Insurer provides complimentary smart home kit, premium discount to customers.

Kowalski Construction faced an extraordinary task in one of its recent projects. After a large fire ravaged one of Arizona’s largest malls, one-third of the shopping center was affected with heavy smoke and water damage. As one of the area’s only construction companies qualified to handle a job of this magnitude, they were asked to perform restoration services, but with a twist. Managers wanted to keep the mall open for business.

The oldest and most complex of the restoration disciplines, fire remediation work requires an understanding of how fire and combustion residues behave to effectively neutralize and return a structure to a livable state. Cole Stanton explores four fundamental chemistry subsets of fire damage and how each can impact restoration work.

Not having textiles tested after a cleaning could expose people to a wide range of chemicals and health risks. This could, in turn, expose restoration contractors and insurance companies to considerable liability.

Within a matter of minutes, fires of any size can wreak havoc on large retail businesses. Whether it is a clothing store, a grocery chain, a gym, a theater, a large restaurant, or any other large retail setting, fires damage merchandise, equipment, seating, decor, and the structure of the building. 

A fire is sudden and can be scary for any business or homeowner. No matter how big or small, a fire can cause damage to a structure within minutes. 

Last year, Paul Davis of Greater St. Paul and Minneapolis worked on a major fire damage restoration project for a senior living (age 55+) condominium association community. In addition to the regular challenges of a large loss fire job – from mitigation through reconstruction - the project presented additional difficulties posed by COVID-19, as the residents were considered high risk.

Nuisance odors are a problem. After all, even the most attractive property can be marred by a foul smell that everyone notices. Bad odors can cause frustrations for employees, clients, tenants, and customers. In many situations, they can also be a sign of something that is unsafe.