Sometimes, it’s best to let professionals handle the issue. For instance, when it comes to water damage restoration, hiring a certified company with years of experience can save your home. While you might be able to tackle some minor issues, such as a small leak, you should leave more extensive repairs to those who know exactly what they’re doing.
No matter if you’ve encountered a roof leak or a burst pipe, your first step should be to call in the experts. And in case you’re unsure how to choose a water damage restoration company, here are some tips to give you guidance:
Immediate Response Is Key
In some cases, acting right away could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. For example, if there’s an abundance of running water, every second counts. Also, to prevent mold, which can start developing in just one day, your home will need to be dried out as soon as possible.
Thus, it’s important to be quick and contact the restoration company immediately, no matter the time of day (or night). Thankfully, most reputable companies provide their services 24/7 and can arrive at your location in under an hour. Those that don’t are typically not reputable, so be careful who you’re calling.
Always Hire Certified Professionals
It goes without saying that the water damage restoration professionals you choose need to have the proper certification that proves their legitimacy. Although the industry is mostly regulated, there will always be individuals that think they’re above the law and want to make some quick cash.
Make sure to avoid those. Choose a company that has undergone the necessary training and acquired the appropriate certification from the state. It’s also advisable to opt for someone with years of experience. That way, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands and being handled by experts, using top-of-the-line materials, tools, and equipment.
Ask for an Estimate
Although it’s crucial to act fast in most cases, you shouldn’t trust a water damage restoration company that promises immediate results. A true professional will first take their time to properly assess the damage. Then, they’ll give you an estimate on how much time and money it will take to repair it.
That way, you can both plan ahead to ensure maximum efficiency. Clear and honest communication is incredibly important, especially in such taxing situations.
Most companies provide their clients with a quote free of charge. We recommend staying away from those that don’t, as they could be trying to scam you.
Choose a Company With a Broad Range of Services
Water damage can affect any part of your home, depending on its source. Thus, for big and demanding projects, you should look for a company that has a wide range of services in its offer. The more services they provide, the better. That means they’ll be able to handle any kind of repairs your home might end up needing.
For instance, let’s say your walls and ceiling have been soaked after a flood. If the water damage contractors you hired don’t do mold remediation, you’ll need to seek those services elsewhere, which is time-consuming and unnecessary.
Look for Referrals and Reviews
Word-of-mouth is probably the optimal way of finding a restoration company. After all, it’s easy to trust someone that has already done successful repairs for your family, friends, and neighbors. The word spreads fast, so it’s usually not that hard to find decent and affordable water damage restoration services.
In addition, we suggest checking the company’s ratings and reviews before making the call. Don’t focus only on the testimonials featured on their website — look at third-party websites as well. Those should give you a genuine insight into the company’s quality of services.
Author bio: Donald Walker is the founder and CEO of Water Damage Restoration Kings. Over the past 10 years, the company has performed countless water damage cleanups that saved property owners more costs. Water Damage Restoration Kings have tirelessly worked to establish a presence across the top markets in the United States.
