INVESTIGATIONS

Upon arriving at an emergency restoration site, the first priority is to ensure scene safety for all involved. The site is carefully assessed for potential hazards such as electrical risks, structural instability, slip and trip dangers, hazardous materials, and compromised air quality. Following industry best practices and established safety protocols, the evaluator determines if utilities need to be shut off, protective barriers installed, or personal protective equipment (PPE) required before any restoration work begins. This critical safety assessment protects both workers and occupants while preventing additional property damage, laying the groundwork for a safe and efficient restoration process.

I provide specialized source and origin determination services for water losses, focusing on accurately identifying where and how the water intrusion or leak began. Using advanced tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging, and tracer dyes, I conduct thorough on-site evaluations to trace the exact path of water migration. This allows me to separate the primary source of damage from any secondary or unrelated moisture issues, ensuring a clear and accurate assessment. My detailed findings help guide proper mitigation and repairs while offering essential documentation to support insurance claims and resolve disputes confidently and efficiently.

As part of my water loss assessment services, I determine the category and classification of water damage in strict accordance with the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide. By evaluating the source and condition of the water, I identify whether the loss falls under Category 1 (clean water), Category 2 (gray water), or Category 3 (black water), each carrying specific health and safety considerations. I also assess the extent of moisture absorption and the type of affected materials to establish the proper Class of water intrusion, from Class 1 (minimal absorption) to Class 4 (deeply saturated or specialty drying situations). This detailed categorization and classification process ensures that the appropriate mitigation procedures are recommended, protecting property integrity and occupant safety while providing clear, industry-standard documentation for claims handling

Following a critical loss, such as fire, flood, or structural damage, conducting an asbestos assessment is an essential step to ensure the safety of all restoration activities. Before any demolition, disturbance, or removal of building materials, a thorough inspection is performed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), particularly in older structures where such materials are more common. Certified professionals collect samples from suspect materials—such as insulation, flooring, or ceiling tiles—for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos. This assessment helps prevent accidental fiber release during restoration efforts, protects worker and occupant health, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

A fire and soot migration assessment is a critical component of evaluating damage following a structure fire. This process involves a detailed inspection to determine the extent and pathways of smoke and soot movement throughout the building, including areas far from the actual fire source. Using visual inspections, surface sampling, and sometimes specialized tools like particulate meters or air quality testing, the assessment identifies hidden contamination in HVAC systems, wall cavities, insulation, and other concealed spaces. Understanding how soot and smoke have traveled is essential for developing an effective cleaning and restoration plan, preventing lingering odors, corrosion, or health hazards, and ensuring the property is fully restored to a safe and habitable condition.