Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician key terms

A written itemization of every task, material, and quantity the restoration contractor will perform or install, agreed with the customer and insurer before work begins. It drives pricing, scheduling, and later payment disputes.

A priced breakdown listing each labor operation, material quantity, and equipment charge separately, usually built in industry estimating software. It allows adjusters to compare, negotiate, and audit individual items rather than a lump sum.

An added percentage on a loss estimate covering a general contractor's indirect business costs and margin when three or more trades must be coordinated. Eligibility rules vary by policy and jurisdiction, so documentation of trade count matters.

A signed document from the property owner or authorized agent permitting the contractor to perform mitigation or repairs and to bill for them. It establishes authority to act and helps defeat later claims that work was unauthorized.

A signed instruction from the insured authorizing the insurer to release claim funds directly to the restoration contractor or a named mortgage company. It does not transfer policy rights and can be revoked by the insured.

A written amendment to the original scope documenting added, deleted, or revised work and its price, signed before the change is performed. Undocumented changes are a leading cause of disputed invoices at file close.

A request submitted to the insurer after the initial estimate to add discovered damage, hidden conditions, or omitted items with supporting evidence. Timely supplements preserve payment for work that could not be seen during the first inspection.

Agreed fixed prices per unit of work, such as per square foot of drywall removed or per hour of air mover use, used to price jobs quickly. It simplifies invoicing but must be tied to verified quantities.

The party responsible for coordinating multiple trades, scheduling, permits, and overall project delivery on a repair or rebuild. Their involvement often triggers overhead and profit discussions with the adjuster.

Immediate protective actions taken to prevent further damage, such as water extraction, board-up, or roof tarping, before permanent repairs. Most policies require these steps, and they are usually billed separately from reconstruction.

Physical removal of standing water from floors and cavities using portable or truck-mounted extraction units before drying equipment is placed. Complete extraction shortens drying time and reduces secondary damage and microbial growth.

Water originating from a sanitary source such as a supply line or rainwater with low contamination, posing little risk if dried promptly. It can degrade to Category 2 or 3 after contact with building materials or time.

Water with significant contamination, such as discharge from a washing machine or dishwasher, that can cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Affected materials often require removal or antimicrobial treatment rather than simple drying.

Grossly contaminated water, including sewage backups, ground surface water, and rising floodwater, carrying pathogens and toxins. It requires removal of porous materials, personal protective equipment, and often containment of the work area.

A classification based on how much of the structure's materials and cavities are wet and how much evaporation load exists, ranging from slow, small losses to deep saturation. It determines the number and type of drying units needed.

A documented survey using meters and thermal imaging to record wet zones, material types, and boundaries of affected areas at the start and throughout the project. It justifies equipment counts, demolition, and drying completion.

A log capturing moisture readings, temperature, relative humidity, equipment placement and hours, and observed conditions on each visit. It is the primary evidence that drying was performed correctly and that billed days were necessary.

A drying device that condenses moisture from air by passing it over cold coils, effective in warm, humid conditions. Its performance drops in cool temperatures, so equipment selection must match the recorded environment.

A drying device that removes moisture using a moisture-absorbing wheel, remaining effective at low temperatures and low humidity. It is often chosen for cool, dense materials or specialty drying situations.

A graph relating air temperature, humidity ratio, relative humidity, and dew point, used to evaluate drying conditions and equipment performance. Technicians use it to judge whether the environment supports evaporation from wet materials.

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and moisture begins to condense on surfaces. During drying, supply air must stay above the dew point of the material surface to avoid re-wetting.

A meter that drives insulated pins into materials to measure electrical resistance and estimate moisture content at depth. It gives numeric readings but leaves small holes, so placement should be recorded.

A meter that reads moisture through a surface using capacitance or impedance without damaging it, useful for scanning large areas quickly. It indicates relative wetness rather than exact content and should be confirmed with penetrating readings.

An instrument that displays surface temperature differences to reveal hidden moisture, air leaks, and wet cavities. Images help locate problems but must be verified with moisture readings before being used as documentation.

A temporary barrier of plastic sheeting, zippers, and negative air pressure that isolates a work area to keep contaminants and dust from spreading. Proper construction and pressure checks protect occupants and unaffected rooms.

A condition where more air is exhausted from a contained area than supplied, so air flows inward and contaminants stay inside. It is verified with a manometer or smoke test and is essential for mold and sewage work.

A vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter that traps very fine particles, used for cleaning soot, dust, and mold spores without spreading them. Filters and hoses must be checked and documented.

A portable filtration unit that circulates air through HEPA or carbon filters to remove particles and odors from a contained space. Its airflow rating and filter type should be recorded on the job file.

A natural rubber sponge used without water to lift loose soot and dust from walls, ceilings, and fabrics. It is a first cleaning step that prevents soot from being smeared into porous surfaces.

A sponge containing vulcanizing or cleaning agents used to remove stubborn soot residue after dry sponging. It is worked in small sections and the sponge is turned or replaced as it loads with soil.

Fine carbon and ash particles produced by incomplete combustion that settle on surfaces and penetrate porous materials. Its acidity and odor make prompt cleaning and sealing important to prevent corrosion and lingering smells.

The documented process of inventorying, packing out, cleaning, storing, and returning a policyholder's personal property. Accurate counts and condition notes protect against later claims of lost or damaged items.

A method that uses high-frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution to remove soot and residue from hard goods and some textiles. Items must be sorted by material and compatibility before immersion.

A product that neutralizes odor molecules chemically or by pairing with them, rather than merely masking the smell. It is used after source removal and cleaning, and application must be documented.

Use of generated ozone gas to oxidize odor compounds in an unoccupied, sealed space. It requires posted warnings, removal of occupants and pets, and careful monitoring because ozone is a respiratory irritant.

A device that produces hydroxyl radicals to break down odors and is often marketed for use in occupied spaces. Output and run time should be logged, and manufacturer safety instructions followed.

Eliminating the material that generates odor, such as charred wood, contaminated insulation, or smoke-soaked carpet, before any deodorization step. Without it, masking and oxidizing treatments only provide temporary relief.

Applying a coating such as shellac or specialized primer to encapsulate residual odor and soot stains on structural surfaces. It follows cleaning and is documented with product type and coverage area.

A detailed, often photographed record of each item removed from the loss site, including quantity, condition, and storage location. It supports cleaning charges, storage fees, and return reconciliation.

A chronological record showing who handled evidence or property, when, and for what purpose. Gaps in the record can undermine a contractor's position in disputes over damage or missing items.

The organized collection of photographs, readings, contracts, invoices, correspondence, and reports supporting all work performed. A complete file is the contractor's best defense in payment and liability disputes.

A signed statement from the property owner confirming that work was completed as described and accepted. It supports final billing and reduces later claims that the job was unfinished or defective.

An insurer's right to pursue recovery from a third party responsible for a loss after paying the insured. Contractors may be asked for records and may face a claim if their work or negligence contributed to the damage.

The loss, alteration, or destruction of evidence that another party needed for litigation, which can lead to sanctions or an adverse inference. Contractors should preserve damaged materials and records when a claim may be disputed.

A document transferring the insured's right to collect claim payments to the contractor in exchange for performing the work. Rules vary widely by state, and enforceability affects who can negotiate and sue for payment.

An improvement that leaves the property in better condition than before the loss, such as upgrading worn flooring to new material of higher quality. Insurers may reduce payment for the added value.

The reduction in value of property due to age and wear, subtracted from replacement cost to calculate actual cash value. Recovery of withheld depreciation usually depends on proof that repairs were completed.

The amount needed to repair or replace damaged property with new materials of similar kind and quality without deducting for age. Many policies pay this only after repairs are finished and documented.

Replacement cost minus depreciation, representing the pre-loss value of the damaged property. It is often the amount paid up front, with the remainder held back until work is complete.

The contamination rating assigned to water in a loss, from clean supply-line water to grossly contaminated sewage or floodwater. The rating controls what can be dried versus removed and what protective measures are required.

Gloves, respirators, eye protection, and protective clothing worn to prevent exposure to contaminants, mold, and chemicals. Selection and use should match the hazard level identified during the initial assessment.

Treating affected surfaces with a product intended to inhibit microbial growth after cleaning and removal of contaminated materials. Product label directions, dwell time, and application areas should be recorded.

Securing broken windows, doors, or roof openings with plywood or tarps to prevent intrusion and further damage. It is an emergency mitigation charge and should be photographed before and after.