and the surrounding areas don’t have to look far to find ABC Environmental Contracting Services. They can contact the restoration specialists 24/7 for emergency services by calling (314) 668-1509, or they can request a free quote by filling out a simple online form.