Wall Opening and Trade Handoff in Milwaukee, WI

Opening the wall in the right place

The opening is placed at the highest reading and kept as small as the trace allows.

A wall is opened where the readings are highest, so the cut reaches the wet material with the least damage. The crew measures the cut, marks it on the wall and photographs the mark with the reading that led to it.

The cut is made neatly so a trade can close it without rebuilding the wall around it. A ragged hole is harder and more expensive to close.

• Place the cut at the highest reading
• Mark the cut and photograph it with the reading
• Keep the cut as small as the trace allows
• Make a neat shape for the trade to close
• Record the size and place of each cut

Drying the cavity before the trade arrives

The cavity is dried to target before the trade closes it, so no new finish goes over damp material.

Drying comes before the trade. The crew sets the air and the temperature for the cavity and reads it on each visit. The trade does not close the wall until the readings are at target, and the confirmation is written.

A closed wall over a damp cavity can grow mould behind the new finish, and the repair then has to be done twice.

• Dry the cavity to target first
• Read the cavity on each visit
• Confirm the target in writing
• Hold the trade until the confirmation is given
• Record the date the cavity was ready

The handoff list

The list gives the trade what is open, what is dry, what was removed and what the trade must do.

The handoff list is a single page. It names each opening, its size and place, the materials removed and the readings that show the cavity is dry. It states what the trade must do and what it must check, such as wiring or a line.

The list is signed by the homeowner and the crew, and a copy goes to the trade. The trade starts from it, and the homeowner can check the trade's work against it.

• Each opening, its size and its place
• The materials removed and where they went
• The readings that show the cavity is dry
• What the trade must do and check
• Signed by the homeowner and the crew

Keeping the trades and the record in step

The trades' invoices and completion notes are added to the same record as the scope and the readings.

Once the trades finish, their invoices and completion notes are added to the record. The homeowner then has one file from the first call to the final repair, and the insurer can follow it from start to finish.

If a trade finds something new, such as a wet joist or damaged wiring, the list is updated and signed again before the work continues.

• Add each trade's invoice to the record
• Add each completion note in date order
• Update the list if the trade finds something new
• Sign the updated list before work continues
• Keep one record from first call to final repair

Protecting the trade and the homeowner at the handoff

The handoff is signed and the trade confirms it has what it needs before it starts.

A handoff is complete only when the trade confirms it has the list and understands what is open. The trade signs for the list, and it confirms the wiring, the lines and the finishes it has been given. Any question is answered before the trade starts, so the work is not stopped halfway.

The homeowner keeps a copy of the signed handoff with the file.

A handoff that is later changed is signed again, and the earlier list is kept so the change can be traced.

Where a trade finds more than the list shows, it stops and calls the crew before going further. The list is then updated and signed again, so the homeowner knows the new state of the wall before the work continues.

On arrival the crew checks the address, the power and the source against the notes from the call, then starts the readings. A homeowner who has the notes, the photographs and the shut-off location ready shortens the first visit and keeps the scope accurate.

• The trade signs for the list
• The trade confirms the wiring and lines it was given
• Questions are answered before the trade starts
• The homeowner keeps a copy of the signed handoff
• Changes are recorded and signed again