From the beginning of March until now can only be described as a white-knuckle ride of unknowns, changing business practices, and challenges owners and employees had to face.

For years, I have heard restorers and carriers say some pieces of equipment are “specialty equipment”, and I must admit for a bunch of years early in my career, I listened to the crowd. 

While studying to become a Certified Restorer, I had the pleasure of taking a building science course offered by the Restoration Industry Association. This course should be required early in any restorer’s career. It is knowledge that will make you think differently about your drying projects. 

There is no room for error in restoration when dealing with employee and occupant safety. The restorer must consider other options before resorting to personal protective equipment (PPE).

What would you think if I told you that it would take three months to dry out a building after a fire loss? If I posted this on LinkedIn or Facebook, my comment screen would probably say things like “learn to dry a structure!” or “you’re the worst restorer ever! I can dry it in a few days.”

You should know what I believe before reading this article. I believe that carriers and contractors can work well together if their relationship is built on trust and a mutually accepted goal to reduce costs, both be profitable, and to provide exceptional customer service.

In May 2016, the massive Fort McMurray wildfire that forced more than 80,000 people from their homes was dubbed the costliest disaster for insurers in Canadian history.  With tens of thousands of personal, commercial and auto claims, the devastation took months to document and the re-build will be underway for some time to come.