Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Our Customers are our #1 focus

5/10/2023 (Permalink)

24/7 customer service Customer Service is our #1 focus

When your property is damaged by fire, water, or mold, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. That's why it's important to have a restoration team that not only has the technical expertise but also provides exceptional customer service. At SERVPRO Boise, customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they always go above and beyond to ensure that their customers are satisfied with every restoration job.

From the moment you call SERVPRO Boise, you'll notice the difference in their approach to customer service. They'll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the restoration process. They understand that every situation is unique, and they'll tailor their services to meet your specific needs.

Once on-site, the team at SERVPRO Boise will walk you through every step of the restoration process, explaining what needs to be done and why. They'll also work closely with your insurance company to make sure that the restoration process is covered, and they'll handle all the paperwork and communication with your insurance adjuster.

Throughout the restoration process, the team at SERVPRO Boise will keep you updated on the progress of the job. They understand that communication is key to customer satisfaction, and they'll make sure that you're always informed about what's happening. If you have any concerns or questions, they'll be happy to address them promptly.

At the end of the restoration process, the team at SERVPRO Boise will do a final walkthrough with you to ensure that you're satisfied with the job. They'll make any necessary adjustments or touch-ups to make sure that you're completely happy with the results. They won't consider the job complete until you're 100% satisfied.

In addition to their exceptional customer service, the team at SERVPRO Boise is also committed to using the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your property is restored to its pre-damage condition. They'll work quickly and efficiently to minimize the disruption to your life and get you back to normal as soon as possible.

If you're in need of fire, water, or mold restoration services, don't hesitate to call the team at SERVPRO Boise. They'll provide you with the best customer service and technical expertise in the industry, ensuring that your property is restored quickly and efficiently.

Treasure Valley property managers, you need to take action within 4 hours of water damage to minimize secondary and permanent damage

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

reasure Valley Property managers - Taking action during the first 24 hours following water damage will help prevent secondary or permanent damage to your units.

That is why within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian franchise professional will be on-site to help ensure water damage is handled by completing the following steps:

  1. Intake – ask client questions to determine which size crew, how many pieces of equipment, and what precautions to take.
  2. Inspection– Using information from phone intake, SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will inspect all affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning work.
  3. Emergency service- SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will begin by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying for each unit. They will explain the needed emergency services to you as well as the tenant, step by step.
  4. Document pre-existing damage and damage caused by water.
  5. Arrange for contents to be restored or disposed of, with the owner's signature and insurance approval (if applicable).
  6. Monitoring- monitor drying of structure and contents to ensure they are dried to appropriate industry standards; updates will be consistently communicated with you and your insurance company.
  7. Reinstall flooring and clean the affected areas of your property as well as arrange for the reinstallation of walls, baseboard, or other materials.
  8. Final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was restored to preloss conditions.

By following these steps, SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will efficiently dry and restore your structure to its preloss condition with minimal impact on tenants, the structure, and contents while also reducing secondary damage and permanent damage to your property following water damage.

About SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian

SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration by the IICRC-industry certification standards.  Rest assured that our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. We serve the Treasure Valley residents and property managers.

How Water Damages Hardwood Floors in Nampa

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Drying Saturated Waterproofed Floors in Your Home

Hardwood floors present aesthetic appeal to your home, but it can also be susceptible to saturation and the absorption of water loss effects when they occur. From burst pipes to overflowing toilet reservoirs, these loss incidents can happen with no warning and leave you contending with several inches of standing water in the affected areas. With many homeowners choosing waterproof wood flooring materials for areas like their bathroom, they unknowingly assume that the material is impervious to penetration from standing water and exposure.

While these waterproofed materials installed in your home might get designed to resist moisture and direct penetration better than other options, without effective water removal from trained professionals, your home is still susceptible to widespread water damage. Our SERVPRO professionals have highly effective extraction equipment that can remove standing water fast from the affected areas of your home.

Waterproof plank flooring does have a specific density, composition, and an added coating to prevent direct penetration from standing water. However, areas like the tongue and groove where these planks seam together present penetration points and vulnerabilities for the standing water to bleed through over a brief exposure. As the planks become exposed to this moisture, they can begin to distort and swell, allowing moisture to penetrate even further to impact the subflooring.

Our SERVPRO professionals arrive with powerful extraction equipment for the bathroom such as portable sump pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands. Once the excess gets removed, our team can utilize thermal imagery to gain perspective on moisture penetration and damage to the flooring and other structural elements surrounding the affected area. We can set up our high-efficiency drying equipment to begin removing this moisture content from exposed materials to preserve both the flooring and construction elements like your drywall, vanity, and cabinetry.

While waterproof flooring in water-prone rooms of your home is a wise investment, they are not entirely able to prevent moisture exposure and damage without prompt action from trained professionals like our SERVPRO team.

Why choose SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian? See what our customers have to say on Google...

We know that you have a choice when it comes to who will work in your home or business after a water disaster.  We'd like you to see direct feedback from some of our recent customers about their experiences with us. 

Kirby made a stressful situation just a blip on the screen. He came right out, assessed the situation and he and Antonio got to work.

They did a great job, the communication and professionalism were outstanding. Thank you so much!

~Amy Wattles, Meridian

Great company! LT, Nate, & Bobby were very informative and detailed!

They showed up fast & ready to tackle my water damage! I appreciate the service and quality.  

~Austin family, Meridian

I had met Erick previously and joked that I hoped I'd never need his services. But well life happens. His team has been so easy to work with.

Ashley and Keith do an amazing job getting the estimates to the insurance quickly. The crew that came to clean up before construction starts so I can still live in my home... Incredible.

Kirby and Antonio are so easy to work with and friendly while they're in your home. I couldn't be more happy with the service I'm receiving. Thanks to the SERVPRO team!!!

~ Ally Jacobson, Boise

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Treasure Valley property managers, you need to take action within 4 hours of water damage to minimize secondary and permanent damage

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Treasure Valley Property managers - Taking action during the first 24 hours following water damage will help prevent secondary or permanent damage to your units.

That is why within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian franchise professional will be on-site to help ensure water damage is handled by completing the following steps:

  1. Intake – ask client questions to determine which size crew, how many pieces of equipment, and what precautions to take.
  2. Inspection– Using information from phone intake, SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will inspect all affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning work.
  3. Emergency service- SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will begin by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying for each unit. They will explain the needed emergency services to you as well as the tenant, step by step.
  4. Document pre-existing damage and damage caused by water.
  5. Arrange for contents to be restored or disposed of, with the owner's signature and insurance approval (if applicable).
  6. Monitoring- monitor drying of structure and contents to ensure they are dried to appropriate industry standards; updates will be consistently communicated with you and your insurance company.
  7. Reinstall flooring and clean the affected areas of your property as well as arrange for the reinstallation of walls, baseboard, or other materials.
  8. Final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was restored to preloss conditions.

By following these steps, SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian will efficiently dry and restore your structure to its preloss condition with minimal impact on tenants, the structure, and contents while also reducing secondary damage and permanent damage to your property following water damage.

About SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian

SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration by the IICRC-industry certification standards.  Rest assured that our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. We serve the Treasure Valley residents and property managers.

Why SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian is a better choice

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Not all Restoration companies are equal: Here is how to pick the best one.

Get to know your options and make sure to read their reviews from their website and ask for certifications. Water damage restoration is not something that anyone can do, in fact, the proper equipment and chemicals aren’t even available to those who are not properly trained, licensed, and insured in this field. These licenses and certifications cost thousands and thousands of dollars each year to renew, not to mention the countless hours to get trained. Someone not trained properly will not know how to completely dry a structure or prevent mold growth.

Hiring an amateur or someone who considers themselves a handyman (or plumber with water damage experience) will lead to future problems and a bigger bill in the long run.

Often the costs are triple what a normal emergency restoration company would charge in the first place. SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian has systems in place to guarantee accurate, fair, and consistent pricing using Xactimate. If you are filing your water damage as an insurance claim then the bill will be approved, finalized, and processed efficiently through both SERVPRO and your insurance adjuster to make sure it is accurate, fair, and correct.

SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian has access to disaster recovery specialists and “Storm Teams”. If the area is inundated with catastrophic flooding or fires. By calling SERVPRO during a large local weather event, you will automatically be put into the system and you will be seen by either us or a “Storm Team” who come to our area from other states to help with large-scale disaster recovery.

SERVPRO and the equipment we use

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

  • An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from the ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

  • Air scrubbers
  • Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Antimicrobial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

  • Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
  • Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

For more information on the services we provide at SERVPRO of Boise, call us at 208-37

Our 1-4-8 commitment to our customers

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Our 1-4-8 commitment to our customers. SERVPRO of Boise aims to bring every customer the 1-4-8 experience. 1-4-8 is our way of ensuring each customer receives our quality service in a timely manner. It means that within ONE hour from the notice of a loss, SERVPRO of Boise will contact you to arrange for service. Within FOUR hours of the loss notification, our team will be on-site to start services. The key to reducing damages and saving money is responding quickly to your damage. Within EIGHT hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the main contact person. After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction. By beginning services within just 4 hours, we can reduce the amount of damage and get our clients back into their homes or business as quickly as possible.  About 50% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, but SERVPRO of Boise is here to help by being “Faster to any size disaster” thanks to our 1-4-8 commitment.

Coverage for Mold with Commercial Insurance

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial insurance policies can have vague or complicated wording when they describe the coverage of mold damage and it is sometimes difficult to understand when damage is covered by mold insurance and when it isn't. However, there are some general guidelines that may simplify the issue:

  • Damage due to aging and wear and tear is usually not covered.
  • When mold is the result of a covered type of damage, mold may be covered.
  • Sudden damages, such as fire, may cause mold that your insurance will cover.

Most of the time, mold removal is covered when the source of the contamination is already covered by your commercial property owner's coverage. Sudden accidents may include burst pipes, overflows, fires, natural disasters, etc.

Damages That Aren't Covered
If it's evident that you haven't kept up with maintenance and proper care for your building, related damages probably won't be covered. For example, if you notice drops of water gathering on a pipe, but you don't do anything about it, the resulting damages aren't covered by your commercial insurance. Regional flooding could lead to damages that aren't covered unless you've purchased flood insurance separately.

Coverage, Exceptions and Exclusions
There are several differences between residential and commercial property coverages, so the best way to determine how much coverage you have available to pay mold cleanup and mitigation professionals, is to consult with your insurance agent. Carefully read and understand your mold insurance policy, taking notice of terms such as "specified peril" and "exclusions." Some policies have long lists of exclusions, including corrosion and pollution. Sometimes, there are exceptions to exclusions.

Quick Action Prevents Spread
Ultimately, you need to take quick action when you discover mold damage. The best way to avoid further contamination is to hire SERVPRO of Boise professionals right away. Make sure you understand your commercial insurance coverage before you find mold.

Why SERVPRO?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage doesn't only come from burst pipes or flooding to damage your home. In most cases, undetected water damage can cause the most damage and be quite a headache.  By calling SERVPRO of Boise, we'll help you access the following: 

Here are 5 indicators that there is water damage that may be hidden in your home:

  • Stains on walls and ceilings: Nobody purposefully looks up at their ceiling. However, it is important to thoroughly check the ceilings in your home for stains. There might be a bathtub or shower leak from one floor to the next, or your ceiling could be leaking into the attic.
  • Musty or unpleasant smells: Do you smell something musty, or even earthy, in your home? Hidden water can cause mold to grow and a nasty smell is a good signal that something is wrong.
  • Peeling paint: Not only can water stain your walls, but it can also cause the paint to lift. If you see your paint starting to peel, quickly find the source of the problem, or call a professional to fix it.
  • Mold Growth: Just like with ceilings, we do not exactly pay attention to the corners of our homes, but often these small hidden areas can tell us about potentially harmful leaks or spills. Check to see if there are any discolored or fuzzy looking spots in isolated corners or hidden areas.
  • Flooring: When allowed to flow, water naturally seeks the lowest level. Therefore, rivers flow downstream. Water can seep under your flooring and collect – damaging your sub-floors. Check for warping or deformation to make sure there is no water hiding beneath the floorboards. When this happens, it is important to act as quickly as possible, so we can restore your flooring to good as new.

Here at SERVPRO of Boise we are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your home back to pre-water damage condition. Whether water damage sneaks up on you or not, we are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

5 indicators that there is water damage that may be hidden in your home

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage doesn't only come from burst pipes or flooding to damage your home. In most cases, undetected water damage can cause the most damage and be quite a headache.  By calling SERVPRO of Boise, we'll help you access the following: 

Here are 5 indicators that there is water damage that may be hidden in your home:

  • Stains on walls and ceilings: Nobody purposefully looks up at their ceiling. However, it is important to thoroughly check the ceilings in your home for stains. There might be a bathtub or shower leak from one floor to the next, or your ceiling could be leaking into the attic.
  • Musty or unpleasant smells: Do you smell something musty, or even earthy, in your home? Hidden water can cause mold to grow and a nasty smell is a good signal that something is wrong.
  • Peeling paint: Not only can water stain your walls, but it can also cause the paint to lift. If you see your paint starting to peel, quickly find the source of the problem, or call a professional to fix it.
  • Mold Growth: Just like with ceilings, we do not exactly pay attention to the corners of our homes, but often these small hidden areas can tell us about potentially harmful leaks or spills. Check to see if there are any discolored or fuzzy looking spots in isolated corners or hidden areas.
  • Flooring: When allowed to flow, water naturally seeks the lowest level. Therefore, the rivers flow downstream. Water can seep under your flooring and collect – damaging your sub-floors. Check for warping or deformation to make sure there is no water hiding beneath the floorboards. When this happens, it is important to act as quickly as possible, so we can restore your flooring to good as new.

Here at SERVPRO of Boise we are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your home back to pre-water damage condition. Whether water damage sneaks up on you or not, we are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO of Boise?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Boise?

When a property damage issue strikes your residential or business property, hiring a professional restoration company can save you time, money, frustration, and possible secondary damage. But, not all restoration companies are alike.

SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian/Star/Eagle bears the unique distinction of being a leader in the restoration industry for over 52 years. We are a full-service restoration company and offer water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, smoke and odor removal, asbestos abatement, contents restoration, and reconstruction services.  

SERVPRO’s approach to offering a variety of restoration services includes being mindful that this may be the first property damage issue or claim a property owner has experienced. Good communication with the property owner and explain the process we will use to remedy the issue is paramount to assuring them we will try to make this as seamless as possible and to gain their trust.  

From start to finish, meeting and exceeding customer expectations is the holy grail we strive to reach. As a testimony to our performance and the results we have achieved, we currently average over twenty five-star reviews online per month.  

When you or someone you know has a property damage issue, SERVPRO of Boise/Meridian/Star/Eagle is the clear choice to make it just "Like it never even happened."

Did you know?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know? 

About 1 in 20 homes have a claim each year.    There continues to be a disconnect between beliefs and behavior, especially when it comes to protecting against the most common source of property-related damage:  water.  That’s according to the annual Chubb Homeowners’ Risk Survey, which found that when it comes to water damage, homeowners express concern about property protection yet continue to take a passive approach to risk management. 

The study also found that no more than one of every five homeowners surveyed takes any single water-related risk mitigation best practice.  Of those homeowners that tried to mitigate water risk, the Chubb survey found that many are not taking the right steps.  The percentage of homeowners taking the necessary risk mitigation best practices for water has decreased year over year.

Two-thirds of homeowners report that when reflecting back on their most recent home improvement or maintenance project, they were motivated by an approaching storm or in response to weather-related damage.

WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST:

  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly? And ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
  • Have a safe alternative heating source and alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
  • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
  • Check the basement for leaks during thaws.
  • Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils, and empty and clean drip trays.
  • Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.

Relocating to Boise?

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Maybe you're moving to Boise to accept a job. Maybe you're doing it to be closer to your family. Or maybe you just want to experience something new. Whatever the case may be, moving out of state can be really intimidating. It can also be a logistical nightmare if you don't make the proper preparations. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to make your move as smooth as possible. Take a look at these 10 tips for moving out of state.

  1. Do as much research on Boise as you can
  2. Search for a new home
  3. Use the move as an excuse to purge
  4. Pack up the things you're going to move properly
  5. Hire a reliable moving company
  6. Save all the receipts related to your move
  7. Forward your mail right before you move
  8. Let your friends and family know you're moving
  9. Obtain a new driver's license when you arrive
  10. Take time to explore your new surroundings

Boise is a fast-growing city that's teeming with culture, natural beauty, and job opportunities. It encompasses a whole lot of open spaces and a little bit of a big city. This city boasts almost non-existent crime, great schools, friendly people, and easy access to any outdoor activity you could dream of. Who wouldn't want to move here?

6 Things to Consider When Buying Life Insurance

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all life insurance policy. You might need more, or less life insurance than your neighbor down the road, depending on multiple factors. 

Of the 60 percent of Americans who have life insurance, 1 in 4 felt they needed more coverage.

Before shopping for a policy or purchasing additional life insurance protection, it's important to understand the factors that affect how much life insurance you need. So how do you determine how much life insurance you need? Here are six things to consider:

1. Income

The amount on your tax return plays a significant role in your life insurance calculations. The more you earn the more coverage you need. Your agent can help you determine how much life insurance you may need.

2. Debts

The proceeds from a life insurance policy need to take care of all of your debts, including mortgage balances, car loans, student loans, credit card balances or other debts that would be a burden to your family and will need to be paid in full. More debt necessitates more life insurance.

3. Savings

Review your existing assets. If you have significant savings and investments that can be used to cover burial/estate expenses, pay off debts and provide a financial cushion for your family, you'll need less life insurance than someone with few assets. 

4. Existing Coverage

Do you have life insurance coverage through an employer? One 2016 survey found 19 percent of policyholders had life insurance through work. Depending on the amount of that coverage, having your own policy may be a good idea.

5. Family Size

The more dependents you have, the more life insurance you need. In addition to thinking about the number of children depending on you for coverage, take their ages into consideration as well. You'll need more life insurance to protect young children through adulthood than you would for college graduates with their own policy.

6. Future Needs

Life insurance helps protect your family, and that means purchasing enough coverage for their future including educational expenses. When calculating your life insurance needs, determine how much it'll cost to send your children to college.

To determine how much life insurance you need, an online calculator is a good place to start. And you'll want to make an appointment with your agent for a detailed analysis of your life insurance needs. 

SERVPRO and the equipment we use

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Boise has the technology to get the job done!  
The past few decades have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of Boise professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

  • An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from the ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

  • Air scrubbers
  • Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Antimicrobial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

  • Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
  • Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

For more information on the services we provide at SERVPRO of Boise, call us at 208-375-0300.

Why SERVPRO

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Each morning at 8:00 am sharp, the entire staff of SERVPRO of Boise begins with a meeting in our conference room.  We use this morning meeting to discuss the calls that have come in from the previous day and to assess what work is scheduled for the day ahead.  This daily meeting is just one example of the team approach SERVPRO takes in providing quality work to our customers. As the Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we take the corporate theme of “One Team” to heart by making sure that all team members, from the front office to the crew of technicians, know that they each play a role in getting the job done.  SERVPRO of Boise is locally owned and is recognized as a Top 100 franchise among over 1700.  

Offering full-service restoration, not provided by most smaller competition in the Treasure Valley, we are set apart.  There is also a large marketing presence with a team of account managers that work with clients throughout the Boise, Meridian, Star, and Eagle areas. When clients learn that SERVPRO can do all stages of the disaster recovery work, including reconstruction, they often feel relief at knowing that they will not have to deal with a multitude of people to get the job done.  

SERVPRO handles restoration work on both residential and commercial structures for damage from water, fire, smoke, sewage, and mold. Many of our jobs come from everyday mishaps such as leaky supply lines, busted pipes or backed-up toilets. We have staff members who deal directly with insurance claims submitted for damages and with an on-site showroom of flooring samples, tiles, cabinetry and more, we can take the stress out of getting a property back to preloss status. 

One service SERVPRO offers to businesses is the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) mobile app. Business owners can schedule a free, no strings attached appointment with an account manager to assess their properties and identify where shutoffs are located and whom to call should disaster strike. Having an ERP can help give business owners peace of mind should they need to take days away from their property for vacations or other absences.

Despite being one of over 1,700 franchises nationwide, owner Chis Isaacson makes sure that the local SERVPRO franchise is very involved with the local communities they serve. SERVPRO supports many non-profit organizations in the area such as Boise Fire Department Community Assistance Fund, Idaho Humane Society, Ada County Sheriffs Association, Boise Rescue Mission, Boys & Girls Club of Ada County and numerous other charitable programs.

We're a business no one hopes to need, but our hope is that we can assist both homeowners and business owners to be prepared, and to know who to call in such an emergency. 

For immediate service, call SERVPRO of Boise

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Boise provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being Faster to Any Size Disaster in the Treasure Valley.  We respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (208) 375-0300

Residential Services

If your home needs emergency flood damage you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and can assist in getting your property to the preloss condition. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Boise commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Therefore, when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.  

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration 
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Top 4 ways to save energy this winter

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Ready for a huge energy bill to go along with that pile of holiday gifts you received this year? We didn’t think so. We’re here to offer you a little help in keeping some jingle in your pockets during these winter months. 

Deck-the-halls with LEDs.

Check your festive lights so they don't drain your wallet along with the power grid with the help of LEDs. LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, which cost $10/string for 40 days/12 hours a day of operation versus just 25 cents per string for the LED equivalent. 

Tell leaks and drafts to “stuff it.”

Losing heat to air leaks and drafts is like throwing money out the window. Be sure to properly seal leaks around windows, doors, chimneys, and venting. This simple fix can save you up to 20 percent on heating costs. Verifying proper insulation levels and adding more where necessary can save you some serious dough as well.

Give your HVAC system a little gift.

Replace your filters monthly and schedule a winter tune-up. This treat will not only boost efficiency and save you some money but increase comfort levels in your home this winter as well. You can also help your system take a load off with the gift of a programmable or SMART thermostat, which prevents you from paying to heat an empty home, offering substantial savings - about 10 percent a year for those who turn down the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. 

Add a special "Star" to your holiday decorations.

The sun. It may only make a few rare, sparkling appearances in our area this winter, but when it does, open the blinds and drapes and let the sunshine in the west and south-facing windows to naturally heat your home – and save you 2-12 percent on heating costs.

May your holidays be filled with safety, happiness, and savings.

Relocating to Boise?

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Maybe you're moving to Boise to accept a job. Maybe you're doing it to be closer to your family. Or maybe you just want to experience something new. Whatever the case may be, moving out of state can be really intimidating. It can also be a logistical nightmare if you don't make the proper preparations. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to make your move as smooth as possible. Take a look at these 10 tips for moving out of state.

  1. Do as much research on Boise as you can
  2. Search for a new home
  3. Use the move as an excuse to purge
  4. Pack up the things you're going to move properly
  5. Hire a reliable moving company
  6. Save all the receipts related to your move
  7. Forward your mail right before you move
  8. Let your friends and family know you're moving
  9. Obtain a new driver's license when you arrive
  10. Take time to explore your new surroundings

Boise is a fast-growing city that's teeming with culture, natural beauty, and job opportunities. It encompasses a whole lot of open spaces and a little bit of a big city. This city boasts almost non-existent crime, great schools, friendly people and easy access to any outdoor activity you could dream of. Who wouldn't want to move here?

6 Things to Consider When Buying Life Insurance

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all life insurance policy. You might need more, or less life insurance than your neighbor down the road, depending on multiple factors. 

Of the 60 percent of Americans who have life insurance, 1 in 4 felt they needed more coverage.

Before shopping for a policy or purchasing additional life insurance protection, it's important to understand the factors that affect how much life insurance you need. So how do you determine how much life insurance you need? Here are six things to consider:

1. Income

The amount on your tax return plays a significant role in your life insurance calculations. The more you earn the more coverage you need. Your agent can help you determine how much life insurance you may need.

2. Debts

The proceeds from a life insurance policy need to take care of all of your debts, including mortgage balances, car loans, student loans, credit card balances or other debts that would be a burden to your family and will need to be paid in full. More debt necessitates more life insurance.

3. Savings

Review your existing assets. If you have significant savings and investments that can be used to cover burial/estate expenses, pay off debts and provide a financial cushion for your family, you'll need less life insurance than someone with few assets. 

4. Existing Coverage

Do you have life insurance coverage through an employer? One 2016 survey found 19 percent of policyholders had life insurance through work. Depending on the amount of that coverage, having your own policy may be a good idea.

5. Family Size

The more dependents you have, the more life insurance you need. In addition to thinking about the number of children depending on you for coverage, take their ages into consideration as well. You'll need more life insurance to protect young children through adulthood than you would for college graduates with their own policy.

6. Future Needs

Life insurance helps protect your family, and that means purchasing enough coverage for their future including educational expenses. When calculating your life insurance needs, determine how much it'll cost to send your children to college.

To determine how much life insurance you need, an online calculator is a good place to start. And you'll want to make an appointment with your agent for a detailed analysis of your life insurance needs. 

5 Insurance Resolutions for 2019

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Are you making a New Year's Resolution? Statistically, more than half of all resolutions fail... but they don't have to. We have some resolutions you can actually keep this year. Even better? You can accomplish most of these in January and be sitting pretty for the rest of the year, worry free with a simple insurance audit!

Update Home Inventory

Your home inventory is a tool that your agent can use to determine the right level of coverage for your homeowners insurance. Plus, if you have a claim, having an up-to-date inventory will benefit you and get your claim paid faster. If you haven't done an inventory on your home in a while, we have some tips on where to start. If you have completed an inventory, right after the holidays are and ideal time to update! Be sure to share the updated home inventory with your agent when you're done.

Right-Size Your Life Insurance

Life insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Your coverage needs to evolve over time. If you don't have a policy yet, now is a great time to talk to your agent about what type of policy would best suit your needs (and your budget.) We have six things you should consider when you are looking at coverage. 

If you do already have life insurance, is it working hard for you? Could you get more benefit out of your policy while you are still living? Maybe. Talk to your agent about the ways you can make your existing policy work for you and your family.

Earn Discounts

Did you know that you can play a part in determining your auto insurance rates? With Driveology, you have the chance to earn discounts based on your good driving behavior. You can also monitor your vehicle health and environmental impact in the process. 

If you have a teen driver in the house, you may be able to save even more with you Young Driver Safety program. With this program, drivers under the age of 25 can learn safe driving behaviors, and help you earn discounts on your auto policy premiums. 

Prepare for the Unexpected

You try to be as prepared as possible, but you never know what is right around the corner. Prepare for unexpected risks with an umbrella policy. Umbrella earns its name because the coverage arches over your vehicle and homeowner's insurance to provide an extra layer of protection: it starts where vehicle and homeowner's insurance liability limits stop. You might be surprised by all the things umbrella policies cover for an affordable price. 

Call Your Agent

When was the last time you evaluated your coverage's with your agent? Your agent can do an annual SuperCheck and make sure you are covered where you need it (and aren't paying for coverage's you've outgrown). Life changes fast, make sure your insurance keeps up. If you have been wondering if you could bundle your policies, need a different life insurance policy, or bought a new boat, you could use a SuperCheck. Contact your agent and schedule a brief review today.

With this new year, if you have resolved to save money, your agent may be able to help. Contact your agent today. It's an easy resolution to keep and can affect your bottom line all year. Can you say that for other resolutions?

5 Simple Steps for a Home Inventory

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Five Simple Steps for an Insurance Home Inventory

You know how much you paid for that new TV; same for your computer. But what about those plastic bins of toys you keep under the stairs? Your collection of antique china? That expensive woodworking equipment? You might have already taken stock of the big things, but in an emergency, could you do a mental household inventory list and name all your valuables? That's why it's important to do a home inventory. For peace of mind, and for insurance purposes, a home inventory is just a smart move. It can help you decide how much and what type of homeowners' insurance to buy, speed up the claims process, and help verify losses for your income tax return. Where do you start? READ ON!

1. Starting a Household Inventory- Get Organized

First of all, you'll need to get organized. You'll want to document things like the insides of your tool boxes and closets; start a household inventory list. Tidy up; it's easier to see what you have if your possessions aren't in piles on the floor of your closet or crumpled up in a junk drawer.

2. Starting an Insurance Home Inventory- Method to the Madness

Before you start making your home inventory list, plan your starting point. Map your course through your household and move room to room methodically. By plotting your course in advance, you're saving yourself time and also decreasing your chances of missing important inventory items. For an insurance home inventory, remember to include your attic, garage, and even detached structures (like your shed).

3. Making a Home Inventory List- Document Everything

How you document your household inventory is important. Photography is your friend; go from room to room, taking pictures (or even video, provided you narrate!) as you go. Make special note of your most valuable items (jewelry, antiques, electronics) and where you keep them. It's also helpful to keep receipts and to note the serial numbers for your gadgets.

What type of items do you include on your household inventory list?

  • Furnishings (bookcases, cabinets, couches, tables, drapes, lamps)
  • Appliances (stove, washer/dryer, hair dryer, scale, vacuum)
  • Electronics (Flash drives, gaming systems, tablets, chargers, computers, DVD collection)
  • Lawn and Garden (patio furniture, lawn mower, snow blower, hoses, bikes)
  • Antiques and Collectibles (baseball cards, dolls, signage, toys, stamps, coins, art)

What details do you include about the items on your household inventory list?

  • Provide a general description of the inventory item
  • List the quantity of those items
  • Note the date each item was purchased
  • Specify how much you paid for each item on your inventory list

4. Securing Your Insurance Home Inventory- Store It Somewhere Safe

You'll be tempted to keep the inventory list in your home, but that's definitely not the safest place. Create a private album on an online site like Flickr or on the Cloud, and label it "Home Inventory." Print your inventory and keep it in a safety deposit box. Whatever you do, don't keep your only record of your possessions on your property.

5. Maintaining Your Home Inventory List- Update it Frequently

Whenever you make a big purchase, or even just every couple of years, reevaluate. This is also a good excuse to de-clutter as you go. Remember, an out-of-date home inventory could hold up the claims process at a time when that's the last thing you need.

6 Things to Consider When Buying Life Insurance

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all life insurance policy. You might need more, or less life insurance than your neighbor down the road, depending on multiple factors. 

Of the 60 percent of Americans who have life insurance, 1 in 4 felt they needed more coverage.

Before shopping for a policy or purchasing additional life insurance protection, it's important to understand the factors that affect how much life insurance you need. So how do you determine how much life insurance you need? Here are six things to consider:

1. Income

The amount on your tax return plays a significant role in your life insurance calculations. The more you earn the more coverage you need. Your agent can help you determine how much life insurance you may need.

2. Debts

The proceeds from a life insurance policy need to take care of all of your debts, including mortgage balances, car loans, student loans, credit card balances or other debts that would be a burden to your family and will need to be paid in full. More debt necessitates more life insurance.

3. Savings

Review your existing assets. If you have significant savings and investments that can be used to cover burial/estate expenses, pay off debts and provide a financial cushion for your family, you'll need less life insurance than someone with few assets. 

4. Existing Coverage

Do you have life insurance coverage through an employer? One 2016 survey found 19 percent of policyholders had life insurance through work. Depending on the amount of that coverage, having your own policy may be a good idea.

5. Family Size

The more dependents you have, the more life insurance you need. In addition to thinking about the number of children depending on you for coverage, take their ages into consideration as well. You'll need more life insurance to protect young children through adulthood than you would for college graduates with their own policy.

6. Future Needs

Life insurance helps protect your family, and that means purchasing enough coverage for their future including educational expenses. When calculating your life insurance needs, determine how much it'll cost to send your children to college.

To determine how much life insurance you need, an online calculator is a good place to start. And you'll want to make an appointment with your agent for a detailed analysis of your life insurance needs. 

Important Message From: Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon

  • What is radon and where does it come from?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil.  It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and invisible gas.

  • How is radon measured?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air or pCi/L.

  • Can radon harm me and my family?

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon depends on the level of radon you are exposed to over a lifetime, as well as other genetic and environmental factors, such as if you are a smoker.

  • How does radon cause lung cancer?

Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.  When radon gas decays, it breaks down into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe.  As the particles continue to decay, they release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and may lead to lung cancer in some people. 

  • Is radon a problem in Idaho?

Yes, there are many areas throughout Idaho that have high levels of radon. For more information on radon levels where you live, call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Indoor Environment Program at 1-800-445-8647.

  • How can I find what the radon levels are in my home?

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. There are two general tests for radon:  short-term and long-term. The quickest way to test is with a short-term test.  These tests provide a quick radon value within a brief period (typically three to seven days) of time.  Long-term tests are typically placed in the home for at least three months and may remain in the home for up to a year. Long term test kits give a better estimate of the amount of radon in your home throughout the year. 

  • Where can I get a radon test kit?

You can purchase radon test kits from hardware stores, home improvement centers, online or other retail outlets.  Reduced price short-term radon test kits may be purchased by Idaho residents from Air Check. 

  • When and where should I conduct the test?

Preferably test your home for radon in the winter. Your test should be performed on the lowest floor of your home where you spend time.  If you have a basement and spend time there, test in the basement.  Otherwise, test on the 1st floor in a bedroom or spare room.

  • I just received my test results, what do they mean?

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that your home have radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L. If your levels are above 4.0 pCi/L you can test again to confirm your test results and/or mitigate your home to lower radon levels. If you have additional questions about your results, call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Indoor Environment Program at 1-800-445-8647.

  • How can I reduce the radon levels in my home?

A quality radon mitigation system is able to reduce the amount of radon in your home to usually below 2 pCi/L.  Contact an experienced radon mitigation professional for more information or you may also choose to mitigate your home yourself.  There are many instructional videos on YouTube that can guide you through the process. 

  • How much will it cost to reduce radon levels in my existing home?

Steps to reduce radon levels in your home depend on many factors. If you do it yourself, average costs for parts range from $300 to $600. The cost to have a certified radon mitigation specialist do the work in an existing home ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. Cost of installing radon-resistant features during construction runs from $300 to $500. Contact an experienced radon mitigation professionalfor more information.

  • I'm building a new home, what can I do to prevent radon?

Discuss with your builder how to incorporate radon reduction techniques into the construction of your new home.  

  • I'm buying a house, should I have it tested for radon?

Yes, before you buy a house, you should have the home tested for radon.  The most common procedure for testing during a real estate transaction is for the potential buyer to request the radon test as part of the overall home inspection.  If the test is near 4.0 pCi/L, you may negotiate with the seller to have a radon mitigation system installed with the goal of bringing radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L.

  • I am a renter. Does my landlord have to test for radon if I ask?

No, your landlord is not legally required to test for radon. You may conduct the test yourself or ask your landlord to conduct the test.

  • I tested my rental home and the results were high. Is my landlord required to reduce the radon levels?

No, your landlord is not legally required to reduce radon levels in your rental home. However, you may notify the landlord of the results and discuss with them the need for radon reduction repairs.

  • Who can I contact for more information about radon?

If you have more questions about radon, please call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Indoor Environment Program at 1-800-445-8647.

F1rst Responder Bowl

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know someone who deserves this award?!

SERVPRO is proud to be the sponsor of the first-ever First Responder focused bowl game and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all the brave men and women on the front-lines. Their courage and compassion is inspiring to all. We are grateful to live in a country where individuals dedicate themselves to protecting and serving their fellow citizens. We are humbled by their bravery and thank them for putting their lives on the line in order to save those around them. We thank them for their service and sacrifice.

The game will be played on December 26th in Dallas, TX. However and broadcast on ESPN; however, we have an exciting opportunity to take part, here in Boise, at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

We are currently seeking nominees within the Treasure Valley community that are worthy of receiving the "Honor a Responder" award. To qualify, the nominee must have served in fire, police/law enforcement, EMT, National Guard, disaster relief, or military. This includes anyone who has been injured and returned to work, has saved lives during their career, entered retirement (but had served their community for many years), trained or mentored fellow First Responders, or has lost their life in the line of duty (their family members are encouraged to receive the award on their behalf). The nominee shall be someone who has accomplished something remarkable in 2018. The winner of this award, as well as their family and friends, will be given tickets to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21st and will receive media recognition. 

Please forward your nomination, to include the name, affiliation or department, and the reason you feel they deserve this award, via email to; marketing@SERVPROboise.com. The deadline is Monday, December 3rd. The winner will be chosen by a separate panel of first responders and business community members, not SERVPRO of Boise employees.

We are also seeking persons interested in selecting a finalist. If you are one of those people or would like additional information please contact our marketing manager, Kelly Parziale, at 208-991-6880.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to bestowing a local First Responder with this honor for years to come. Because when we lift up those we depend on, we strengthen our ability to serve - our ability to make the memories of Fire & Water Damage "Like it never even happened." ®

Relocating to Boise?

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Maybe you're moving to Boise to accept a job. Maybe you're doing it to be closer to your family. Or maybe you just want to experience something new. Whatever the case may be, moving out of state can be really intimidating. It can also be a logistical nightmare if you don't make the proper preparations. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to make your move as smooth as possible. Take a look at these 10 tips for moving out of state.

  1. Do as much research on Boise as you can
  2. Search for a new home
  3. Use the move as an excuse to purge
  4. Pack up the things you're going to move properly
  5. Hire a reliable moving company
  6. Save all the receipts related to your move
  7. Forward your mail right before you move
  8. Let your friends and family know you're moving
  9. Obtain a new driver's license when you arrive
  10. Take time to explore your new surroundings

Boise is a fast-growing city that's teeming with culture, natural beauty and job opportunities. It encompasses a whole lot of open spaces and a little bit of big city. This city boasts almost non-existent crime, great schools, friendly people and easy access to any outdoor activity you could dream of. Who wouldn't want to move here?

5 Things NOT to Store in Your Garage

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

With the onset of Spring in the Treasure Valley, most of us try to accomplish new goals, get a new fresh start. Getting healthy, organizing our homes, bettering our lives' always seem to be at the top of the list. One space to start cleaning and organizing is the garage! That extra storage area that easily becomes a catchall for excess items.  We have compiled a list of items that should not be stored in your garage. Get them out and reclaim your space.

  1. Paint- Because the garage is prone to extreme temperature changes, paint should not be stored in the garage.  Recycle paint according to your county guidelines or donate it.
  2. Electronics- If you are putting electronics out in the garage, you must not be using them.  Donate these items because they can’t withstand the temperature fluctuations and will easily break.
  3. Propane and Hazardous Chemicals- Proper ventilation is key for storage of propane and hazardous chemicals.  For safety reasons, these items need to be stored outside.  
  4. Food- Keeping food in the garage is an open invitation to rodents and insects.  Although shopping in bulk can save money, storing extra food in the garage will cause problems. The moisture and humidity will spoil the food. Find room in the house for food storage.
  5. Cardboard boxes- Insects, mice and other rodents love cardboard.  Invest in waterproof plastic bins to store your items.

Hope these tips help you gain back your garage. Happy Cleaning from SERVPRO of Boise!