The disaster struck. It could be water damage, fire destruction, mold infestation, or storm-related havoc. Now you need to find and choose the right property restoration company. But why is it so important?
Because the right restoration crew will get your home or business back to normal quickly, efficiently, and without making you even more stressed. But the truth is that choosing a restoration company sometimes feels like gambling in Vegas.
You want reliability, expertise, and honesty, and not a roll of the dice. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get just that.
1. Check for Certifications and Licensing
A company without proper credentials is like a chef who doesn’t know how to turn on the oven or hold a chef knife – useless, and probably dangerous. Before you consider hiring a restoration company, make sure they have all the industry-recognized certifications.
Here’s what to look for:
- IICRC Certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification): This ensures the company follows industry best practices.
- State and local licenses: Each region may have different requirements, but a legitimate company will have the necessary licensing.
- Insurance Coverage: The company should be fully insured to protect both you and their workers.
If you notice that the company avoids answering your questions about certifications, take that as a sign to avoid them.
2. Experience Matters (And So Does Specialization)
You wouldn’t let a dentist fix your car, right? So, by that logic, don’t let a general contractor handle fire or flood damage if they don’t have the right expertise.
Companies usually specialize in specific types of restorations, such as:
- Water damage restoration: Includes flood clean-up, burst pipes, and sewage backups.
- Fire and smoke restoration: Involves soot removal, deodorization, and structural repairs.
- Mold remediation: Requires specialized knowledge in containment and removal.
- Storm damage restoration: Focuses on repairing roofs, siding, and structural integrity.
Of course, there are reputable companies that could handle multiple types of repairs like Belfor property restoration. For whatever company you decide on, make sure you ask how long they have been in business and if they handled any similar projects before.
3. Response Time is Everything
Disasters don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your restoration company. Water damage gets worse by the minute. Mold can take hold in as little as 24 hours from the flood. A company that takes too long to respond might as well send you a “Good Luck” card instead.
Here’s what to check:
- 24/7 availability: Emergencies don’t clock out at 5 PM.
- Fast response time: A good company should arrive within hours, not days.
- Clear communication: You don’t want to be left guessing about the next steps.
Call them at odd hours just to see if someone answers. If their emergency line goes to voicemail, cross them off your list.
4. Reviews and Reputation: The Internet Never Lies (Mostly)
Don’t listen to the company’s sales pitch, it’s bound to sound good. A company’s reputation, on the other hand, will say more, and more importantly, you’ll get an honest take on their service quality.
Here’s where you should check:
- Google Reviews: Look for a strong overall rating with consistent positive feedback.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A high rating here indicates good customer service and reliability.
- Social Media: Facebook and other platforms can provide unfiltered customer experiences.
Don’t just look at the number of starts, read the actual reviews. If multiple people mention hidden fees, long response times, or incomplete jobs, take that as a warning sign.
5. Ask About Their Process
Any reputable restoration company won’t shy away from explaining its process and how it works. If anything, if the work is good, they should take pride in it, and outline their process step-by-step, from damage assessment to full restoration.
Here are some key questions you can ask:
- What’s the first step after assessment? You want clear action, not vague promises.
- How do you ensure mold doesn’t return? A good company uses moisture control methods.
- How long will the restoration take? They should provide realistic timeframes.
- What equipment do you use? High-quality equipment speeds up restoration and ensures a thorough job.
If they fumble for answers or give you a lot of “it depends”, you could be dealing with a bunch of amateurs.
6. Transparency in Pricing
Nobody likes financial surprises. Except maybe lottery winners. There is no doubt that restoration work can get expensive, and the right company will offer clear, upfront pricing without you even asking.
But if they don’t here’s what you should look for:
- Detailed estimates: The company should provide a written estimate with a cost breakdown.
- Insurance coordination: They should help you navigate the claims process.
- No hidden fees: Beware of vague contracts that leave room for unexpected charges.
If a company refuses to provide an estimate or pushes you to sign an agreement without presenting you with details, back away slowly.
7. Insurance Knowledge is a Bonus
A good restoration company that understands insurance claims will save you from headaches. They can help you document damages, provide necessary paperwork, and communicate directly with your insurance provider, saving you time.
Here’s what you should ask:
- Have you worked with my insurance company before? Familiarity with insurers speeds up claims.
- Do you help with damage documentation? Proper documentation increases your chances of full compensation.
- What if my insurance denies part of my claim? A good company will guide you on the next steps.
If their answer is “we don’t deal with insurance” you might end up facing additional work and unnecessary stress.
8. Check Their Equipment and Techniques
Property restoration is not just about scrubbing walls and vacuuming water. The best companies invest in top-tier equipment.
Not saying you should study all the restoration equipment out there, but here are some questions that could help you determine the company’s worth:
- Dehumidifiers and air movers: Essential for drying out water-damaged areas.
- Infrared cameras and moisture meters: These detect hidden moisture that could cause mold.
- HEPA filters and air scrubbers: Needed for mold and smoke remediation.
If their “high-tech” gear looks like it belongs in a 1990s garage sale, consider a different company.
9. Guarantees and Warranties
As with the transparency of the restoration process, a good company will take pride in its work and, more importantly, stand behind it. Ask them about any warranties and guarantees they offer on their services.
Here are some sample questions:
- Do you guarantee mold won’t return? Quality mold remediation should include prevention steps.
- What happens if damage reoccurs? Some companies offer extended service warranties.
- Do you provide post-restoration inspections? Follow-ups ensure the job was done right.
If they refuse to guarantee their work, take that as a bad sign and look for a different company.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right property restoration company doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Look for experience, certifications, quick response times, and a strong reputation. Ask tough questions, read the fine print, and trust your gut. The last thing you need after a disaster is a company that causes more damage, whether to your home or your wallet.
A little due diligence now saves you a ton of stress later. So, take your time, do your research, and make sure the team you hire is worth every penny. Because restoring your home is stressful enough without hiring the wrong people to do it.
