Restoration FAQs

What should I do first? Call my insurance company?

As a matter of fact, no. Your insurance company prefers you call a restoration company to begin cleanup and fix your damage as quickly as possible.

Call a plumber to fix the leak, if applicable, but the faster our crews arrive, the more destruction we can help prevent to your business or property. You’ll still want to call your insurance company, but you shouldn’t wait for an adjuster to arrive before beginning any kind of damage restoration. If you plan to file a claim, they’ll need an assessment of the damage and restoration estimate anyway. Calling us speeds up the process.

Can you bill my insurance company directly?

Yes! We work with all adjusters and insurance providers. Our company will work closely with your insurance provider to ensure you get the settlement you need and repair work done as quickly as possible. We have years of experience with most local adjusters and providers, so we speak their language, in other words, which reduces confusion and any “back and forth.” We will let you know what services if any, are recommended but not covered by your insurance. In most cases, you will only be billed for your deductible.

How much will my restoration cost?

How much your restoration costs really depends upon the type and the extent of the damage. Every item performed on your restoration project is listed in detail and agreed upon by you as well as your adjuster before the work begins so that there are no surprises. Deviations from the established pricing are documented for review and approval.

Who makes decisions about construction materials for my restoration?

An All Phase project manager will work with you to help you make these decisions. We only work with reputable suppliers who carry quality materials and can provide a wealth of knowledge on fixtures, flooring, cabinets, appliances, and more.

What should I do after a water damage event in my home?

When a water emergency occurs in your home or business, it’s only natural to want to take action immediately. Below are some preliminary steps you can take before we arrive, but only attempt what you can do safely.

Shut off the water source, if possible. If you’re not sure where the water is coming from, we’ll inspect and handle the situation as soon as we arrive.
Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or wiping. This could include flooring and hard surface furniture which has standing water on it. Do not use your household vacuum to remove water, since it could cause damage to the vacuum or be unsafe.
Protect carpet, rugs, drapes, and upholstered items from further damage. Place aluminum foil or parchment paper between furniture and wet carpet or rugs. Remove books, magazines, or other colored items from carpets and rugs. Hang draperies up with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet floors. Remove pillows or cushions from wet upholstered items.
Avoid using electric or electronic items that have come into contact with water. This may include items such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, televisions, or appliances. If there is a possibility that someone else on the property may turn on an electric item that has come in contact with water, consider turning off the power to individual circuits within the power distribution panel of the property.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Experiencing a fire in your home or business can be traumatic and stressful, and knowing what to do after a fire can seem overwhelming. First, contact a local disaster relief agency and your insurance company for immediate assistance, especially if you’ve been displaced. Try to locate any necessary documents you’ll need, like a driver’s license and other records, but don’t enter the structure unless the fire department has deemed it safe for you to do so, first.

Will I have to be home all the time?

No, you do not need to be present while we work to repair your home. We will communicate regularly with you about the timeline and current stage of the project, so you are aware of the activities occurring on any given day.

Remodeling FAQs

How much will my remodeling project cost?

There are many variables when pricing a remodeling project and each home is unique. However, to get an idea of what comparable projects in our area cost along with national averages please refer to the Remodeling Magazine Cost Vs. Value Report.

What are the first steps in my remodeling project?

Develop a list of priorities – what you need vs. what you want. If you need to cut costs this list will help you decide what you can do without.
Establish a budget – How much are you able to spend? Where is your funding coming from?
Get ideas! Look in magazines. Tear out pictures and circle what you like. Check out Houzz.com – create and ideabook to share with us. Visit home shows and parades of homes, or take pictures.

How do I select a remodeling contractor?

Ask neighbors, friends, and associates for referrals!
Contact your local Home Builders Association.
Interview several remodelers to find out how long they’ve been in business; have they done a project like yours? Do they have a list of references? Who does the work – the employees or subcontractors? What professional organizations do they belong to?
Check with the Better Business Bureau.
Are they licensed and insured?
How professional does the firm seem to you?
What kind of services do they offer
Do they seem organized enough and large enough to do your project?
Will you need a designer? Does the company have one on staff, or do you need to find one?
Ask each firm interviewed for a range estimate for the work you are considering. (Some contractors will do this on the first consultation, while some will need time to consider.)
What is the contractor’s warranty?

What questions should I expect a remodeling contractor to ask me?

The contractor will ask how quickly you want the project done. Good contractors can have a long lead time. They will want to make sure that you don’t expect the project to be completed in an amount of time that isn’t possible.
Be prepared to explain your project and some information about your house, such as its age and how long you’ve lived there
You may also be asked if you have a budget for your project, this is most often to ensure that you have a realistic understanding of how much the project may cost.

Will you give me a free estimate?

At All Phase we use the design/build concept. We will give you a free ballpark estimate, after which we charge a fee for designs and project development. This includes detailed drawings along with a proposal that includes business terms, detailed job specifications, contractual terms, and a final price.
The project development fee is applied toward the overall cost of the project when you decide to work with us.

What are my options for funding my project?

Credit Card/Revolving Credit: Open-ended, unsecured line of credit with pre-approved limit, i.e. Visa or Master Card. Other stand alone lines are available through some banks and finance companies. For small projects.
Home Improvement Loan: A closed-end installment loan used for the purpose of financing home improvements. Home Improvement loans are usually unsecured. For small to medium projects.
Home Equity Loan/Line: Loan secured by a mortgage (1st or 2nd) on the residence. Can be either a closed-end installment or an open-ended line of credit. For any size project.
Construction Mortgage: A first mortgage on the residence where money is advanced in stages to refinance the existing mortgage and then pay for the improvements as the work is completed. Interest-only payments are made during construction. After completion of construction, a regular principal and interest payment schedule is started. For large projects.
When considering these options keep in mind: Project Size, How quickly the funds are needed, required financing, any possible tax benefits, before and after appraisal value, current mortgage rate, and projected length of occupancy.

Why are professional designs important?

Professional designers are trained to make the space fit your needs. They know the right questions to ask you in order to get the answers they need. They know the code requirements for structure, clearances, egress, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, materials, etc. They can make your space both functional and aesthetic. You may be concerned that professional designs cost money, but in actuality, they save you money. Designers work with you to get the best with your budget. Money is also saved because things will not need to be fixed later because of something overlooked in the initial designs, or because it didn’t pass inspection.

What questions will I be asked before remodeling my bathroom?

Be prepared to discuss the following questions with your contractor/designer:

How long have you lived in your home, and how much time do you spend there?
When was the house built? How old is the present bathroom?
When would you like to begin the project?
When would you like the project completed by?
Do you plan on doing any of the work yourself?
Do you have a budget range?
How long do you plan on living in the home?
Is the bathroom a master, children’s, or guest bath?
Ages, Heights, Right or left-handed, Physical Limitations of users:
Is it a full or half bath?
How many family members will use the bathroom at one time?
Do you prefer privacy zoning so more than one person can use the room at once?
How many additional bathrooms do you have? Do any of them have a shower or tub?
What do you dislike most about your present bathroom?
What do you like most about your present bathroom?
Do you prefer separate showering and bathing areas?
Do you plan on replacing the plumbing fixtures?
What activities take place in the bathroom? Bathing, Showering, Dressing, Applying make-up / hair care, Exercising, Laundering, Reading/Lounging?
What appliances do you plan on using in the bathroom? Blow dryer, Curling iron, Electric toothbrush, Hot Rollers, Radio, Television, Towel Warmer?
Do you have a style preference for your bathroom? (Traditional, Contemporary, Country, Formal)
What colors are you considering for your bathroom?
Is it necessary that the color and style flow to adjacent spaces, or can the bathroom have a design and style of its own?
Have you done any sketches or collected any pictures of ideas for your bathroom?
Do you have many accessories you want to display?
Do you like open storage so everything is easily accessible, or do you prefer “hiding” everything behind closed doors?
Are you willing to make any structural changes if it would improve the design and layout?

What questions will I be asked before remodeling my kitchen?