Experience Files

The question was asked: "Should I charge for fans used on a project prior to the completion of demolition efforts?" The answer, as is often the case in restoration, is "Yes" and "No," depending on the specific circumstances.

Scenario 1: Adjuster Overrides Professional Opinion (YES, Bill!)

Let's say you recommend removing and disposing of wet, visibly damaged hardwood flooring, citing industry best practices and potential cost savings in the long run. The adjuster, however, insists, "Let's just try to dry this out first; let's see if it looks better dry."

In this scenario, you should absolutely set up your injection drying system and desiccant and bill for it every single day. Do not negotiate with an adjuster who disregards your professional opinion, especially when your advice would have ultimately saved them money. You are deploying specialized equipment and expertise at their direction, even if it contradicts your best judgment. Their decision to attempt salvage, despite your recommendation, makes them financially responsible for that effort.

Scenario 2: Demolition Delay Due to Your Inefficiency (No, Don't Bill)

Consider a situation where you have 2 feet of drywall, baseboards, carpet, padding, and sheet vinyl to remove, and it takes your crew three days to complete this demolition. During these three days, you've placed fans and dehumidifiers, effectively attempting to save materials destined for the dumpster.

In this instance, those three days of equipment rental are on you. Your labor inefficiency directly led to this scenario. You should eat these charges. While I understand why you might not put ten people on a project for four hours versus two people for 20+ hours, the reality is that the materials should have been removed quickly. Start the drying rental when demolition is complete, as that's when the drying efforts become truly productive for materials intended for salvage.

Scenario 3: External Delays Beyond Your Control (MAYBE, Case-by-Case)

Finally, there are projects where demolition cannot begin due to reasons entirely unrelated to your actions:

• Asbestos Testing: Waiting for test results on discovered potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

• Coverage Disputes: Waiting for the insurance company to decide if the loss is covered, and they've issued a "do not demo" order.

• HOA/HO6 Conflicts: Homeowners Association (HOA) and HO6 (condo unit owner) policies fighting over who is responsible, with neither providing authorization to proceed.

In these situations, it's a case-by-case basis, and the answer is "maybe." Here, your primary goal should be humidity control to prevent further damage. Don't go "guns blazing" performing heroic acts attempting to save materials destined for the landfill, unless someone has taken clear financial responsibility for those specific drying efforts. Your goal is to stabilize the environment and prevent secondary damage while awaiting authorization to proceed with the full scope.