Frequently asked questions
What are your hours of business?
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 pm. After hours, calls are forwarded to our project manager on call. Our Emergency hours are 24/7
How long have you been in business?
We have been in the business since 2006. Smartway Restoration has developed a solid reputation with most major insurance companies and property management firms in, on, and around Vancouver Island, serving as far north as Duncan.
What role does Smartway Restoration play in my claim with my insurance company?
Initially, your insurance company dispatches Smartway Restoration to attend to your emergency in order to mitigate damages and provide assistance when most needed. Next, Smartway Restoration prepares a scope of work that is needed to repair the property damage, and our scheduling team goes to work dispatching our tradespeople.
Will my insurance company cover all costs required to repair the damage?
This can only be answered by your insurance company’s representative. Smartway Restoration does not interpret insurance policies or provide comment on coverage issues. The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim provides clarity on policy coverage and any other questions you may have.
Is there a contract that I must sign in order to start my project?
Upon arrival at your property and before commencing any emergency work, you will be presented with an “authorization form,” which you must sign. This document provides Smartway Restoration with the authority to be on your property and address issues such as payment of your deductible, responsibility for costs that may not be covered by your insurance company, and compliance with the Privacy Act.
How long does it take to get an estimate/quote?
This will depend on the severity and extent of the damage. In most cases, an estimate will be created within five to ten (5-10) days after the emergency portion of work is completed.
Can Smartway do the job from start to finish (from demolition through to rebuild)?
Absolutely! Smartway Restoration is experienced with all types of losses such as fire, water, sewage, hail and wind, and mold and asbestos remediation.
What is the deductible?
Most insurance policies have a deductible amount which the policy holder is responsible to pay.
When do I pay the deductible?
The deductible payment is required after the repair work is finished and will be sent to you in the mail along with a “completion form” which is to be signed and returned so as to report to your insurance that: yes the job is finished, and yes the client is happy.
Do I have to pay GST on my claim?
You are responsible for the GST on your claim if you are “GST registered.” In other words, if the property is insured under a company name and the company is GST registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
If I have water damage, how long does the drying period take?
Typically, structural drying takes about three (3) days, however in some instances it can take up to five (5) days.
Can wet carpet be dried, processed and re-installed?
Depending on the type of water loss, carpets can be saved if dried and treated in a reasonable amount of time. Better assessment of the damage can be made after the drying procedure is complete.
What happens if if my contents are ruined?
If your insurance policy provides coverage for your contents and they are damaged beyond repair due to catastrophe, your Insurance adjuster will direct Smartway Restoration Ltd. to provide a list all non-restorable items, which is used to calculate your final settlement.
Will you use your crew for the work or will you sub contract all or part fo the job?
We employ both permanent staff and subcontractors. All of our crews are licensed and insured.
What type of products will be used on my home?
We make every effort to ensure that the products used are of similar quality as those being replaced.
Can I upgrade materials used on my home?
Absolutely, upgraded materials are generally available at your request. Upgrades are usually not covered by your Insurance company.
I would like to have some additional work done to my property in conjunction with my insurance restoration...
Is it possible to have Smartway or my own contractor complete this additional work?
Yes, Smartway Restoration can certainly provide an estimate on your additional repairs if it is requested early enough in the process and the work can be completed in conjunction with the restoration project.
Unfortunately, due to liability issues, another contractor is not allowed to perform work on the same site and while the restoration project is underway without the expressed permission of Smartway Restoration.
Is there a deposit on additional repairs?
No.
Do you recycle?
Smartway Restoration makes every effort to be “green,” and so, all materials are disposed of in the most environmentally effective method possible.
Will there be an inspection of my project upon completion?
Yes, we inspect most projects on completion or at critical intervals.
What is a completion certificate?
At the point of completion, you will be asked to sign a certificate which certifies that all repairs were completed to your satisfaction. This document is required by Smartway Restoration as well as your insurance company prior to closing the file.
Will you provide a guarantee and/or manufacturer's warranty on materials used?
Yes, manufacturer’s warranty documentation is available on request at the completion of your project. In addition, Smartway Restoration provides a one (1) year warranty on all workmanship.