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The president of the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) has estimated that damage occurs on one of every five moves. Our damage rate is considerably less than that, as our rate of claims is less than one in every ten moves. Of course we would like to have no claims at all but the nature of moving is such that some damage is inevitable. Fortunately the vast majority of claims is for minor incidents. Elephant Moving Company, having been in business for more than thirty years, has good working relations with experts in any type of repair that might typically be required.
Most damage falls into one of three categories:
- Surface:
The most common damage is surface damage which might be a scratch, dent, abrasion, blemish, or tear. Upholstery stains rarely occur as this company wraps all upholstered furniture prior to moving it. Carpet protection is provided for light colored carpets but should a stain occur we have a very reliable carpet cleaner to remove it. Scratches on any wood surface can be repaired by our furniture repairman. Usually this type of repair can be performed on the owner’s premises. Natural wood is much easier to repair than veneer. Much furniture that is sold today, even for a premium price, is constructed of particle board with a wood or plastic veneer. Items made of pine are susceptible to dents but there is a technique to restore the surface to its original smoothness. One of the more unusual repairs we have performed was a scratch on a brushed stainless steel table lamp. We located a metal polishing shop and refinished that lamp to its original appearance. A torn canvas painting requires a very expensive repair but is rare as we put paintings into flat boxes known as mirror packs. Repairs of art objects are performed by Mr. Zoltan Papp of the Artisan Restoration Center.
- Structural:
Structural damage involves the breaking or separation of an item. A picture or poster with broken glass will have new glass installed. If it is a larger piece of glass such as a table top and if you have sufficient insurance coverage we will take measurements and duplicate your glass. This includes beveled glass or colored glass. We have even replaced etched glass and curved glass. Marble, which is more fragile than glass, can be repaired by an expert. If the marble has a visible grain the break will be invisible. However such repairs are expensive and we recommend crating larger pieces of marble or granite Ceramic items can be repaired in the hands of an expert even when they are shattered.
Broken furniture usually must be taken taken to a workshop. Furniture constructed of particle board is far more susceptible than natural wood furniture to breakage because particle board is weak and easily breaks apart where sections of it are joined together. People often believe their furniture is wood when it is only particle board covered with a veneer. This type of furniture can break of its own weight if it is not carried properly. If it is an Ikea item it is almost certainly particle board.
- Mechanical damage:
This is the least likely type of damage to occur. Modern electronic devices and appliances tend to be very sturdy. It has happened that knobs or dials on washers and dryers have been damaged. Fortunately most appliance manufacturers have an 800 number from which a new part can be ordered. We will order and install the part for you.
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