One small storm can have disastrous results. Floods, water damage, and freezing incidents accounted for almost $10,849 in property damages.
After a storm or flood, water damage can ruin your property and belongings. Left unattended, you might even have to deal with costly mold damages, too.
Don’t let a storm ruin the value of your home! Instead, keep reading to discover the questions you need to ask before hiring a local water restoration service. By asking these 10 questions, you can find the best local water restoration expert for the job!
Start your search with these 10 questions today.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have?
When searching for a technician for any job, you want to make sure they have the proper experience. After all, experts learn by doing. If you want to find an expert, look for a water restoration service expert with years of experience.
A water restoration company with years of experience will likely have seen it all. They know what problems to look for and the best solutions for each situation.
An inexperienced restoration technician, on the other hand, will spend more time and energy trying different solutions.
There are many restoration companies that offer a range of services. When choosing a local water restoration company, make sure they have experience in water restoration. Some companies offer one service after another in time.
A company that’s operated for over 20 years may have only just started offering water restoration services.
Ask the company how many water restoration projects they’ve worked on. How many projects have they completed recently? These questions can help you determine the company’s level of expertise.
A newly opened local water restoration company, on the other hand, might fail to provide the complete list of services you need.
2. Are You Insured?
As you search for a water restoration company, make sure they’re insured.
What if something happens while the contractor is working on your home? You’ll want to make sure your best interests are protected. Look for a company that offers worker’s compensation coverage and general liability.
Feel free to ask the company for proof of insurance before you hire them.
You’ll also want to make sure these documents are up-to-date. If you’re concerned, speak with the restoration company before you sign the contract. Let them know you’re worried about damages, medical bills, and other costs in the event something happens.
Your technicians will likely try their best to avoid causing any accidental damage. They’ll also want to avoid injuring themselves while restoring your home. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time.
Searching for a company that’s covered by insurance will ensure you’re covered if there are additional damages or someone gets injured.
3. Does Your Team Have the Right Certifications?
When searching for a local water restoration company, insurance is only one of the many documents you’ll need to look for.
Make sure the technicians who intend to work on your home have the proper licensing. Were they trained and certified properly? Again, take the time to ask for documented proof.
As you research different companies, ask if the technicians were certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Choosing technicians with the proper certifications will give you peace of mind that you’re selecting the best professionals for the job.
4. Are You Licensed and Bonded?
Many states require general contractors and restoration companies to receive state registration.
You’ll want to look for a company that’s both licensed and bonded. Choosing a licensed and bonded restoration company will give you peace of mind in case there are any legal issues.
5. When Are You Available?
In 2018, a single hurricane caused $28.5 billion in property damage due to flooding. In the case of a natural disaster, you’ll need a water restoration service right away. You don’t want to give that standing water more time to damage your home.
Remember, leaving water unattended can cause the water to build up until you’re dealing with mold.
You can’t wait for a company to open at 8 a.m. on a Monday. Instead, look for a local water restoration company that can provide around-the-clock services. If they can’t cover you in the case of an emergency, look for someone else.
You never know when you’ll need a water restoration company’s help. Maybe sure they can provide you with immediate services to help you avoid additional damage. Otherwise, their limited availability could do more harm than good.
6. How Long Will the Project Take?
Make sure to get a realistic timetable about how long their restoration project will take.
You need to get the water in your home removed and everything dry within three days at most. Otherwise, the standing water will let bacteria and mold spread.
7. What Guarantees Can You Make?
Not every company can make a guarantee when it comes to water damage.
For example, a company can’t promise mold won’t grow after providing their services. Make sure the company you choose doesn’t make outlandish promises.
Instead, look for a company that’s committed to providing top-rated workmanship and professionalism.
8. Can I Speak With Previous Clients?
With numerous companies available, it’s sometimes difficult to know who you can trust. Before hiring a water restoration company, ask if you can speak with their previous clients.
Were their clients happy with the service they received? Were the technicians knowledgeable and professional? If not, continue your search.
9. How Long Until You Can Start?
Even a company that offers 24/7 services might put you on a waiting list if they have a small team.
Instead, look for a company that has many technicians on staff. That way, you have the reassurance they can help the next time you have an immediate emergency.
10. What Other Services Do You Offer?
Some companies only offer a dry-out service.
As you explore different companies, ask about the various services they offer. You never know when you’ll need a hurricane or fire restoration service, too.
Ask These Questions When Choosing a Water Restoration Service
Start your search! By asking these 10 questions, you can find the best water restoration service in your area. Finding the best company around will give you peace of mind the next time a hurricane hits.
Save yourself the stress and trust the pros. Contact us today to discuss your water restoration needs!
