Choosing the right restoration company helps you avoid poorly done jobs and further property damage. This is especially important when dealing with water damage because it can cause hidden structural issues. For instance, it may cause your floors to sink or your walls to become soft. When these issues are not properly addressed, it makes your home unsafe for you and your family.
To help you, we have put together seven helpful tips for choosing the right restoration company. These tips range from requesting clarification to reviewing contracts and pricing structures.
- Check for Licenses and Certifications
While unlicensed restoration companies may offer you cheaper repairs, it is never worth the risk. They may also scam you out of your hard-earned money. An active license should be the first thing you look out for when choosing a restoration company. This is because the license signifies that the company has completed the legal requirements to provide safe and effective restoration services. Damage restoration requires highly specialized knowledge and skills. An active license is evidence of that.
You should also look out for certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the Restoration Industry Association. These two organizations are industry standard and offer legitimate and recognized certifications.
- Ensure They Offer Emergency Services
Property damage does not always pick a convenient time to strike. Your ceiling may begin leaking in the dead of night and then flood your home. The longer your home remains in this state, the worse the damage becomes. Therefore, when choosing the right restoration company, ensure that they offer emergency services.
You should also ensure the company has a good blend of speed and quality. Emergency services can save your property after damage. However, if the restoration job is shoddily done, you will spend hefty sums repairing the subsequent damage.
- Look Out for Their Equipment and Materials
The best restoration companies use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology to restore your property. For example, a water damage restoration company should have the following equipment and more:
- Moisture meters to measure the level of moisture in materials and structural elements of your home such as your walls.
- Air movers and industrial fans to dry out the home and reduce moisture levels, preventing mold and mildew.
- Air scrubbers to get rid of mold particles in the home.
- Wet/dry vacuums to get rid of standing or stagnant water.
- Infrared equipment to locate spots and sources of water damage.
Additionally, the restoration company should use materials such as antimicrobial sprays to prevent mold and shellac to prevent recurring odors. Without these equipment and materials, they will be unable to locate the source of damage or they may overlook hidden damage. This can lead to costly repairs weeks after the restoration is done.
- Ask for a Cost Estimate and Contract
A good restoration company should have a cost breakdown of the services they offer. They should be transparent about their pricing structure and avoid billing you for hidden fees. Avoid restoration companies that give you an invoice that does not contain an explanation of how they arrived at the cost.
When choosing the right restoration company for you, ask for a contract after discussions. Verbal agreements are difficult to prove in court. Therefore, it is best to have agreements, terms, and conditions in writing. Go over the contract with a fine-tooth comb to avoid future legal issues and disputes. Ensure a representative of the company also signs it.
Before settling on one restoration company, ask for quotes from different restoration companies. This can help you adjust your expectations, arrive at an average fee, and avoid getting overcharged.
- Examine Their Range of Services
You should choose a restoration company that offers a wide range of services to avoid the cost of hiring multiple companies. For example, a water damage restoration company should be able to handle mold remediation. Additionally, they should offer cleaning and structural repair services because water damage can damage walls and floors. Drying out the home does not automatically fix these structural issues. Therefore, ensure the restoration company extends its services to cover every aspect of damage. This cuts down the restoration time and additional costs.
- Request Reviews and References
Do your research before signing a contract with a restoration company. Check their website for reviews from past clients. You can also check social media and Yelp for reviews. Look out for the level of customer satisfaction with communication, speed, and quality of work. Ensure that the reviews relate to the kind of restoration you need. For example, a company may be great at storm damage restoration but do a poor job of fire damage restoration.
Request references directly from the company if you are unable to find reviews or if you are unsatisfied with them. Additionally, consider asking family, friends, and trusted coworkers for recommendations.
- Always Ask Questions and Request Clarification
Do not hesitate to ask questions about the services the restoration company is offering. It is best to request clarification as many times as necessary to ensure you know what to expect. Your questions should be centered around the restoration timeline, costs, and communication. How do they plan to update you during the restoration process?
Ask for a timeline and breakdown of the restoration process. When will drying and cleaning take place? How long will mold remediation take? When will they return your personal property after restoration?
Furthermore, you should clarify the services they are offering and their strategy for tackling the property damage. What plans do they have to restore your home? Will they reconstruct any structural damage? Can they restore other fixtures in your home? Will they take steps to prevent mold growth even if there is no mold? How will they handle dehumidification? These questions help you avoid restoration companies that have poor planning and communication.
Conclusion
Avoid rushing to sign contracts with restoration companies. Take your time and your research to determine their expertise and reputation. Additionally, ensure they have a personalized plan to restore your property because every property damage is unique.
Check websites and social media platforms for reviews from past customers and clients. This will give you a good insight into the company’s communication habits and client satisfaction rate. Don’t forget to put these tips for choosing the right restoration company to use today!
Choose On-Call Restoration
At On-Call Restoration, we offer immediate protection and round-the-clock services. Our services range from water to fire damage restoration, offering customized solutions to accommodate all your needs. We prioritize customer satisfaction and our team is always at your service.
We are the right restoration company for you. Send us a message today and experience our unique approach of speed and expertise.
