How Do You Estimate Fire Damage?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Major fire damage in North Knoxville, TN.

How Are Fire Damage Estimates Made?

Fire damage is one of the most devastating events that can happen to your home or business. It's important to know how much fire damage you've sustained and how much it will cost to repair so you can begin the recovery process. Here are some steps you can take before hiring a fire restoration professional:

Fire damage can be devastating to your home or business.

We’re here to help you learn more about how much a fire damage estimate is, so that you can make an informed decision about how much coverage you need. The best way to do this is by calling (865) 947-9992. Our experts will guide you through the process of estimating your fire damages and help communicate with your insurance company find the right degree of coverage for your needs.

It’s important for homeowners and business owners alike to know about their options when it comes to securing property insurance against fire damages—not just because it protects them financially if something happens, but also because they may need an accurate estimation before making repairs or rebuilding.

Assess the damage.

• Check for fire damage. Fire can cause significant damage to your property, so it's important to assess the extent of the fire damage before you begin estimating its cost.
• Check for smoke damage. Smoke and soot can be a major problem in areas such as attics and basements, where they can accumulate over time and result in unpleasant odors that will make your home unpleasant to live in until they're removed or cleaned up by a professional cleaner.
• Check for water damage. Water from firefighting efforts or water used to put out flames may have seeped into areas where you wouldn't expect it, like your walls or floors.

Calculate the cost of repairs.

As you analyze the damage to your home and belongings, you might want to think about whether some items are worth repairing. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to purchase new items than attempting to fix them. If so, add these expenses into your final repair estimate.

If you choose to repair your damaged goods, use this guide on how much it costs (and how long) to mend different items:

• Carpeting: $3-$6 per square foot (see below)
• Hardwood floors: $1-$2 per square foot (see below)

Determine what items are salvageable.

Once you've determined that the cause of your property's damage was a fire, you can begin determining which items are salvageable.

To do this, think about whether any of the following statements apply to any item in question:

• If an item is damaged but not burned, it can be repaired.
• If an item is burned but not damaged, it can be restored.
• If an item is burned and damaged (e.g., melted), it will need to be replaced.

Calculate the cost of replacing items

Once you've estimated the cost of repairing damaged areas, it's time to figure out whether you need to replace any items. If your insurance company doesn't provide coverage for the entire cost of replacement and you decide to hire a professional, you'll need to consider:

• How much this is going to cost.
• Whether or not replacing the item yourself makes more sense financially.

Estimate fire damage as soon as possible after a fire.

Estimate fire damage as soon as possible after a fire. The sooner you estimate the damage, the better. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to estimate the damage and more risks that there are hidden issues that might affect your estimate. If you wait too long (e.g., one year), then insurance may not cover your losses since they cannot verify them or make an accurate determination of how much was actually damaged to pay out on their claim.

You should also keep in mind that if you do not notify your insurer within 30 days of discovering your loss and/or filing for benefits under your insurance policy, then some policies require payment for storage fees and additional charges before any funds will be released.

When you’re dealing with a fire damage estimate, it is important to know what you are getting into. This can be overwhelming for many people and that is why it is important to have someone who understands what they are doing so they can make the process easier on everyone involved.

Are Storm Damage and Flooding the Same?

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded building in Fountain, TN

Storm Damage vs Flood Damage

Torrential rain, golf ball sized hail and high winds invade your business in Fountain City, TN. These events cause water damage inside your property. There is flooding on the ground floor, so is this considered flood damage? Or is it storm damage because the storm caused the flooding? You are not alone if you find this confusing. Read below to understand the difference between the two.

Flood Damage

To an insurance company, there is a clear-cut difference between water damage caused by a flood and water damage caused by a storm. If you have flood insurance for your property, the following indicates that it will likely cover the damage:

• Your business and at least one other property (or two or more acres) are normally dry but are suddenly and temporarily flooded.
• A natural source causes the floodwaters, such as a hurricane storm surge or mudflow. Any other sudden accumulation of water rising up into your commercial property is considered a flood, including heavy rainfall that saturates and seeps up from the ground into homes or businesses.
  
  

Storm Damage

Storms cause a myriad of problems, not limited to water and wind damage. The following are common types of commercial problems caused by a storm:

• Heavy winds, rain, or hail may crack or stress the windows, foundation, or roofing material, leading to water getting in. When the water damage is caused by falling rain that does not rise up from the ground into your property, it is considered caused by the storm even if the result is floodwater inside your business.
• The damage from winds, rain or other events only impact your business, not necessarily the surrounding areas.
  
  

Whether storm damage or flood damage ravages your commercial property in Fountain City, TN, storm and water restoration specialists are your first line of defense. Depending on the cause of damage and your specific policy, your commercial insurance may or may not provide coverage.

5 Tips To Ensure Fire Sprinklers Will Work

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Each sprinkler head should have at least 36 inches of space under it.

Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Tips

If your Blaine, TN, business, is lucky enough to have a fire sprinkler system, you have added peace of mind that any flames will be extinguished quickly. To ensure that peace of mind and minimize the damage a professional fire restoration company will need to complete, it is necessary to keep the system on the top of the maintenance checklist. Below are five ways to help ensure the sprinklers will work when needed.

1. Keep Heads Clear
The sprinkler heads should never be painted. This interferes with the sensors that detect heat. Dust and debris may also affect the sensors, so it’s a good idea to regularly dust them. Ensure that extra care is taken during fire sprinkler cleanup.

2. Avoid Obstructing Heads
Each sprinkler head should have at least 36 inches of space under it. Any decorative items, furniture or storage that is closer than that should be moved. Any kind of blockage may affect the head’s ability to properly spray.

3. Maintain Proper Water Pressure
For a fire sprinkler system to work, it needs the right amount of water pressure. As part of a regular maintenance routine, ensure that the pressure is correctly set.

4. Leave Control Valve Open
If the control valve accidentally gets closed, no water will start flowing if the sprinklers are activated. Regularly check this is in the open position.

5. Get an Annual Professional Fire Suppression Inspection
Like with other elements of a property, regular inspections by a professional are recommended. That is especially true if your suppression is older. A certified professional will ensure everything is up to code and ready to work.
Having a fire sprinkler system may provide another layer of safety but only if you are certain it will work. Ensuring the system is regularly maintained and inspected is key to making that happen.

How To Prepare Your Office for Spring Thaws

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

When spring arrives, causing snow and ice to melt, office flooding becomes a serious concern.

How to Get Your Office Ready for the Spring Thaw

When spring arrives, causing snow and ice to melt, office flooding becomes a serious concern. Melted precipitation flowing into your business can trigger significant damage. In particularly bad instances, services from a commercial water restoration professional become necessary. Here are a few nuggets of wisdom regarding the peril associated with this troublesome climatic change.

Dangers of Spring Thaws

The seasonal shift between winter and spring comes with dangers that extend beyond water damage. Some include:

• Cracking bodies of water where people traverse
• Freezing rain that causes slips on driveways and sidewalks
• Expanding potholes that make driving treacherous

Of all the hazards associated with this change in weather, the possibility of a spring flood is the one with the capacity to wreak havoc in your office.

Preparation Tips for Spring Thaws

Reduce the odds of seasonal flooding impacting your work site by taking the following actions. Shovel around your building so that thawed snow drains away from the entrance. Additionally, make sure there are no obstacles that could steer water into unwanted territory.

Have your roof inspected, as bad weather can cause tiles to fall off and allow rainwater inside. When removing snow from your building, be certain that you do so as safely as possible.

Ice does not always thaw at the same rate. Because of this, you may have a frozen pipe even as flowers bloom. The threat of a plumbing burst remains real. Install a sump pump in your office’s basement ahead of a crisis. Also, be sure to elevate electronic equipment and documents whenever possible.

Sensors can be installed to send alerts as soon as water becomes detected. These protective systems may also qualify you for a discount on flood insurance.

Preparing for office flooding in Hallbrook, TN is critical to reducing the possibility of watery destruction. Do everything you can to keep seasonal runoff from invading your workspace.

This Is Why You Should Never Use Bleach for Fungus Cleanup

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Using Bleach can be dangerous when mixed with the wrong chemicals.

This Is Why You Shouldn't Use Bleach to Get Rid of Fungus

If you've ever encountered a situation requiring fungus cleanup, you've probably heard that bleach will do the trick. Don't count on it! This advice is misguided. As a commercial business owner, you know that you can't afford to make mistakes that could hurt you financially. If a mold problem is improperly taken care of, it will only get worse (and cost more to alleviate) in the future. Read on to find out why this mold cleanup method could harm your business.

The Problem With Bleach

This chemical has been in your home, under your grandma's sink, and within janitor's closets for ages. Why won't it work for fungus cleanup? Keep in mind that bleach:

• Can't adequately clean porous surfaces;
• Can be dangerous when mixed with the wrong chemicals;
• Decreases in effectiveness if old or exposed to air; And can actually perpetuate a mold problem.

Why It's Bad for Mold Cleanup

For getting rid of fungus overgrowth, the aforementioned characteristics are all signs that using this method may not get to the root of the issue. Mold is often pervasive, reaching its tendrils deep down into porous surfaces. These surfaces include materials like carpet, drywall, plywood, or linens. It's likely that if you are dealing with mold overgrowth, it's beneath this type of surface that has gone through some sort of water damage.

Furthermore, the root system of the fungus may actually begin to thrive! The chemical mixture cannot reach down below surface mold. However, the water can travel to the roots of the mold, allowing them to feed and invasively spread. This, obviously, just makes the situation worse. It will also be a moot point if you mistakenly use old, ineffective cleaner.

Do This Instead

It's best to start strongly when it comes to fungus cleanup. If you ever suspect that you need to cleanup mold in your business, it's best to contact a mold remediation expert in Corryton, TN. Don't accidentally exacerbate the issue. Quickly taking the best course of action when you suspect mold will save your business time and money in the long run.

2 Reasons to Put a Tarp Over Your Roof After a Fire

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Tarp services are preventive actions to stop further damage from taking place.

Why Should I Tarp My Roof After a Fire?

There are many steps that need to take place for proper fire cleanup. A professional remediation team will help your commercial building as best they can, and part of that may include putting a tarp over the roof. This tarp is merely a temporary solution until more long-lasting roof repair services can be completed. Until that time comes, you’ll certainly want a tarp to help your business recover faster.

1. Protect Against Additional Damage

A fire may be the least of your problems. Perhaps the fire created a hole in your roof and a big rainstorm is just around the corner. This could lead to extra damage the remediation team has to now deal with. It is much better to simply cover up any holes or weak spots until they are patched entirely. The roofers should be able to make it out to your building soon, but it is better to play it safe than sorry.

2. Help Your Insurance Claim

You should have a comprehensive insurance policy in place that will pay for fire cleanup and other essential services during this time. Your insurance may even cover the cost of any tarp services. However, if you forego placing a tarp on the roof and rain water ends up entering the building, then your insurance may not pay for that water damage. The agency will view it as your failure to take adequate action to prevent further damage from occurring. You do not want to give your insurance agency any reason to deny your claim.

Tarp services are preventive actions to stop further damage from taking place. You do not want your business to be shut down for any longer than it has to be. You can get revenue coming in more quickly by investing in high-quality fire cleanup services, including odor removal and carpet cleaning, from professionals in Strawberry Plains, TN.

3 Ways To Care for Water-Damaged Content

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted to do the job right everywhere we go!

Three Ways To Care For Water-Damaged Content

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a flooded company or a broken pipe in a commercial building, you may need to handle items that have been damaged through exposure to water. Here are three ways to care for water-damaged content before calling in expert assistance.

1. Clean the content. Gently rinse off any durable items that are still wet, dab at fragile or dry objects with a damp cloth, or use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris.

2. Air-dry or throw out damaged content. Decide whether you want to attempt to dry and restore flooded company contents or throw out items that are beyond repair. Air-dry items indoors while running a dehumidifier and using proper ventilation. Objects may warp if you attempt to dry them outside in direct sunlight or indirect heat.

3. Maintain low humidity levels. Mold requires humidity to grow and thrive. Once you dry out an area that has been affected by a leak and air-dry all of the contents, you should keep relative humidity levels as low as 20 percent to prevent mold from developing.

If you are not sure what to do with a particularly delicate or extensively damaged item, focus on getting it dry as soon as possible. Porous organic materials such as wood or paper are particularly prone to developing mold after exposure to moisture. A service that specializes in water damage remediation and dry cleaning can help you determine the best way to handle any type of item that has sustained water damage.

If you find yourself with many water-damaged items in a flooded company or commercial property in Strawberry Plains, TN, you may need additional help. Try contacting a service that will relocate damaged items offsite to conduct the most complete restoration process involving professional cleaning, drying, and storage.

Dealing With a Smoke Damaged Building

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damaged building in Hallbrook, TN.

What Are Your Options When Dealing With Damage from Smoke?

When a fire hits your neighborhood in Hallbrook, TN, even if your building wasn’t the one on fire you can still end up dealing with the fallout. Smoke damage can cause serious harm to commercial buildings, from cosmetic damage to health issues from soot and ash – not to mention the smell of smoke pervading everything. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Did you know that even if the fire wasn’t in your building, you can still reach out to your insurance company for help? Smoke damage is usually covered by commercial property insurance, and your insurance company can help you with:

• Smoke cleaning
  
• Repairing soot damage
  
• Odor removal
  
• Possible replacement of damaged items
  
  

You’re not on your own when it comes to recovering your business from smoke and fire damage, and you shouldn’t have to live with the unsightly consequences of someone else’s catastrophe.

What You Can Do in the Meantime

While you wait for an insurance adjuster to evaluate your claim and conduct a detailed inspection, there are still steps you can take. Document the smoke damage thoroughly. Create a detailed inventory of all items and the types of damage, describing the damage as accurately as possible. Take photographs to supplement the descriptions. Outline initial purchase costs of damaged items and their current depreciated value, as well as the value of any other damaged property. Try not to move the damaged items too much, as the insurance adjuster will need to see their locations during the time of the incident.

Be Safe

While documenting the damage, always take safety precautions. Inhalation of smoke, ash, and soot may cause issues, and the smell of smoke can be overwhelming and cause headaches and nausea. To prevent a negative reaction, always wear protective breathing gear while inventorying your property, and use gloves and other protective equipment as needed. Avoid contact with soot and other substances as much as possible.

Restoring Your Knoxville Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Knoxville commercial water damage.

Flooding and water damage events at Knoxville commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of North Knoxville

SERVPRO of North Knoxville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Importance of an Emergency Readiness Profile (ERP)

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile

Importance of an ERP in your Business

Will you be prepared in the event of an emergency at your business? How do you shut off the water supply to your building? Do you know where all of your electrical sub-panels are located? These are the questions that we ask every day at SERVPRO North Knoxville.

Building emergencies can happen at any time and to anyone. Creating a contingency plan for when that happens is crucial to getting back in business and recovering from setbacks. Over 50% of businesses never recover after a disaster and we want to help make sure you are as prepared as possible for when disaster strikes. SERVPRO has created a program that allows one of our trained professionals to come to your business and create an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). 

Our Emergency Ready Profiles document things in your building including electrical shutoffs, fire extinguishers, water mains, and much more. It has a place for details regarding who to contact in the event of an emergency, account numbers for your utilities, and other services as well as the ability to add site-specific information. We see the ERP as a living document because of the ease of access and ability to make changes at any time and from anywhere. Because of this design, if you have a structural change such as an addition or add electrical or HVAC components to the building, you can easily update the ERP with the new information. Of course, SERVPRO is always happy to come out and do this for you!

The ERP comes with both online accessibility as well as an application that you can download to your tablet or smartphone. SERVPRO has very carefully designed this program with heavy-duty security measures including password protection, secured mobile data, secured data in transit, and a 256-bit encrypted TLS 1.2 Triple-DES SHA256 connection. In short, your information is well protected and you can sleep well knowing that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. This can be stored on a single device or multiple devices with the profile owner’s approval. We recommend that you only share your password and username with someone you trust, and oftentimes this means members of management, security staff, and key-holders of your company. 

If you are interested in the ERP program and would like to have a representative meet with you to discuss your needs, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. 

Stay Safe. Stay Ready.

Emergency Readiness Plan

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Practice your procedures.

Emergency Readiness Plan

What is an emergency readiness plan and why should your business have one? An emergency readiness plan is standard to facilitate and organize employees' actions during workplace emergencies. It is required by OSHA to have these safety plans worked out and for employees to know where to find them. The plans cover  the following:

• Procedures for reporting emergencies
• Procedures for each type of evacuation and the route to be taken
• Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation
• Procedures to be followed by employees attempting to rescue others
• The name, job title, and contact information of people who need to be aware of these emergency situations

If you have fewer than 10 employees within your company, the plan does not need to be written out. However, expectations and guidelines should be clear so that everybody knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact. Having an ERP boosts your company's capability to recover from financial losses including damages to equipment. If all employees know what action to take, they should be able to assist in assuring that the damage does not spread. Delegating different duties to employees shows them that you trust them in these situations. It takes the entire team to guarantee that everybody is safe. Empowering employees to play a vital role unifies the company as a whole. 

All employees should know where to find the plan of action and practice different scenarios. These plans are not useful if you do not practice them. The last thing you are going to do if the building is on fire is lookup protocol. Practicing different procedures sharpens your skills and ensures you are ready for anything. The more you know about your companies procedures, the more successful you will be in an emergency situation. 

Things to Consider if Your Commercial Business Experiences Fire Damages

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your commercial business can be catastrophic. Here are some steps to keep in mind in the event of a fire:

• Activate the building alarm and contact 911
• If a minor fire appears controllable, immediately direct someone in the area to notify a supervisor. Then promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame and sweep the extinguisher around the burning area
• On large fires that do not appear controllable, immediately activate the building alarm and direct someone to contact a supervisor. Close all doors while exiting the building to reduce oxygen and slow the spread of the fire. Do NOT lock the doors as this will prevent access by fire or emergency rescue crews
• Assist in the evacuation of the building. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so be prepared to stay near the floor to avoid smoke
• During the evacuation, and once outside, move to the area designated as your building's assembly area. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews

Following these steps may reduce the impact of a fire and keep your employees safe. Financing is available!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned in Knoxville Tennessee

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your business clean, and keep your employees and customers healthy. Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned in Knoxville Tennessee

Getting back to business relies on getting your customers back through your doors.  And that will only happen if they feel safe and secure in your business’s space.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean with 40% of consumers citing cleanliness as a top priority.  Are you ready to not only keep your customers and employees safe but to communicate that you’ve chosen a higher standard of cleaning for all Americans?

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning.   This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning.  As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of North Knoxville wants to provide our customers with a higher standard of cleaning, so that your business will be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

SERVPRO of North Knoxville will provide you with a unique program centered around the 3 C’s

• Consult- A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs
• Clean- Proactive and COVID-19 Emergency Response Cleaning Program
• Certify-  A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers

Click here to learn more about this program.  If you are interested in this program call our office at (865) 947- 9992

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

How SERVPRO of North Knoxville can help during COVID-19

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

"Ready for Whatever Happens"

Our Response to COVID-19

Here at SERVPRO of North Knoxville, we understand how COVID-19 has affected our community and we are working every day to provide relief to our customers. The pandemic has caused quite a bit of fear and worry among community members and you may be thinking to yourself “What can I do to keep my exposure minimal?” and “How can I be proactive in combating this virus?” You will be glad to know that SERVPRO can help you in being proactive! We have several levels of proactive cleaning services that we offer to our customers year-round that can help minimize exposure by thoroughly disinfecting businesses and homes. We follow CDC guidelines when performing these services and our employees are all highly-trained. 

Several businesses have already contacted us to perform proactive cleanings of their office spaces, restaurants, theaters, and much more. The best part is that you do not need to vacate your home or business for an extended period of time like you would if you were to have a bug fogging service performed. Our cleaning chemicals are not harmful to you, your pets, or your customers once the cleaning has been performed. This means that whether you are having a home cleaned or your restaurant, we can have you back in the structure and living your life the way you want without having to worry about hotel stays, business interruption, or harm to guests and pets. 

As an industry leader, SERVPRO has been performing services like these for years to proactively clean against everything from SARS, Swine Flu, to the Common Cold! If you or someone you know is interested in having these services performed or obtaining an estimate for these services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today! 

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Government Building Cleaning

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

A local government facility recently switched the vendor for two of their cafeterias. SERVPRO of North Knoxville was given a small window between vendors to clean the cafeterias from ceiling to floor and everything in between. We rallied our crews and worked from 3pm to 4am. It was important that we were thorough because we also cleaned the kitchens. This included the walls, floors, ceilings, and equipment. The customer was so satisfied that she said she would recommend to all of the other governmental facilities that she deals with.

SERVPRO of North Knoxville is trusted by government, commercial, and residential customers all over the Knoxville area to do the job right the first time, every time. If you have a commercial cleaning need, call us at 865-947-9992!

Winterizing your commercial building

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Here are some tips for getting your commercial building ready for the winter months:

Inspect Heating Systems

Maintaining your heating system should be a top priority as the weather cools, obviously. Inspect the system regularly, and create a written plan to outline what maintenance tasks should be addressed daily, weekly, monthly and annually. This way, you have a schedule in place to keep  

Furnaces and rooftop units also should be examined. Repair cracks in heat exchangers to avoid the risk of leaking poisonous carbon dioxide into your building. Consider replacing furnaces older than 10 years, as the efficiency ratings for newer equipment can exceed that of older equipment by 40 percent or more.

Calibrate Thermostats / Reduce Set Points

Your building’s thermostats present opportunities for energy savings. Don't let them intimidate you! First, calibrate thermostats, which will structure your heating systems to operate more efficiently. Additionally, consider lowering the heating set point in your building a few degrees. Studies show utility costs drop by an average of one percent for every degree lowered. Just don't make it so cool that employees bring in a truckload of space heaters, which can inflate energy costs. 

Change Air Filters

Change air filters in your system. Dirty air filters slow down air flow, making your system work harder, which leads to increased energy use and shortened equipment life cycles. More seriously, dirty filters also can have a negative impact on your building’s indoor air quality and, in turn, its occupants. Replace filters based upon the procedure and frequency guidelines of the filter and HVAC manufacturer. 

Tips for Charitable Donations

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

With holiday season in full effect, giving back is one of the most important things to do. Whether you are donating to help the homeless, help underprivileged children, or a local pet shelter, you can kill two birds with one stone. In return for your generosity, you can use the donation as a tax deduction. Here are a few tips when you go to fill your business tax return:

• Itemize- in some cases it is more beneficial to itemize, rather than use the standard deduction
• Choose carefully when to make a donation- ensure the place you are donating to is qualified
• Get a receipt- a receipt for everything gives proof for the IRS.
• Payroll deductions- do not overlook payroll deductions. 
• You cannot deduct time
• You can deduct expenses related to volunteering
• Document the value of any gift given to a charitable entity
• Remember there are limits to deductions
• Calendar- remember that everything has to be done before December 31st of the filing year.

The Holiday Season is about giving and in order to give the most, business owners need to be able to catch some tax breaks. Using a few of these helpful tips, will allow you to u=ensure your business gets the maximum amount of tax breaks. Happy Holiday from SERVPRO of North Knoxville!

Tips on how to Gain New Clients

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

In this business, it is difficult to gain new clients because the last thing people want to think about is a disaster striking in their life. We have to ensure that our name is out there so if something does happen, people know who to call. Word of mouth is a great way to gain new clients. People want to know that they are going to be taken care of and that all of their worries will be alleviated. Excellent customer service skills will set us apart from the competition. Here are a few tips on things we can do to have excellent customer service skills:

• actively listen to clients
• show empathy
• take action
• ensure them that they can trust us
• give the client progress updates as often as possible
• always be sure to thank clients 
• give clients a call 3-6 months later to ensure they are still satisfied and let them know about current specials

All of these tips will help us stand out above the competition. People do not want to have to call us, but we can ensure that they have exceptional service that turns their negative into a positive. 

Local grocery store suffers massive loss

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

This picture shows only part of the muddy mess left behind after the water loss.

Recently, an 80,000 square foot grocery store suffered a massive water emergency. The building was repurposed from being a Big-Box retailer into a grocery store in 2009. During renovations, new utilities were required and an unused 8 inch water line was capped and left in place. That unused water line, which runs underneath the building, suffered a catastrophic failure on the morning of February 12, 2018. Water then began flowing, under high pressure, through the expansion joints in the floor and into all areas of the store. After the local utility authority was able to secure the water, more than an inch of muddy water was left covering most of the store. This included the sales floor, stock rooms, freezers, and prep areas.

SERVPRO of North Knoxville responded to the scene shortly after the incident and immediately began to mitigate the damages and help get the store back open for business.

Restoring Your Knoxville Commercial Property After A Water Loss

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Knoxville commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of North Knoxville

SERVPRO of North Knoxville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Company Holiday Party Tips

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Tis the season for holiday fun and cheer.. and your annual Company Holiday Party! Most people go out of obligation...not want. So this year try a few tips to make your holiday party fun!

• Choose a location that can accommodate all employees and their family easily
• Choose a few fun games for employees to play
• Have fun and get to know each other on a more person, un-work related level

Sometimes, you get so caught up in work, you forget the people you work with are people to. Leave work at the office, let lose, and have some fun! Create an atmosphere that people actually want to be in. 

Holiday Card Etiquette for Businesses

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays!!!

As business owners, we like to show our clients we appreciate their business and value them as a loyal customer. Sending our holiday cards is just another way of showing them just that. It also plants our business name in their heads. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow as with everything else. Here are a few tips to use this holiday season:

• DON'T WAIT- be sure to order your cards early and have them in the mail as quickly as possible. 
• CHOOSE A QUALITY CARD- do not pick the least expensive option. Choose a card that the recipient will remember and enjoy.
• DON'T INADVERTENTLY OFFEND THE RECIPIENT- in you are unsure if the recipient celebrates Christmas, send a "Happy Holidays" card in place of Merry Christmas. 
• HANDWRITE- Hand write your cards and custom print your name. It will not look as professional but it will give the card a personal touch that the recipient will enjoy. 
• PURCHASE A HOLIDAY STAMP- this gives the card something extra
• WRITE A PERSONAL MESSAGE- this shows the recipient you value them on a personal level  and that you are celebrating your business relationship rather than mandatorily sending a mass mail. 

These are just a few ideas to keep in minds when sending out greeting cards to the recipients on your mailing list. A few personal touches can go a long way! Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of North Knoxville!!!

Charitable Donations Tips

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Present

With holiday season in full effect, giving back is one of the most important things to do. Whether you are donating to help the homeless, help underprivileged children, or a local pet shelter, you can kill two birds with one stone. In return for your generosity, you can use the donation as a tax deduction. Here are a few tips when you go to fill you business tax return:

• Itemize- in some cases it is more beneficial to itemize, rather than use the standard deduction
• Choose carefully when to make a donation- ensure the place you are donating to is qualified
• Get a receipt- a receipt for everything gives proof for the IRS.
• Payroll deductions- do not overlook payroll deductions. 
• You cannot deduct time
• You can deduct expenses related to volunteering
• Document the value of any gift given to a charitable entity
• Remember there are limits to deductions
• Calendar- remember that everything has to be done before December 31st of the filing year.

The Holiday Season is about giving and in order to give the most, business owners need to be able to catch some tax breaks. Using a few of these helpful tips, will allow you to u=ensure your business gets the maximum amount of tax breaks. Happy Holiday from SERVPRO of North Knoxville!

Tips on how to Gain New Clients

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

In this business, it is difficult to gain new clients because the last thing people want to think about is a disaster striking in their life. We have to ensure that our name is out there so if something does happen, people know who to call. Word of mouth is a great way to gain new clients. People want to know that they are going to be taken care of and that all of their worries will be alleviated. Excellent customer service skills will set us apart from the competition. Here are a few tips on things we can do to have excellent customer service skills:

• actively listen to clients
• show empathy
• take action
• ensure them that they can trust us
• give the client progress updates as often as possible
• always be sure to thank clients 
• give clients a call 3-6 months later to ensure they are still satisfied and let them know about current specials

All of these tips will help us stand out above the competition. People do not want to have to call us, but we can ensure that they have exceptional service that turns their negative into a positive. 

Emergency Readiness Plan

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

What is an emergency readiness plan and why should your business have one? An emergency readiness plan is standards to facilitate and organize employees' actions during workplace emergencies. It is required bu OSHA to have these safety plans worked out and for employees to know where to find them. The plans cover  the following:

• Procedures for reporting emergencies
• Procedures for each type of evacuation and the route to be taken
• Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation
• Procedures to be followed by employees attempting to rescue others
• The name, job title, and contact information of people who need to be aware of these emergency situations

If you have fewer than 10 employees within your company, the plan does not need to be written out. However, expectations and guidelines should be clear so that everybody knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact. Having an ERP boosts your company's capability to recover from financial losses including damages to equipment. If all employees know what action to take, they should be able to assist in assuring that the damage does not spread. Delegating different duties to employees shows them that your trust them in these situations. It takes the entire team ti guarantee that everybody is safe. Empowering employees to play a vital role unifies the company as a whole. 

All employees should know where to find the plan of action and practice different scenarios. These plans are not useful if you do not practice them. The last thing you are going to do if the building is on fire is look up protocol. Practicing different procedures sharpens your skills and ensures you are ready for anything. The more you know about your companies procedures, the more successful you will be in an emergency situation.