10 Things to Consider When Choosing Water Damage Restoration Services

You never know when a storm like Hurricane Katrina could strike again.

Whether from a storm or a burst pipe, water damage causes about $10,850 in average losses. The damage could ruin your beloved possessions, property, and even your health.

Don’t wait until a disaster strikes. Instead, use these tips when shopping around for water damage restoration services.

With these tips, you can find the best water damage restoration company in the area. They’ll repair the damage to keep mold from spreading throughout your home.

Get proactive! Keep reading to discover the 10 factors you need to consider before choosing a water damage restoration company.

1. Look for Experience

A qualified contractor will have years of experience they can utilize when offering their services. While looking for a water damage restoration company in the area, look for experienced contractors.

Otherwise, you could end up with a team that’s still working out the kinks in their business. A less experienced contractor will likely spend valuable time (and your money) looking for a solution.

An experienced water damage technician, on the other hand, will know exactly what to do. They’ll lean on their years of experience to determine the best course of action. Instead of wasting time and money, they’ll step in and start repairing the damage.

Look for a company that has years of experience. It’s also important to look for a team full of experienced technicians.

Who will end up working on your home? Make sure they have the necessary experience to repair the damage properly.

How many water restoration projects has the team worked on? How many of those projects were recent?

A company that’s been running for over 20 years has also survived competition in the area. They likely have satisfied customers who helped the business grow through referrals.

An experienced team can also grow over the years. There’s a chance a brand new company only offers basic services. A long-running business, on the other hand, might have used their experience to grow and offer additional help.

2. Make Sure They’re Insured

What if an accident happens on your property? It’s important to make sure the company offers worker’s compensation and general liability. Otherwise, someone might hold you responsible for the accident.

Don’t take a company for their word, either. Instead, ask them for proof of their insurance documents. Make sure their documentation is up-to-date.

Are you still concerned about the possibility of an accident? Speak with the company before you hire them. Ask them how they react to potential accidents.

Most companies have a plan in place. A qualified team will take the necessary precautions and have safety protocols in place to protect their team members.

A company that has insurance coverage will give you peace of mind in case an accident does occur.

3. Ask About Training and Certification

Before requesting water damage restoration services, make sure the team is certified.

Are the technicians licensed? Are their documents up-to-date? Did they receive training and certification?

Look for companies that have certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Choosing a company that keeps their technicians trained will give you peace of mind you’re choosing qualified professionals.

4. Confirm They’re Licensed and Bonded

During your search, look for a company that has the proper registration from the state they operate in.

You’ll also want to look for a company that’s bonded and licensed. If any legal issues arise, you’ll know your best interests are protected.

Make sure to confirm this information is labeled in the contract before you sign on the dotted line.

5. Search for a Guarantee

As you review the company’s contract, ask about their guarantee.

Not every company can make specific guarantees. For example, a company can’t guarantee mold won’t grow after a flood. Instead, look for a company that avoids making unnecessary, extreme promises.

Prioritize finding a company that understands the importance of workmanship. They’ll make sure you receive top-of-the-line services.

6. Speak With Previous Clients

You don’t have to take a company for their word. Instead, learn more about their capabilities by speaking with their previous clients. Speaking with their previous clients can give you peace of mind about your choice.

As you speak with these clients, ask them about their experience working with the water damage restoration company. Did they experience any problems? How were the issues resolved?

Was the team professional? Would they recommend the company to a friend? If not, keep searching.

7. Ask About Availability

Hurricane Florence caused $28.5 billion in property damage for flooding alone. Whether there’s a hurricane or an accident, it’s important to choose a company that can respond immediately. Otherwise, the standing water could cause mold to develop.

You don’t want to choose a company that will make you wait. Instead, look for a water damage restoration company that can respond right away.

Do they offer around-the-clock services? Will they put you on a waiting list? How do they respond when there’s a city-wide flooding incident?

Make sure the company you choose has a team that responds immediately. Otherwise, you might have to wait, which could make the damage worse.

8. Get a Timetable

How long does a water damage restoration project generally take?

It might depend on your property and the severity of the damage. Getting an accurate time table can help you determine how to react in the meantime.

9. Review Their Services

Remember, there’s a chance the company has grown to provide additional services. Some companies offer a dry-out service while others offer fire restoration services.

Searching for a company that provides multiple services can help in case of another incident.

10. Ask About Their Process

Once you narrow down your list of “water damage restoration companies near me,” ask about the company’s process.

How will they restore your home? What tools do they use? How quickly will they respond?

Learning more about the company’s process will help you determine what to expect in case you need their help.

The Search Is On: Find a Qualified Water Damage Restoration Company

Don’t wait until a disaster strikes.

Instead, use these tips to find a qualified water damage restoration company in your area. With their help, you can minimize the damage and restore your home to its proper state.

Ready to request an estimate from our team? Contact us today to get started.