Do you know how you would handle a water damage emergency? Severe weather, burst pipes, and hidden leaks can cause thousands of dollars in water damage pretty quickly. And many times, the damage may not be visible so it’s important to talk with a professional who can help. When you’re ready to hire a water damage restoration company, here are five tips to help you choose the right one.
- Find a company with certified experts
When you’re looking for a water damage restoration company in your area, look for a business that has certified water damage technicians with years of experience. Before you hire anyone, ask questions about who will be working on your home. How many projects have they completed? How many of those projects were recent?
The water damage industry does not have regulations in place to protect homeowners like you. Anyone can start a water restoration company and claim they are experts in fixing water damage. Finding yourself in this situation can be frustrating. Certifications are crucial to give you peace of mind and prove that the technician has the right training, tools, and experience to effectively complete a project.
- Make sure they’re properly certified and insured
Your water damage restoration company should be certified to work in your state. Ask to see the certification and take some time to research whether the company is reputable.
You should also confirm that the company is insured. Water damage projects can result in potential injuries for the workers as well as additional damages to your home. In the event something goes wrong, it’s important to make sure the company provides worker’s compensation and liability insurance, otherwise someone could hold you responsible for an accident.
Ask for proof of their insurance documents and make sure they are current. If you’re still worried about the possibility of an accident, ask the company how they respond to potential accidents before you hire them. Most companies will have a plan in place in addition to safety measures designed to protect their team.
- Ask about availability
Wind and storm surge damages in Florida from Hurricane Ian could reach $47 billion dollars. Whether there’s a hurricane or a routine household leak, it’s important to choose a water damage restoration company that can respond right away.
Are they available 24/7? Will they put you on a waiting list? How do they respond when there’s a large-scale flooding event?
The ideal water restoration company should be able to provide remediation services whenever you need them. If a company takes hours or even days to get back to you, chances are your service experience will be the same.
Ask about their response time to find out how soon they can start the cleaning and restoration process. With water damage, you can’t afford to wait. Standing water can seep into your walls, damage your furniture and appliances, and can even lead to mold growth.
It’s a good idea to start a relationship with a water damage restoration company before a disaster strikes to ensure that you can get help any time you need it.
- Check out their online reviews
More than 80% of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses. Before hiring a water damage restoration company, online reviews are a great place to start. You can easily see a company’s overall rating and read about experiences from previous customers.
Are the reviews overwhelmingly positive? How does the company respond to negative reviews? Do they make an effort to respond at all?
Friends and neighbors can also provide excellent recommendations to help you choose the right company. If someone you know has dealt with a water damage problem recently, they can help guide you in the right direction.
A business with a healthy number of online reviews and positive word of mouth should be enough to prove the company is capable of completing repairs to your satisfaction.
- What services do they offer?
Water damage restoration companies can provide a variety of services that you should be familiar with. Some of these services can include:
- Water extraction and drying
- Carpet cleaning
- Mold remediation
- Drywall repair and restoration
Once you find a company you would like to work with, ask about their process. How will they restore your home? What does the process look like? How long does it take? What kind of tools and equipment will they use?
Water damage can often occur in places that you cannot see. Damp walls or ceilings may indicate that broken pipes are causing leaks. It’s important to work with a water damage restoration company that thoroughly checks all areas of your home where moisture may present before any work is performed.
Your ideal water restoration company will have experts who are knowledgeable and properly trained to handle your primary issue as well as any other concerns like mold remediation.
Summary
If you are looking for a water damage restoration company in your area, asking friends and family for recommendations or reading online reviews is a great place to start. Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured with a team of certified experts who are ready to respond when you need them. A reputable company will be able to address your home’s current water damage and help you prepare for potential emergencies.
