SERVPRO® of Gurnee and SERVPRO® of Libertyville/N. Chicago City/ Lake Bluff

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

An Interview with Dave Brenner, Reconstruction Manager of SERVPRO^® of Gurnee and SERVPRO^® of Libertyville/N. Chicago City/ Lake Bluff

How many years of construction experience do you have?

35 years

What do you love about being a contractor?

Having a new challenge each day. 

What do you like about reconstruction work? 

Something new every time.

Can you share some of your history in construction?

I started out as a laborer at Material Service, concrete and worked on many structures, some including: US Cellular Field, Courtyard Marriott, and NBC Tower. After that, I was with Kimball Hill homes for 22 years, then started my own business before joining SERVPRO^® as their project manager focusing on the reconstruction projects.

At SERVPRO^® what type of remodel work do you typically oversee?

Everything from replacing drywall, a two foot cut from water damage on a ground level floor, water damage on a multi-story residence, and restoration of homes that have experience fire damage. 

How does reconstruction work differ from your past construction jobs? 

Before the work was new, from the ground up, and with drawn out plans. With reconstruction there are no plans or go-to-picture. Instead, we go off the homeowner and the existing structure. We recommend the way to go about the project. Including updating to keep with code, or even improve upon what they had.

What size projects will SERVPRO^® take on?

Basically any size from small residential to large commercial.

How many other projects would SERVPRO^® have going at the same time?

7-10

How long has SERVPRO^® worked with their subcontractors? 

We have worked with many of our subcontractors from the beginning. Many of the relationships were established even before SERVPRO^® started, and we have developed those relationships working alongside different trades on and off the construction site in our previous jobs.

Is SERVPRO^® licensed, insured, and bonded? 

Yes and background checked.

Does SERVPRO^® offer a warranty on your work? 

One year on reconstruction.

How long will it take SERVPRO^® to complete a job that has experienced water intrusion?

For a ground level, where we cut two feet because of water intrusion wicking up the drywall, it will only take a couple of weeks. On a multiple story unit where water has affected more than one story, then 4-6 weeks.

Mold?

Depends on the extent of the mold.

Fire?

After a fire, rebuilding the structure is more complex. Not only are we dealing with water damage from putting out the fire, there is also smoke, soot, and structural damage that occurs. It takes a couple of months to take care of the contents, clean the structure, and rebuild where necessary.

Will SERVPRO^® provide a detailed, written estimate?

Yes, and it only takes a few days to get the estimate out.

Will SERVPRO^® obtain building permits for the work?

Yes, occasionally the home owner must obtain the permits, but we always will work with them when those situations arise.

Do you have a Construction Philosophy?

If you’re going to get the work done, do it right.

What do you like about working for SERVPRO^®?

The homeowners’ reaction to having their home back after the incident occurred.

Like it never even happened. ^®