If you don't know you have no business drying a home!!!!!!!

[CapeCleaner]

I'm new to restoration and taking very deliberate steps in creating a restoration division because I do think it is high risk if for no other reason than the litigious environment in which we live and operate. Right now I'm taking on only small jobs for existing clients. Anything beyond my capability or comfort zone, I call an established firm. When I do, they understand I'm there for the client so I'm able to remain on site, ask questions, and learn by watching what is being done. To be sure, I've learned more than a few things NOT to do.

Education so far includes WRT, carpet cleaning, upholstery, odor, and tile and grout. ASD as soon as I can get it scheduled. Will also be scheduling mold tech and mold supervisor courses next year.

All education is great but nothing beats real-world experience. I have no doubt I'll make mistakes but hope the education helps me avoid a major screw-up while gaining the needed experience. If anyone has some suggestions along this line - gaining more hands on experience - I'm open to your words of wisdom. What I'd really like to know, how far do you go how fast?

 

[John Watson]

Our November CCINW meeting is titled "Water damage for Carpet Cleaners who don't do Water Damage" It will be held at the DriEaz Card house on Nov 15 10-1.

I believe Brendon will be addressing all the risks mentioned and a few more. He will also be telling us what we can safely do for our clients till a qualified restorer is in charge.

This is a CCINW sponsered class. No charge to members but a $10.00 fee for a non member to cover the cost of lunch please RSVP with Jane at info@ccinw.org or call 1-877-MY CCINW

 

[Ron Werner]

this is why I refer wd to the restoration companies now. I'm a journeyman WD but by the time I get a wd call I've forgotten everything I learned on the course. And when I take another course I'm sitting there thinking Oops, I didn't do that, or OH sht, didn't even think to do that etc etc

I leave it to to guys that are "specialists", and I tell the person calling that I'm a specialist in cleaning, they are specialists in wd.

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

You need a minimum of WRT and ASD before you start doing jobs.
Of course, I didn't.
Yeah, when I think back on those jobs that I did before I knew what I was doing, it makes me cringe.

 

[LeeCory]

I think you have to be a certain kind of person to do water damage restoration. Adding this service is not like adding other services like tile cleaning. You have to be able to think and adapt to situations that are always different. It may be easy to get the obvious wet stuff dry, but you have to be able to find all the water or you are not doing your job.

WRT and ASD is a good start along with being prepared to invest a great deal of your attention. I also think you have to start slow and do the jobs you are only 100 percent confident you fully understand what is going on.

Being a carpet cleaner is not nearly qualification to think about going into water damage restoration. But if you do, the time has to be right.

 

[K&J Products]

Learn building construction and study how water is evaporated.

 

[Captain America]

I did water damage when I first started carpet cleaning to get me up and running and pay off my equipment.
Unless you have a big crew or contractors you have to not get in over your head.
I did extraction and drying with a few tearouts, but later sold my drying equip. And only did extraction.
Now I only do cleaning..a little bit less money, but less headaches, happy customers, more sleep and easier to mangage.

 

[Ivan Turner]

Cape Cleaner- welcome to the wonderful world of WDR. I think you are taking the proper approach, which frankly will be of great benefit in building a sustainable business. It is true that mistakes in WDR are not as forgiving as carpet cleaning, however, sometimes the "litigious" mindset is over blown, at least IMHO.

By making great communications your corner stone, the risks are minimized somewhat. So far as training - SFS is an excellent program for training and you might also check out the dozens of restoration groups on linkend. They offer a wealth of technical information, networking and support.

Good luck!

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Is Cape Cleaner still in biz? That post was a few years back.

 

[Desk Jockey]

No kidding "08"

I don't remember him. Hopefully he still is.