Frequently Asked Questions...

What do I do first?
After the Fire Department has left, and you are situated in a safe location, call your insurance company. They might have some protocols for you to follow in order to ensure the maximum benefit from your current policy. An example would be: Don't throw away any items until they have been documented.

What do I do with Fire Restoration Companies beating down my door?
Your insurance company may, or may not, offer you a list of their "Preferred Contractors" to choose from. Depending on your policy, you may be able to choose your own company, independent from your insurance carrier. McMahon Services & Construction is a "Preferred Contractor" for many of the large insurance carriers.

What about Public Adjusters who want me to sign on the spot?
You can take their information, but do NOT sign anything on the spot. There may be excessive fees or percentages charged for their bids. McMahon Services and Construction provides your bid for FREE.

What can I expect of a Restoration Company?
McMahon Services & Construction will inspect your loss and provide an estimate. In that process, we will also take your insurance adjuster's scope, compare it to our scope and make any additions that were not covered in our scope. We will also go over your loss with you. The homeowner has the most knowledge of the home, and their input is crucial to achieving an accurate bid.

What is the whole Fire Restoration process like?
1. Contact your insurance company and your mortgage company (Mortgage companies have an interest in your property and need to be contacted as well.)

2. Get estimates from competent, LOCAL restoration companies. You DO NOT want to have to track down your contractor a year from now if you need some related repairs.

3. Meet the owners of the Restoration Companies-do you have a rapport with them? You should know that instinctively.

4. Check their references, look at their photos.

5. Visit one of their current/recent projects.

6. After you feel that you can comfortably work with a contractor and their staff, CHOOSE THEM!

7. Sign the appropriate paperwork and get the process going.

8. When done, enjoy their efforts on your behalf in your beautifully restored home.

How does my insurance company, or me, pay my contractor?
1. If you have a mortgage, as most of us do, your mortgage company will usually be listed on the check as a payee along with you.

2. An escrow account may be set up where the insurance carrier sends a check to your mortgage company, they deposit it in their escrow account, and when a certain percentage of the project is done, they release the funds to your contractor accordingly. This check will usually require your endorsement as well.

3. You must pay your deductible. These can range from $50 on up. It just depends on what YOU chose when your policy was written. A larger deductible generally means lower insurance costs because you are covering the "little" losses without putting in a claim. Ask about our Claims Deductible Discount Card!

What if I want to add or change something to my home? Is this a good time?
This is the best time. As devastating as your loss can be, we can make some changes that you otherwise might never have considered. For example, maybe you want to remove a wall, or add a wall, or change a bathroom layout. You give us your thoughts, and we'll see what we can do.

Why is McMahon Services & Construction better than other Restoration Companies?
Customer Service is our number one priority-since Insurance Carriers recommend us as a "Preferred Contractor" we have a vested interest in keeping that status. To do that, you must be happy.

We began a home services company in 1954, in Mundelein, with the same phone number that we currently have today. We are grounded here-you won't have to try to find us down the road if you should encounter any problems. Or, maybe you will want additional work done in the future, as we have provided for many past customers.

Quality Workmanship-we have proved ourselves in the community by providing the highest quality work.
We have a great relationship with the local building departments and are often recommended by them.

Finally, we take pride in our work. It is a reflection of us. We are proud to show you our previous projects, and are certain that our "homeowners" are happy that their homes were restored by McMahon Services and Construction.

What can I do to prevent water damage to my home?
There are many ways water enters your home, therefore, there are many things a homeowner needs to address.
Some of them are:

• Make sure your gutters are in good condition, attached securely and cleaned regularly. Remember, if you are in a heavily treed area, you might have to clean them out 3 times a year (birds love to nest in your gutters!). Remember to exercise caution while up on your ladder — it's good to have someone assist you, or call the professionals.
   *See Ice & Snow below for additional information on ice damming at the gutter line.

• Check your roof for loose shingles and if your roof needs replacement, it might be time to address that
   as well.

• Make sure the caulking around windows and doors is not cracked and dried up. It's a pretty easy
   project for "do-it-yourselfers", if you don't want to attempt it yourself, hire someone to pull the old
   caulk and reapply.

• Make sure your outside spigots/faucets are freeze proof.

• Check your basement for cracks in your foundation walls. There are many epoxy products that you can
   apply yourself. If the cracks are severe, you should call a professional.

• Plumbing! Do some regular checks — like when you change your smoke detector batteries.
   Be sure to check out these culprits:

     – Check your water heater and washing machine for leaks.

     – Behind your refrigerator around the waterline to the ice maker or water dispenser.

     – Around the dishwasher.

     – Under sink cabinets for leaky faucets.

     – Around toilet base-listen for water running in toilet tank.

     – Around the base of your shower/tub.

A few minor things that could prevent a huge disaster...

Ice & Snow — if you get ice damming at the gutter line, there is not much you can do until it melts-don't go digging around trying to pry the ice out. You'll do more damage to your gutters than if you'd left things alone. Some people put Ice Melt in nylon stockings and lay them in their gutters. Other people have electric coils in place. Do a little "Googling" and see what you can find. Whatever you do, try to clean your gutters before mid-November. Don't wait until ALL the leaves are down. It's better to have ½ of the leaves cleaned out before that quick Midwest freeze, rather than not get to them at all.

In extremely cold weather, you can open up the sink cabinet doors and let the heat in. You should go around the house and flush all toilets and turn faucets on and off for a minute or so several times a day.

Very important — if you go out of town during the winter months, have someone check your home to make sure your heat has not gone out. Burst pipes cause extensive damage.

***Your homeowner insurance carrier often provides mailings and websites that show how to protect your home from loss. They are always your best source of prevention-so give them a call and check out their advice!

Where does mold come from?
Mold loves moisture/water. So, anywhere you have an increased level of moisture, you have the
potential for mold.

Is mold dangerous to me or my family?
Certain people are more sensitive to the mold spores than others and can have a variety of reactions.
Just like any other allergy, it is best to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.

What can I do to prevent mold?
Create a non-friendly environment for mold spores which would be low humidity.

What is an air scrubber?
An air scrubber is a machine that we set up while remediating your mold. It "scrubs" the mold spores
out of the air.

What is a microbial treatment?
Microbial is a treatment designed to KILL mold and therefore we apply it to all affected areas.

Why do I need a certified Mold Inspector?
There are many different types of mold. The mold "inspector" tests the mold for type, he is licensed in this area. We "remediate," as we are certified in this area, according to his evaluation.

Will it come back?
As long as the mold is remediated properly, and you have adequate ventilation and low moisture readings, the mold will not have the climate it needs to grow.

 

Exterior Painting:
What prep work is involved prior to painting?
Any loose/dried up caulk is removed and replaced. Areas of peeling paint are scraped and primed. The areas to be painted are pressure washed.

Are certain times of year better to paint than others?
Yes, obviously the colder temperatures are not a good time to paint, but anytime from spring through fall is good.

FYI-paint now has additives that allow application in colder temperatures.

Interior Painting:
Whap prep work is involved prior to painting the interior?
Again, any rough areas will be sanded, holes filled and sanded out, a primer coat applied and then a top coat. Sometimes, depending on previous color or depth of color desired, a 2nd coat is required.

What about repairs to walls after wallpaper is removed?
Generally, drywall can always be fixed. It may take a skim coat of plaster over it to smooth things out, but your walls will be paintable when the repairs are finished.

Can I paint my outdated woodwork, trim work?
Absolutely, and it makes a dramatic improvement without a dramatic cost! Many people choose to paint their moldings when putting their house on the market-it's an instant face lift. Actually, a fresh coat of paint is the most economical way to "update" your home.