How to Find the Right Professionals for Debris Removal
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Debris cleanup, removal and remediation following a natural disaster or other emergency is a big job. Heavy lifting, moving heavy objects and working in cramped spaces are all challenging aspects of debris cleanup. Debris cleanup efforts also require professionals with unique skillsets. When natural disasters strike, it’s the commercial cleaning industry that responds first to remove unsafe debris from public areas and buildings to prevent further damage and disease transmission from contaminated sites. After that initial response phase, there may be additional needs for licensed contractors to come in and complete fire damage restoration or mold remediation. These professionals have the training and licensing to deal with hazardous materials in a post-disaster environment. While these tasks are necessary after any disaster, they’re not exactly easy jobs.
What to Look for in a Good Pro
When it comes time to find a contractor, it’s important to start with a list of must-haves when it comes to debris removal. These services might be needed after a fire, flood, hurricane or any other type of disaster. For debris removal, you will want a contractor licensed in your state and trained in hazardous materials removal. A contractor should have experience working with all types of debris, be able to provide necessary safety gear and have the necessary insurance coverage. It’s also a good idea to find out if a company has a reliable insurance company and if they’re a member of the BBB. A contractor with a good reputation for completing jobs well and on time is likely to be a good choice for debris cleanup. A local contractor is always a good idea, especially if you will be needing them to remove debris from your home.
Safety Equipment is Non-negotiable
Safety is always the first priority, but it’s even more important when you’re dealing with dangerous materials and heavy equipment. No matter what goes wrong during a job, it’s essential that no one is seriously injured or killed. This is why safety equipment is non-negotiable when it comes to cleanup and removal following a disaster. Proper safety gear can make all the difference between a job going smoothly and a tragedy. When selecting a contractor, be sure they provide all of the necessary gear, including the following: – Hard hats – eye protection – ear protection – High-visibility vests – Gloves – Respiratory protection – Hazardous materials training
Hiring the Right Crew
Hiring the right crew to do the job means more than just hiring someone with a valid contractor’s license. You want contractors who know how to work together as a team, communicate with you as the project manager and who take good care of themselves and each other. You want contractors who can not only clean up the site and remove debris, but also safely handle hazardous materials and get the job done in a timely manner. There are a few things to look for when hiring a crew for the job. A contractor that is prompt, on time and professional is a good start. You want people who are easy to communicate with and who know how to follow directions. You also want contractors who are skilled at the job and who take safety seriously.
Big Jobs Require Big Tools
Depending on the type of debris cleanup you have ahead of you, you may be dealing with lots of small pieces of debris or large, heavy items that need to be moved. While there are some people who specialize in the removal of small items, those are the types of jobs that are typically contracted out to smaller, one-person operations. In general, larger debris items including furniture, appliances, tree branches and other large items will need to be removed with heavy equipment. Depending on the work needed and the size of the debris, you may need cranes or excavators to move large tree trunks or other heavy items.
Finding the Right Dumpster
Depending on the type of debris cleanup you need to do, you may or may not need a dumpster. Most debris cleanup projects will require a dumpster of some type, but the type you need depends on the type of debris you’re dealing with. Trees, for example, can be cut up and loaded into a roll-off dumpster, but you’ll need a trash dumpster if you have lots of smaller items like furniture and appliances. When you are getting estimates from different companies, make sure they can provide the type of dumpster you need. Many companies will offer a standard dumpster, but it may not be big enough for your specific project.
Bottom line
Debris cleanup is a demanding job that requires specialized training, tools and equipment. It’s also a job that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars if they attempt to do it themselves. While hiring a contractor is expensive, it’s often less expensive than doing the work yourself and it’s a good investment towards making sure the cleanup is done right. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you hire a contractor and to find one that is well-equipped for the job. An experienced, professional contractor will be able to remove debris efficiently and safely, ensuring that your cleanup goes as smoothly as possible.
