Potential Indoor Hazards from DIY Repair & Remodeling Projects

Each year, property owners take on countless home repair, renovation and remodeling projects.  While these do it yourself (DIY) projects can bring new life to a home or be essential for repairing damage that has occurred, they can also expose building occupants to potential hazards that many people may not be aware exist in their home.

Many types of repair and remodeling projects will generate a significant amount of dust.  Depending on the home and type of project, this dust can not only spread to other areas of the property, but could also be filled with a number of hazardous substances.  It is important to minimize exposure to these materials by controlling the amount of dust created, isolating the project area from the rest of the house, and wearing proper personnel protective equipment. 

DIY projects can in some circumstances expose people to the following:

·       Mold is a concern in any property that has suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels.  Removing cabinets or opening walls, ceilings and floors can expose areas of mold growth that can be easily aerosolized.

·       Many older homes can have a wide range of building materials in the interior and exterior that contain asbestos.  These materials range from roofing and siding to some popcorn ceilings and various types of flooring to name just a few.

·       Homes built before the late 1970s often contain lead-based paints.  As these materials degrade or become disturbed during repair and remodeling, they can become airborne and settle as dust.

·       Mercury can be found in some old home thermostats and small amounts in fluorescent light bulbs.  If these are broken they can emit a toxic and odorless vapor.

“Even after potential hazards associated with the demolition or removal of old materials has been completed, new materials that are installed may emit chemicals such as formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be a concern,” said Tom Allen of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “Many new materials, including most cabinets, carpeting, flooring and furniture, as well as paints and stains, will off-gas VOCs into the indoor environment.”

For those faced with home repair projects due to an insured property damage claim, the experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters provide their clients with not only insurance and construction expertise, but also with a comprehensive understanding of potential indoor environmental concerns.  Their services help to expedite the claims process and they handle all negotiations with the insurance company.  This means their clients receive full coverage benefits in the shortest time possible.

Monsoon Season Begins with Tips for Property Owners from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters

Today is the official start of the monsoon season in the Southwest.  It begins on June 15^th and officially ends on September 30^th.  The season typically begins with exceptionally warm weather which is following by an influx of moisture that creates conditions conducive for rain and thunderstorms.

Although the annual monsoon season brings much needed moisture to the arid Southwest, it can also create hazardous conditions and property damage due to extreme heat, dust storms, thunderstorms, lightning, wildfires, strong winds, downbursts, hail and flash floods.  In fact, many parts of Arizona receive up to half their annual rainfall during these few months.

“People should prepare their families, homes and businesses for the powerful storms typical of the monsoon season,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “Pay attention to weather reports and having a disaster supply kit ready is always a good idea.  Because monsoon storms can knock out power in areas, sometimes for days, the kit should include food that doesn’t require refrigeration, water, flashlights, medications and clothing.  Also check for potential roof leaks before the rains come and secure items on the property that could blow away.  This is also a good time to have any trees trimmed near buildings to prevent possible damage from broken limbs.  Last, but not least, before the storms arrive make sure any property insurance is up to date and will provide coverage for the all types of damage associated with monsoon storms.” 

If a monsoon storm does cause damage to a property, the professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters have teams of property damage and insurance experts that can provide assistance at a moment’s notice.  Their professionals help policy holders obtain the most accurate and complete settlement so they can rebuild their homes and businesses and get back to their lives.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim due to Property Damage

A person’s home is their castle so most homeowners maintain their property and have insurance to protect their investment. Unfortunately, weather related and man-made events that are out of a homeowner’s hands can cause damage or loss to a person’s home and belongings.

These events can range from theft and vandalism; faulty plumbing and electrical hazards; to natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes.  In the event damage does occur to an insured property, a policy holder that has never had to file a property damage claim may be unsure of what steps should be taken next. 

The insurance claims and property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters provide the following advice:

• If a crime has taken place due to theft, arson or vandalism, report the incident to the police.
• Notify the insurance company.
• Make any temporary repairs if they will protect the property from further damage, but do not begin other types of repairs until they have been approved by the insurance company.
• Consider hiring the services of a licensed public adjuster to represent the claim on the policy holder’s behalf to ensure that all damages are properly valued for repair and/or replaced.
• Make a detailed list of known damages
• Do not throw out damaged materials and belongings.
• If temporary housing is required, keep all receipts. 

“While many homeowners may not be familiar with the services of a licensed public adjuster, these professionals work solely for their customers to ensure that they are treated fairly and that no details are overlooked,” said Tom Allen of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “As public adjusters, we only represent the policy holder so our clients can rest assured that their interests are our only focus.  Expediting the claims process, handling negotiations with the insurance company, and making sure that the client is awarded full coverage benefits are just a few of the things we do to help our clients quickly return their properties to pre-damage conditions so they can get back to their lives.”   

The services of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters are available for residential and commercial policy holders in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Hurricane Season Begins and Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters Advises Property Owners to be Prepared

Last week was National Hurricane Preparedness Week and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was busy spreading the word to coastal communities and inland areas.  These powerful storms can leave a path of destruction and death in their wake so it is crucial that communities in areas that may be in their path are prepared and have a plan in place in the event of a hurricane.

The property damage caused by hurricanes can be catastrophic.  Hurricane Sandy is believed to have caused over $18 billion in insured property losses, which doesn’t include claims covered by the National Flood Insurance Program.  Likewise, Hurricane Katrina reportedly caused over $41 billion in insured property losses.

According to NOAA, “The primary hazards from hurricanes are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions can also be devastating. Flooding from heavy rains can cause extensive damage and loss of life.”

“Today, June 1^st, is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “People living in areas prone to hurricanes and even in regions that are not hit on a regular basis should review their property insurance policies and invest in a flood insurance policy to protect their homes and businesses.  If a hurricane does impact their property, they should have a plan in place to help expedite any repairs that may be needed.  Following a hurricane or any other type of natural disaster can be an especially hectic and confusing time for many, so being prepared and having a plan in place can make all the difference.”

The professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters have teams of property damage and insurance professionals that can help property owners get back on their feet and quickly rebuild hurricane damaged properties.  They achieve this by comprehensively settling insurance claims while taking into account all of the damage and potential hazards that may exist.  Their experts help policy holders obtain the most accurate and complete settlement so they can rebuild their homes and businesses and get back to their lives.

Spring Floods and Water Leaks Can Result in Costly Property Damage due to Wood Rot Fungi

Wood is one of the most popular materials used to construct many types of residential and commercial properties. When properly maintained and protected, buildings made from wood can last for centuries.

As a natural material, termites and wood destroying insects have long been blamed for the destruction of wood in buildings, but they are not the only culprits.  Wood also makes for an ideal food source for many types of fungi. Fungi, commonly referred to as mold, can quickly begin to grow on or in wood materials when there is sufficient moisture and temperatures that are conducive for its growth. 

Some types of mold are primarily found growing on the surface of wood.  This is commonly the case when there has been a water damaging event in a building caused by a leaking pipe, elevated humidity or some type of flood. The mold may be easily visible and can cause staining. When mold is growing on the surface of the wood it may become aerosolized and cause indoor air quality and health concerns for building occupants.

Other types of mold not only use the wood as a food source, but also cause decay by breaking down the wood fibers. There are species that will attack living trees and others that will consume harvested wood that has been used to construct a building.  These wood decay fungi are classified based on the type of decay they cause.  The most well-known types include brown rot, white rot and soft rot.

“Damage from wood decay fungi can be extensive and visible signs of its presence may not be evident to an untrained eye for some time,” said Tom Allen of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “However, damage can become severe enough to cause structural concerns over time.  In fact, some estimates have put the amount of wood required each year just to replace wood rot at approximately 10% of the U.S. annual wood production.”  

Property owners and facility managers who suspect wood rot or other types of property damage has occurred due to natural or manmade causes can turn to the insurance and property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters for assistance.  Their specialists provide policy holders in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with professional representation to be able to obtain the most accurate and complete settlement for all types of insured property damage.

Hail Damage to Properties is Common in Many Parts of the United States

This spring has already witnessed severe storms that have caused widespread flooding, tornadoes and even a tropical storm.  A component of many of these powerful weather systems is the presence of hail that can cause property damage across a wide area.

Hail is possible in most thunderstorms.  It can have a diameter of anywhere from 5 millimeters to as large as 15 centimeters.  These exceptionally large hailstones can weigh over 1 pound.  Because hail drops from thousands of feet above, even a storm with small hail can do considerable damage to a home or business.  In fact, some reports indicate that hail damage causes in excess of $1 billion in damages each year in the United States alone.    

Over the past several years, the number of insurance claims due to hail damage has been on the increase.  According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), these claims increased 84% from 2010 through 2012 with over 850,000+ claims in 2012.

“While hail damage can be quite evident, as is the case when hail breaks windows on a building, other times in may go unnoticed for some time,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “This may be the case when damage is primarily confined to a rooftop or other area that is out of sight.  When a hail storm strikes, it is important to have the entire building checked for this type of damage that if left unchecked, could lead to other issues such as leaking roofs, water damage and eventual mold contamination.”

For people who suspect hail damage has occurred on their property, the insurance and property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters are there to help. They assist policy holders in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the most accurate and complete settlement for any damages caused by hail storms or due to other causes.

Facing a Property Damage Claim – Utilizing the Expertise of a Public Adjuster Can Make All the Difference

For most people who own residential or commercial property, writing a regular check to cover their homeowners insurance or other types of property insurance to insure their investment is done without much thought.  Many make these insurance payments for years or even decades without ever having to file a property damage claim. 

So what are one’s options if a property damage claim does have to be submitted, but the insurance provider offers a settlement figure that looks much less than what is likely needed to make the necessary repairs?  The answer can be found in licensed insurance professionals known as public adjusters.   Public adjusters’ singular purpose is to represent the policy holder and be their advocate during the entire claims process. 

One of the leading public adjusters with representatives offering services in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey is Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC (HDPA).  Tom Allen, one of HDPA’s leading insurance claims experts, shared the following.  “As a public adjuster, we can help policy holders receive all of the benefits for which they are entitled from their insurance policy.  Quite often there are repairs that may have been missed or undervalued by the insurance company.  Our experts know what to look for and what it takes to have damages properly repaired.  These services help to ensure that the policy holder is treated fairly and offered the maximum settlement in a timely manner.”

Many people don’t realize that there is no out-of-pocket costs to engage the services of the professionals from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters.  They work off a small percentage of the final settlement value so they don’t get paid until the policy holder gets a check from the insurance company.