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The Cleantrust

Used Homeowner Property - Keep or Throw Away?

By IICRC

Categories: Remediation, Cleaning Science, Furnishings & Dusting, Health & Safety
Tagged: IICRC, Remediation, Restoration, The Cleantrust

In many affluent societies, it can be common for homeowners to discard worn or abused building materials, carpet, or furniture, replacing them with what is new - possibly ignoring the thought that there's still some life left in the products, or giving little attention to how fast landfills grow. However, times are changing. Maybe it's the economy causing more homeowners to choose to renew, restore or repair, rather than throw away and replace. Maybe it's the growing attraction to environmentally friendly lifestyles, with consumers wanting to minimize carbon footprints or do their bit to save the planet. Whatever the reasons, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), would like to help. [Note: Ad or content links featured on this page are not necessarily affiliated with IICRC (The cleantrust) and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC (The cleantrust)].

 

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The "R" in IICRC stands for Restoration. Restoration is in many cases cheaper than replacement. Unfortunately, products such as carpets, wood or tile floors, and leather or upholstered furniture are not immune to dust and dirt, wear and tear, or the abuses of everyday use. Although restoration is not always easy, it can be a beneficial way to increase the life and value of homes and their furnishings.

Old Belongings

If there has been fire, water, or mold damage, determining what is salvageable and what to throw away is even harder, not to mention the health risks and safety dangers that may be present but unseen inside walls or under flooring. How can a homeowner know what to do? First, locate a professional and get an assessment. The IICRC recommends hiring professionals who have been certified by the organization. Certification can be verified by looking for the cleantrust logo, the service mark of the IICRC and a symbol of quality training. The IICRC not only works to develop nationally recognized standards, but also qualifies and approves schools that educate and train professionals on the latest restoration techniques, high-level ethics and expertise.

Getting a professional opinion can help homeowners:

  • save money
  • renew or extend the life of valuable property
  • ensure the proper technique and expertise is used for restoration
  • know what property to keep and what to discard

With the help of IICRC professionals (remember, look for the cleantrust logo to verify IICRC certification), many of our worn, abused, or "old" possessions can be given renewed life so they can be appreciated for years to come.

Used Homeowner Property - Keep or Throw Away?:  Created on May 5th, 2012.  Last Modified on January 21st, 2014

 

About IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations.

The mission of IICRC is to identify and promote an international standard of care that establishes and maintains the health, safety and welfare of the built environment.

The IICRC, with industry-wide participation, certifies - and develops certifications and standards for - inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for IICRC-Certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active IICRC-Certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 IICRC-Certified Firms around the world.