The Role of Skilled Professionals in Fire and Water Restoration

August 16, 2023

Behind every successful fire and water restoration project are skilled and dedicated professionals who play an important role in repairing homes and businesses. This can be a wonderful and rewarding career for those who enjoy giving back to members of their community. But what exactly does the work of a restoration professional involve? Every project is different, but there are some core duties that you can expect to perform.

Salvaging Belongings

Even a small fire or water leak can cause a huge mess. The first step in restoring the home or business is to help the owner salvage as many of their belongings as possible. Even things that appear heavily damaged are sometimes salvageable. As a restoration professional, you’ll learn to identify the level of damage and how likely salvage is.

Removing Debris

After salvaging all the belongings that can be saved, the next crucial step is removing the debris left behind by the disaster. The scope of this task varies depending on the extent of the damage caused. For smaller debris and general cleanup, you may need essentials like work gloves and trash bags. However, for more substantial debris and larger cleanup operations in fire restoration, heavy machinery might be required.

Extracting Water

In the event of a major flood, it typically takes 24-48 hours for mold to set in. So one of your early tasks will be to remove as much water as possible, as quickly as possible. You might use various equipment, including submersible pumps, fans, and heaters, depending on the exact nature of the flood.

Mitigating Further Damage

It’s always a smart idea to check for mold after a flood or hazardous contamination after a fire. In addition, the building may be structurally compromised. Once everything is out of the way, you’ll need to assess the site for any remaining hazards and do everything you can to mitigate the risks of additional damage.

Rebuilding

For many restoration experts, and certainly, for the building owner, this is the fun part. Some owners want everything rebuilt exactly as it was. Others take advantage of the opportunity to add upgrades or even redesign the space altogether. Either way, it can be deeply satisfying to see the new construction replaces what was previously the scene of a disaster.

Ready for a New Skilled Trade Position?

At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting professionals in the skilled trades with contractors who need their services throughout the Great Lakes region. If you’re a skilled trade worker looking for your next position, check out our available jobs today!

A woman wearing headphones stands in front of a sign that says build your career today apply now

< Older Post Newer Post >

A group of construction workers wearing hard hats and safety vests are smiling.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!