How long does a restoration or remodeling job take, and how much does it cost?
Timing depends on the type and extent of the damage. The work itself usually doesn't take long, but the biggest delays in insurance jobs come from getting the correct scope of work approved and paid by the insurance company. The best thing you can do is stay on top of your insurer from the start so they resolve your claim and pay invoices promptly. We provide a free inspection and an initial verbal assessment, then a detailed estimate for reconstruction.
Will I receive a written estimate up front?
We'll always give you an initial verbal assessment of repair costs, but in restoration it's standard practice to require a signed contract before a detailed written estimate. Most jobs involve demolition that uncovers additional hidden damage, and water drying involves too many variables to price accurately in advance. For water losses, time is critical, and waiting on an estimate only increases the damage and the cost. Once demolition reveals the full scope, we produce the most accurate written estimate possible.
Can I start repairs before the insurance company makes a decision on my claim?
Normally you must give the insurance company a reasonable opportunity to inspect the property before repairs begin, and notifying them in writing of your start date is good practice. Water and mold damage are an exception, since allowing the situation to stay wet or moldy can cause additional damage you may be liable for. Either way, we strongly recommend you photograph and document all damage before any repairs, which is essential to prove the extent of the loss to your insurer.
Do I have to pay my deductible, and how does it work?
Yes. With ORC or any contractor, you must pay your deductible. It's the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the balance up to your insured limit. For example, with a $5,000 deductible on a $12,000 loss, you pay $5,000 and insurance pays $7,000. A contractor cannot inflate the loss or discount your deductible, as that is insurance fraud and punishable by law. Your deductible is applied only once per loss and is listed on your policy's declarations page.
What if my repair costs more than the original estimate?
If additional damage is discovered while work is underway, a supplemental claim can be made to the insurance company to cover it.
Are there limits on what insurance pays for water and mold?
There can be. Emergency Mitigation Services (EMS), the first day of work to stabilize and begin drying, has a limit of 1% of the home value or $3,000, whichever is greater, and continued mitigation is invoiced separately. Mold coverage may be capped, depending on your policy, sometimes around $10,000 and sometimes up to $50,000, and only if your policy covers mold at all. If a job is expected to exceed the limit, we'll advise you in advance and work to minimize any out-of-pocket cost.
Can mold be caused by my thermostat setting?
Yes. In Florida's high humidity, your air conditioner pulls moisture from the air when the fan is set to Auto. If the fan is set to On or Run and runs constantly, that moisture stays in the air, coats everything in your home, and can eventually turn into mold. Set your thermostat fan to Auto.
What's that musty smell in my house?
A musty odor often means hidden water damage and possible mold. Pipes can leak inside walls or under carpet without you seeing it, and by the time stains appear you may already have mold. ORC has special equipment to track down leaks, stop them, check for mold, and get it cleaned away before it causes health issues for you or your family.
Does ORC handle complete restorations, not just cleanup?
Yes. As both a restoration company and a general contractor, ORC does complete restorations, from water mitigation through reconstruction. We've handled jobs as severe as a sewage leak that flooded 80% of a home, removing and replacing all affected flooring and drywall. Our specialty is repairing structures damaged by fire, flood, mold, criminal acts, or other events.
What kinds of disasters do you clean up?
All kinds, big and small. That includes burst pipes, leaky toilets, and slab leaks, water that traveled down from an upstairs condo, break-ins and vandalism, fire and smoke, and crime scene, trauma, and bio-hazard situations. We handle cleanup and restoration of condos, private homes, and businesses across Brevard and Indian River counties, and we travel even further for crime scene and trauma cases.
How quickly are crime scene, trauma, and bio-hazard cleanups handled?
Bio-hazard cleanups of any kind are normally undertaken as quickly as possible and are often handled on an emergency basis, most often the same day. When emergency, off-hours service isn't necessary, we can also schedule them to help you avoid the extra cost of emergency hours.
How do hoarder cleanups and payment work?
Hoarder cleanups are generally self-pay, with no insurance company involved, though biohazards, mold, or other discovered damage may sometimes support an insurance claim. The cleanup itself averages less than a week, with remaining time depending on the type and extent of any damage found, and is contingent on payment to ORC Services.
Why should I choose a locally owned restoration company?
After storms and disasters, homeowners are often besieged by unreliable, out-of-town repair services. Locally owned and operated companies rely on word of mouth from your friends and neighbors, so they're more likely to deliver trustworthy, thorough repairs. ORC is trusted by the insurance industry, by many commercial property managers, and by the local real estate industry for water damage drying and mitigation.
