Alabama headlines the weather news often. Severe storms roll through very regularly and Alabama residents are familiar with blue tarps covering missing roofs, displaced neighbors and ongoing construction. The state sits squarely in the very active “Dixie Alley” tornado risk zone, accompanied by Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. A Northern Illinois University meteorological expert, using historical data, recently showed that Dixie Alley now experiences more of these deadly storms than the famed midwestern Tornado Alley.
Steve Dickey believes the data. “The last several years have been very, very busy for us,” says Dickey, President of Paul Davis of Greater Birmingham, Alabama. “We’ve been privileged to be able to help storm victims through the worst times in their lives. Many have told us, ‘we’re so glad we hired your company to assess the damage and do the work. We’re back in our house and it looks just like it did before the storm. Sadly, our neighbors are still not back home.’”
Professional mitigation and restoration firms like Paul Davis offer significant benefits when it comes to assessing storm damage and planning restoration:
Current credentials: Professionals maintain contractor’s licenses, technician certifications, proof of insurance and bonds. They meet specific industry mitigation standards such as the ANSI/IICRC Standards and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, for example. They also work frequently with local and regional regulatory bodies and understand the requirements and permits that govern projects.
Thorough, skilled inspections: Disaster recovery professionals conduct extremely detailed inspections and document the scene thoroughly, often using digital technology that creates 3-D maps with meticulous measurements. They also know where to find hidden damage – behind walls, in crawl spaces – that could cause long-term problems if not identified and restored.
Written estimates and restoration plans: Professional assessments yield accurate written estimates with line item costs and in-depth restoration plans that discuss timeframes, equipment, product use and personnel. Professional assessments will never conclude with estimates over the phone or jotted on a business card.
Excellent communication: Professionals provide ongoing support after the assessment. Paul Davis, for example, offers 24/7/365 availability with telephone support at any time night or day. They will never rush a decision on restoration, giving property owners plenty of time to evaluate their options.
Dickey names another advantage that professional assessments offer. “Here at Paul Davis, we repair more than property. A good assessment starts a well-managed recovery process that creates comforting feelings of gratitude and safety. These positive feelings heal and we work hard to build and nurture them.”
