Definitions here are general and simplified. When a term appears in your policy, lease or contract, the definition in that document is the one that counts. Ask whoever used the term to explain what they mean by it on your job.

Keep this page handy during walkthroughs. Writing down the exact words an adjuster or provider used, and what they said they meant, avoids confusion later in the claim.

Building and cleanup terms

Mitigation
Emergency work to stop damage from getting worse: water removal, drying, board-up, tarping, soot stabilization.
Desiccant dehumidifier
A dehumidifier that pulls moisture from air using a drying material rather than cold coils. Often used in large or cool spaces.
Negative air
Exhausting filtered air from a contained work area so air flows in, not out, keeping dust and residue from spreading.
Containment
Temporary walls or barriers that separate a work zone from the rest of the building.
Water category
An industry classification of water by contamination level, from clean supply water to grossly contaminated water such as sewage.
Dry standard
The moisture level a material must reach to be considered dry, often based on similar unaffected material in the same building.
Encapsulation
Applying a sealer over a cleaned surface to lock in residual odor or residue. Not a substitute for cleaning.
Fire watch
A person or persons assigned to patrol an area while fire protection systems are out of service.
Impairment
Any time a fire protection system is fully or partly out of service. Insurers and fire officials usually want to be notified.

Insurance and contract terms

Business income
Coverage that may pay for lost income while operations are interrupted by a covered loss, subject to policy terms.
Extra expense
Coverage for reasonable extra costs to keep operating, such as temporary space or overtime.
Scope of work
The written description of exactly what will be done. Disputes usually trace back to an unclear scope.
Supplement
An addition to an approved estimate when more damage is found, often after walls or ceilings are opened.
Work authorization
The document you sign allowing a provider to begin work. Read whether it covers emergency work only or more.
Xactimate
Estimating software widely used by insurers and contractors to price restoration and repair line items.
Large-loss adjuster
An adjuster who handles claims above a certain size, often with consultants and specialized staff.
Public adjuster
A licensed adjuster hired by the policyholder, not the insurer, usually paid a share of the settlement.
Recoverable depreciation
An amount withheld from an initial payment that may be paid after repairs are completed, depending on the policy.

General information for Commerce City, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.