Recent Posts

How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Reconstruction Project | SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

9/8/2023 (Permalink)

a bathroom about to be painted Paint colors can make or break a room, let the experts at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills help to guide you.

One of the more exciting aspects of a reconstruction or remodeling project is getting to make the material and paint selections to create your vision – even if a room is being put back the same as it was prior to the disaster. When choosing paint, there are a few considerations you want to think about to get the best color, finish, and elasticity. The first thing you should consider is the surfaces you will be painting; different paints will perform better based on the different materials being painted. The paint types you choose for your kitchen and bathroom are different from your living room. The kitchen and bathroom are high-moisture areas that are prone to high humidity and splashing. Therefore, you need to consider oil-based paints rather than water-based paints for these areas. The paint for the bathroom and kitchen also needs to be easy to clean and dry as they will be exposed to more liquids. Similarly, cabinets and railings will need a different paint than walls as they experience more wear and tear.

The next part of the process is color selection, choosing the right color for your space is important. Light and bright colors may help a space feel larger and can give you the ability to use multiple colors in the same area without color clashing becoming a major issue. Darker colors can help to create accents or statements in a space, but you will have to be cautious of making the spaces feel smaller if you utilize dark colors for an entire room. Different paint formulas play a large role in the overall look, from water-based paints that are generally the easiest to work with to enamel paint that can withstand heavy traffic. Consulting a professional before making these selections will improve the look and quality of the finished product. With many years of experience, SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills can assist you in picking the right paint and providing superior application and finish when rebuilding your water or fire damaged property.

Planning Your Rebuild After Property Damage | SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

house in need of repairs after water damage Disaster can strike at any time, let the expert rebuilders at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills put your property back together.

Planning your home or business rebuild now that the damage has been mitigated? Here are a few things to keep in mind to streamline the process and make your project as stress-free as possible. One of the first and most important steps is selecting a reputable contractor who is properly licensed, bonded, and insured – SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills makes it easy by excelling at both stopping damage and then expertly repairing it.

Your next steps will be material and paint selections. Making sure you know what you want or have a vision will help to speed up the ordering of materials. With the current state of material availability, ordering materials can often take a few weeks or months so making selections early on will aid in shortening the overall rebuilding process.

Make considerations about essential areas of your home or business and being able to go without the areas that are having work done. For example, if you are having a kitchen rebuild done, it is important to consider alternative spaces for cooking and cleaning dishes while work is being completed. Similarly, a bathroom rebuild in a single-bathroom home or business may cause issues. To avoid this, scheduling a portable toilet or alternate bathroom situation will be needed.

Changes in plans or materials will hinder the process, slowing down the project and potentially incurring additional or unnecessary costs. When at all possible, making selections for materials and colors in person will help to avoid disappointment with a product not appearing as you envisioned.

Make sure to weigh the cost of convenience versus the quality of work. No contractor should ever make you feel bad for asking for testimonials, portfolios, or references. Knowing what level of work quality you can expect is important, just as important as choosing a contractor who will work with you and your budget. SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills will happily provide you with different options to help you recreate the home of your dreams while staying on budget and working with your insurance company. Let us rebuild your home or business after disaster strikes and make it seem “Like It Never Even Happened.”

The Importance of Preparation Before Reconstruction | SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

wall being patched with tape and plastic protection around it Lining the work area with tape and floor protection is a must – prep work beforehand saves on mess afterwards.

Anybody who has ever been through a home or property rebuilding project knows firsthand how messy and disruptive that project can be. There are many steps and tricks to keeping your project contained and tidy. With many years of experience, SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills places a heavy value on making sure that proper preparation work is done on any reconstruction project regardless of size. Preparation work is essential in making sure that we protect areas of your home or property that are not being worked on as well as your furniture and belongings that have not been relocated. By covering areas and contents we are not working on, we minimize the damage resulting from dust, scrapes, or paint splatter. Proper preparation work ensures the project can be wrapped up in a timely manner and excessive post-construction cleaning will not be needed. Preparation can span anywhere from wiping down an area ahead of time to sanding a surface for proper adhesion. The experience we bring to the field means that we can ensure a better final product. Let SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills show you how we can make it seem like “It Never Even Happened”. From disaster restoration to rebuilding and remodeling, we can help you - call 503-619-6198 or email office@SERVPROcedarmill.com today to get your reconstruction quote going!

Commercial & Residential Cleaning Services | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

woman in black shirt cleans wall Let the professionals at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills clean up the mess - call us at 503-619-6198 today.

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. Offices have foot traffic and many other sources of grime. SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills have the expertise and experience to provide a deeper clean than your more basic cleaning service. Our cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home or office but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living/working environment for you, your family or employees.

SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire and water restoration, however, our professional cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet look "Like it never even happened."

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning – The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home or workplace.

Air Duct Cleaning – We all have tasks around the house & office that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining the air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family or employees breathe.

Odor Removal – Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s professional cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up – Our experts are ready to assist in the cleanup of sewage and other biohazard materials to include blood pathogens and provide deep cleaning services for your property.

Post Construction Cleaning – Had some renovations done recently or a new structure built? Let us get it ready for occupancy. Dry wall dust and wood flakes are not always easy to reach – SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills can make it spotless.

If you have general or specialized cleaning needs you need taken care of today, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills – office@SERVPROcedarmill.com or 503-619-6198.

Spotting Water Damage is Not Always Easy | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

leaky pipe in a crawl space Seeing signs of water damage? Call SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills today to get the restoration process started.

Water damage at your business can be slow moving and hard to notice. Often, it’s easy to overlook the first signs of an issue. Before you realize, it’s become a significant problem and your business needs costly repairs and cleanup.

Water damage can happen to any business owner––even those who are diligent enough to do regularly scheduled maintenance. But there are signs you can spot early that will help you correct problems and protect your investment.

Curious about what you need to look for when you’re searching for water damage? Here are some tips that may help you spot the hidden signs of leaks and damage that might be lurking in your buildings.

Most of these tips are simple and don’t require a lot of time, money, or expertise.

Your water bill is rising - Has your water bill jumped over the past few months? That can be a sign there’s a leak somewhere in your pipes. Keep an eye on your water meter, if it is jumping higher and higher, your plumbing might be leaking water somewhere. Check your fixtures and underneath any cabinets with sinks. You might notice moisture, condensation, and damage if your plumbing system has failed.

Test your toilets - If you notice water seeping from the base of any toilets in the bathrooms, that’s a clear sign. You may also see issues with the flooring around the toilet – staining or another sign of damage.

Wood has started to show signs of warping and damage - Wood can be anything from valued antique furniture to hardwood floors to windowpanes and door frames. These items can be damaged within just a few days so if you see damage or swelling, get the restoration process started sooner rather than later.

If you notice any signs of a leak, seek professional help to repair it. It will save money on your water bill and help you minimize water damage while protecting your assets.

Visible microbial growth – Mold or mildew can be a sign of leak. Water follows gravity down so if you see growth anywhere, check the surrounding areas for leaky pipes, a leaky spot on the roof, or excess moisture present.

If you see any of these signs of water damage, contact SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills right away. We’ll come inspect the area, find the leak, and put a plan together to make your property whole again. We pride ourselves on making it seem “Like it never even happened.”

DOs and DON’Ts – Sewage Damage | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician standing in crawlspace hatch covered in mud At SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills, no job is too big, too small, or too gross. Call us today if storms or another reason cause you sewage damage.

Storms can cause heavy rainfall and tax our local sewer systems, potentially causing all sorts of problems in and outside of your property. Water contaminated by sewage can contain a multitude of contaminants including bacteria and viruses. Any contact with sewage or surfaces and materials contaminated by sewage should be avoided unless the proper precautions are taken.

SERVPRO has more than 50 years of experience in safe sewage cleanup, so we know a thing or two about doing it the right way. Here are the dos and don’ts of dealing with sewage damage:

DO

Go to a safe area.  Evacuate people and pets away from the home or business.  Keep everyone away until the area has been restored.

Contact your insurance company. Professional cleanup & restoration companies work closely with insurance providers.  You will want to contact your provider immediately to file a claim.  Take down your claim number so you can provide it to a SERVPRO team member later and speed up your claims process.

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO. Call 503.619.6198 to get connected with a SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills team member. It is important to act fast so you can avoid the damage spreading. The sooner you act, the more money and time saved. It may also be necessary for us to extract some wastewater so that the next step can be completed.

Contact a septic company or plumber. It is critical to identify the source of the backup quickly.  A plumber should begin repairing the issue as soon as possible. It may also be necessary to contact

Ventilate the area. If possible, open windows to encourage air to flow through your home or business.  This may help slow mold growth by drying the area as much as possible before our SERVPRO team arrives as mold thrives in moist and poorly ventilated spaces.

Take pictures of the damaged area and contents. You can do this by yourself or with your insurance claim field adjuster after the area has been deemed safe to enter.  Pictures should include the damaged area, the source of the sewage backup, any damaged personal or business property and possessions and structural damage.

DON’T

Don’t touch anything.  Avoid skin contact with any sewage or sewer water.  Remember, get everyone out of your home as quickly as possible.

Don’t eat or drink anything exposed to the sewer water.  No one in your home or business should use toilets or sinks connected to the sewage lines.  Don’t drink any water from your sink or filtered water hookups that are connected to the backup line. If you’re unsure – do not use it.

Don’t remove items from the area.  You should not touch anything that has been exposed to sewage. Our SERVPRO team will keep a record of all items removed from the damaged area, including those deemed unsalvageable. Documenting and keeping a good record of all affected items is an important part of the claims process.

Don’t try to clean it up.  You may be destroying evidence that could impact your insurance claim.  Leaving the area after you call your insurance, the professionals at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills, and a plumber, is the best thing you can do. Allow the experts at our SERVPRO to help you return your home or business to safety.

If you discover sewage damage in your home or business, you can count on our team at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills to handle the cleanup and restoration. Contact us any time day or night for emergency services.

Why choose your local SERVPRO? | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

green SERVPRO van parked outside a job site Call us 24/7/365 for any of your emergency restoration needs – SERVPRO is here to help.

Why choose your local SERVPRO? | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

Our “Restore First” mentality is best for our customers

If your business or home sustains damage for any reason, it can be a frustrating and fraught time for your entire staff or family. There are many emotions that people will cycle through after a fire or other disaster and having to go through the process of handling the damage can further complicate the recovery.

While there are always difficulties to consider throughout the recovery period, having a good restoration company on your side can truly make all the difference.

We will work with you and your insurance company to make the entire procedure as seamless as possible and with our restoration-first mentality, we will do our best to preserve your belongings so you do not have to replace them.

We can help you save money on your insurance

Most homeowners and business insurance are designed to help you cover the cost of losses from many types of damage but filing a claim can also raise your premium tremendously. We can help lower the cost of your claim to your insurance by restoring items where possible instead of replacing them.

We can protect your essential and sentimental items

We have invested in some of the most advanced restoration equipment available, which is what enables us to save items that may seem like a lost cause. In the past, we have been able to restore irreplaceable objects such as family photos, documents and art, as well as valuables such as electronics. Some things can’t be replicated, which is why we do our best to keep these essential and sentimental objects intact.

We do our best to make it “Like it never even happened”

As we have helped many people in the community with losses and damage, we understand all the complex emotions involved. To help make the return to work or home easier, we focus primarily on restoring your property to its pre-damaged state and placing your belongings just how they were before the damage occurred. This will help your property feel like normal again so your staff or family can focus on healing and returning to a routine.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us anytime you need to begin the restoration process. Contact SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills today to learn more.

Mold Can Be A MONSTER | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

black mold showing on walls and ceiling inside home Seeing signs of mold in your home or business? Contact us today to get remediation started.

No one likes to think about dealing with mold damage — and the potential impact on your health mold can pose. However, every year thousands of business & homeowners find themselves needing mold remediation services, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

Signs of mold in your business or home can vary and may include damp spaces, a musty odor or discoloration on your ceiling, walls, or floors. You might also notice peeling paint, wood starting to warp or maybe even see the growth with your own eyes. If you notice any of these signs in your business or home, then it’s smart to consider reaching out to a trusted partner for an inspection.

How SERVPRO of Cedar Mill is different

When it comes to mold remediation, we are a trusted local partner for many businesses and families. Here’s why so many people trust our team:

  • Our team is available 24/7

When it comes to restoration, time is always of the essence. That means the sooner you can meet with a certified restoration technician and get a plan for remediation in place, the better your business or home will be able to recover. Being proactive will save you time, money, and worry.

  • We have highly trained mold remediation specialists

Calling our team connects you with restoration technicians who have all the skills and knowledge needed to assess your situation and create a personalized plan for correcting it. We have the expertise and experience you’ll want on your side, and we’ll help guide you through the process step by step.

  • We use the latest technology

By combining highly trained experts and leading-edge technology, we can use the latest strategies to help your business or home overcome a mold threat. We work to restore your business or home in a way that’s both logical and economical.

  • We are a local business

We are always here to help our friends and neighbors in Cedar Mill, Oak Hills, Bethany, Beaverton and the surrounding communities to restore their businesses and homes. Our services also come backed with the security and expertise of a national organization.

If you are experiencing or suspect you have a mold problem, or just want to learn more about our mold restoration services contact SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills today for an estimate.

Storm and Water Damage Restoration - "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

man in black Servpro shirt extracting water from floor Big storm? Burst pipe? Slow leak? Whatever caused the damage, SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills will make it seem “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage restoration is the process of repairing a property after it has been damaged by water. The most common causes of water damage are flooding and plumbing leaks, but there are other causes such as burst pipes and overflowing tubs or toilets. The restoration process involves removing moisture and preventing mold growth to prevent further damage. To properly mitigate water damage, specialty drying equipment such as air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers are required. 

It is important to take proper precautions when working in a water-damaged building. To protect yourself against the dangers of potential mold, you should wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirts and pants may be necessary to avoid skin contact with mold spores. You should also always wear eye protection and a mask when doing restoration work in a water-damaged home or business. Gloves are also helpful for protecting your hands from bacteria that might be present on surfaces or objects that you are handling. In addition, keep an eye out for electrical equipment such as power tools and extension cords; these could be damaged by flooding and pose safety hazards if they become energized while you're working on them.

We are proud of the work our employees do. They are some of the best in their fields, and they work hard to help our customers get back to normal as quickly as possible.

We know that you can't always be there when a flood or leak happens, but it's important to us that you're aware of what your friends at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills can do for you when you need us most. We understand that water damage restoration is an emotional experience for many people, but we hope that this information will help take some of the stress out of getting back on track after an incident like this.

Now what happens when your home is dry but torn apart? Our SERVPRO is unique in the sense that we are one of the few water mitigation companies in the area that offers reconstruction services after mitigation! Truly making your disaster like it never even happened. 

You’ve heard about construction and remodeling but what is reconstruction? Reconstruction is simply repairing the areas that were once affected by water damage. Our highly skilled team has over 6 decades of combined experience in commercial and residential reconstruction. From commercial flooring and drywall installation to small residential patch and paint – we can do it all!

Now that we’ve covered reconstruction let’s talk about repairs and remodels. Being a full service SERVPRO means that our construction division can and will take on any job, big or small. Let’s say you are getting ready to sell your home and notice that the walls have faded and there are several areas where wall hangings were that now needs a paint touchup. Our highly trained team can fill holes, prime, and repaint those spaces. Maybe you’re not selling your home, but you want to remodel your kitchen or bathroom! This is where it gets exciting. We have a team dedicated to tile install, vanity and cabinetry removal and replacement, and plumbing fixture installation. 

No job is too big or too small for our team. We also work with highly trained subcontractors for large scale remodel projects where code upgrades are required. Lots of electrical or plumbing to repair? Our subcontractors are one call and work order away from completing a total renovation of your home. 

SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills - painting the world green one call at a time!

Decreasing the Chance of Fire Around Your House | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

lit candle left on a dresser unattended Lit candles likes this one should never be left unattended since flames can spread so quickly in a home.

Preventing fires in your home may not be at the front of your mind, but with these easy tips – we aim to change that. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s data, between the years of 2015-2019 the U.S. experienced an average of about 350,000 home structure fires per year. So you can see why following these easy tips may be to your benefit.

General Fire Safety Tips:

  • Make sure there are smoke detectors installed on all levels of the home, especially inside bedrooms and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Check each smoke alarm battery at least once a month and replace them as necessary.
  • Practice a fire escape plan at least twice per year with the entire household.
  • Keep fire extinguishers throughout the house, especially in common areas.
  • Clear out dryer lint trays after every use and have your ventilation line cleaned at least once per year.
  • Do not run extension cords under rugs, through doors or around corners where they might become pinched.

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:

  • Never leave the stovetop or oven on when you leave the room — the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher stored nearby and be sure everyone in the household knows how to operate it.
  • Turn pot handles towards the back of stove so they can’t accidentally get knocked or grabbed by children.
  • Avoid wearing loose clothing or shirts with long, hanging sleeves as these could catch fire if it comes in contact with a heat source.
  • Don’t throw hot grease in the garbage – instead let it cool and throw it away (and never pour grease or oil down your drain).

Bedroom/Office Fire Safety Tips:

  • Always keep an eye on open flames, even candles and guarded fireplaces.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Discontinue and replace frayed phone chargers and other cables immediately.
  • Use electric blankets with extreme caution and never sleep with them turned on.
  • Keep lamps and electronics that produce heat (i.e. computers) away from curtains or drapes.

If your home has been damaged by fire, you can count on us to respond quickly and help you begin restoration. We can handle damage from flames, smoke, soot and water — call SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills today to learn more.