San Diego Water, Fire and Flood Damage FAQs
Is Abbotts a licensed contractor?
Yes, Abbotts holds general contractor licenses in San Diego County. We are also fully insured, hold BBB A+ Accreditation and are Certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration.
How much will my restoration cost?
How much your restoration costs really depends upon the type and the extent of damage. Abbotts uses Xactimate® which independently establishes pricing guidelines. Xactimate® pricing is recognized and accepted as an industry standard by many of the largest insurers and a majority of all insurers.
Every item performed on your restoration project is listed in detail and agreed upon by you as well as your adjuster so that there are no surprises. Deviations from the established pricing are documented for review and approval.
Is mold really dangerous?
Yes, mold can be very dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and other health agencies warn mold spores can cause serious health risks for people with breathing problems. And certain types of mold, including black mold (stachybotrys chartarum) can cause serious health problems, even in healthy people.
Why test for mold?
It’s important to test for mold after water damage has occurred. When you call Abbotts, our mold remediation experts will perform visual inspections and use an array of tests to look for any sign of mold in your San Diego home.
Upon completing the analysis, your Abbotts mold specialist will report any evidence of:
- Moisture intrusion
- Water damage
- Apparent mold growth
- Conditions conducive to mold growth
Upon assessing the scope of the mold problem, we’ll craft a comprehensive mold remediation plan designed to eradicate all mold in the affected area and prevent its return.
What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
Asbestos is a durable, fire-retardant fiber that was used extensively in a wide variety of construction materials up until the early 1980s on a number of San Diego homes and buildings. Extensive research found it to be a highly hazardous cause of lung cancer and other grave illnesses. These materials are not dangerous if they are in good condition and undisturbed. They only become dangerous if the material is disturbed or damaged so that asbestos fibers are released in the air where they can be inhaled. Improper removal may increase the health risks to you and your family.
Abbotts highly-trained and certified personnel employ a variety of protocols to control fiber release from asbestos including removal, encapsulation, repair, enclosure, and encasement.
What should I do with my valuables during my restoration?
We’ll inventory your personal property, pack it up, keep it in a climate controlled storage facility and return it when your San Diego property is restored. We ask you to secure jewelry, firearms, important documents and other highly valuable items.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
We will coordinate with and bill your insurance company directly. Typically, the insurance company will pay us directly the full cost of mitigation (e.g. water extraction, drying, dehumidification) since we use the same estimating software and follow industry guidelines.
The deductible amount is applied to the reconstruction funds. We will bill you the amount of the deductible once the insurance company cuts you a check for the reconstruction funds, about two weeks after the claim is filed.
What do I need to do to get my insurance claim paid?
We will coordinate with your insurance claim adjuster to get repair costs approved. The insurance company will send you a check for the repair payment, less your deductible. We will bill you for your deductible. We take all major credit cards. This video explains more about the claims process.
Who makes decisions about construction materials for my restoration?
An Abbotts 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 information on fixtures, flooring, cabinets, appliances and more.
Can you bill my insurance directly?
Yes, we can bill your insurance company directly. We have working relationships with major insurance carriers and work with them to coordinate your coverage and our services as well as invoicing and payment. 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 soon can your technicians come out?
Our San Diego restoration specialists respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with a guarantee that we will reach you in less than 60 minutes. That means we are available whenever you need us!
How long does it take for mold to grow once a water loss has occurred?
Mold can be found anywhere because it can grow indoors and outdoors between 24 to 48 hours. Abbotts Fire and Flood ensures full evaluation, containment, and decontamination services for your home.
Can you help clean up water damage?
Yes! Whether you have a pipe that has broken, a sewage backup, a fire or a natural disaster such as a flood that has destroyed your home, you can rely on Abbotts to help you repair your property and return your life to normal.
Is it possible for water damage to worsen over time?
Yes, unfortunately water damage may be a slow hidden progression, such as from a small plumbing leak inside a wall. If left untreated, even a small leak can exacerbate over time, leading to extensive damage and pricey repairs.
An untreated leak can cause a number of problems within a household, such as:
- Pipe corrosion
- Electrical issues
- Damaged carpet
- Wall discoloration, bulging, pealing, and cracking
- The appearance of mold and mildew
- The weakening of your foundation and other structural elements
- Decreased home value
If you notice any signs of water damage, take back control immediately by contacting Abbotts Fire and Flood San Diego.
How much does it cost to repair water damage?
The price of your water damage restoration varies according to several different factors:
- The type of water involved: Contaminated sewer water is much harder to clean than cleaner rainwater or water that came from a pipe.
- The extent of the damage: The larger the affected area, the more you may expect to pay for the cleanup.
- The affected surfaces: If your flooring or drywall need to be removed and replaced, or an area requires mold removal, the costs will probably be higher.
If you experience water damage in San Diego, contact Abbotts right away. One call does it all to get started on the water damage restoration process!
Can you also help with damage from floods and flooding?
Yes! We help with natural flooding, burst pipe cleanup, water damage from clogged gutters, sump pump cleanup, basement floods, and much more. View all of our water damage services here.
Contact us today
For help with your San Diego damage restoration or cleanup services needs.