Test before the flood cut. Verify after the dry-out.
Water losses run on a clock, and older buildings add two questions to it: what's in the materials you're about to cut, and whether the mold work actually worked. I answer both, independently of whoever does the remediation.
Before demolition: asbestos and lead
To Washington's asbestos rules, a flood cut is renovation like any other. Drywall and joint compound, ceiling texture, flooring and the mastic under it all need a good-faith inspection by an accredited inspector before they're disturbed. The loss being urgent doesn't change that. It just makes speed matter.
Wallboard deserves particular care here. Under L&I's directive on wallboard systems (DD 23.30), asbestos found in the joint compound means the wall can't be reported as asbestos-free, and even trace results carry work-practice requirements for your crew. I sample so the result answers the question your crew is actually facing.
In pre-1978 homes, the same visit can include a lead-based paint inspection. If the components you're removing test free of lead-based paint, the EPA lead renovation (RRP) work practices don't apply to them.
After remediation: verification
Post-remediation verification confirms the affected materials came out, the area is visibly clean and dry, and airborne spore levels are back in line with outdoors. It's what lets an owner, an occupant or an adjuster close the file.
Most protocols and most carriers expect that verification to come from someone other than the company that did the remediation. Cadence does no remediation, so that separation is automatic.
For restoration contractors
I don't remediate and I don't compete with you for the job. Bring me in to clear the asbestos question before demo and to verify your mold work after it.
For adjusters
Sample locations, photographs, laboratory results and a stated scope give a claim file something firmer than an opinion. I report what was measured and where.
For owners
You can hire me directly. An independent assessment answers to you, whoever ends up paying for the repairs.
If it's still wet
Call rather than emailing. Assessment before the drying equipment comes out captures information that's gone afterwards.
Where I fit in the job
Call with the loss
Address, year built, what got wet, and what you need to remove. I'll tell you how soon I can be there, then email a quote.
Sample before demo
Asbestos, and lead where paint will be disturbed, on the materials in your scope. Standard lab turnaround is three business days. Rush is available.
Results to the file
A written report your crew, the abatement contractor if one's needed, and the adjuster can all work from.
Verify the finish
After remediation, an independent visual inspection and sampling to confirm the problem is closed rather than covered.
How quotes work
Loss work is quoted job by job. On an active loss, call: I'll take the details on the phone and email you a written quote quickly. Otherwise send the details and I reply within one business day.
What sets the price
- The materials in your scope. Drywall and joint compound, texture, flooring and mastic, and how much of each is coming out.
- The work involved. Some materials and spaces take far more time than their sample count suggests.
- Verification. Post-remediation verification depends on how many areas need checking.
- Lab turnaround. Standard analysis is included. Rush costs more, and on a loss it's often worth it.
- Travel. Seattle and the Puget Sound region are covered. Farther afield is quoted.
What every quote states
- The scope and the boundary of the work
- What the price is based on, usually the quantity of material or the square footage
- Turnaround and the date you'll have the report
- What isn't included, so anything beyond the scope is agreed before it's done
- Who the invoice goes to, when a claim is involved
Things people ask on a loss
Who pays for asbestos testing on a water damage claim?
That's between the policyholder and the carrier, and it varies by policy. What I can give the claim file is clear documentation of why testing was needed and what it found.
Can the restoration company do its own testing?
For asbestos, whoever does the survey has to be an accredited building inspector, whoever employs them. For mold verification, most protocols expect it from someone other than the remediator. That separation is the point of verification.
Do we have to wait for results before drying?
Not for everything. Extracting water and setting equipment generally don't disturb building materials. Cutting, drilling, tearing out and sanding do, and those need the answer first. If you're unsure where that line falls on a particular loss, call and we'll work it out.
Water where it shouldn't be?
Tell me what happened, when, how old the building is, and what needs to come out.