How to Find the Best Water Damage Restoration Company
When your home is water damaged, you deserve help from the best water damage company you can find. It can be extraordinarily stressful and overwhelming to deal with a water-damaged property. Fortunately, an experienced water damage company will help ensure the remediation process is as straightforward and smooth as possible.
Qualities of Top Water Damage Companies
There are many factors to consider when choosing a water damage company. Homeowners should contact a few companies in their local area to compare their services, qualifications, customer service approach and costs.
IICRC Certification
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit group that oversees professional cleaning and restoration contractors. The IICRC sets the restoration industry standard for proper water extraction and damage clean-up and requires technicians to perform work safely and thoroughly.
IICRC certified professionals have proven their ability and competence by passing a formal exam that challenges their knowledge. They must also participate in continuing education classes or events to maintain their certification.
Professionals with IICRC certification are committed to following science-based standards for inspection, cleaning and restoration.
There are currently 25 IICRC standards, including:
- S530 – Standard for Indoor Environmental Assessment for Suspected Mold Contaminated Structures
- S590 – standard for HVAC Cleaning and Decontamination in a Water Damaged Environment
- S550 – Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration of Commercial Structures
As a global organization, the IICRC has certified more than 60,000 technicians and 6,000 firms across the planet.
Years of Experience in the Restoration Industry
Water damage is a serious problem, and you need experienced professionals by your side. The best water damage professionals have years of experience, provide detailed plans and use top equipment. Depending on your circumstances, the ideal water damage restoration company may also need experience with:
They’ll also have plenty of years of verifiable industry experience making detailed restoration plans for their customers using the top industrial equipment.
It’s essential to choose a water damage professional that has years of experience within the industry. When hiring a water damage company, ensure experienced staff will be working on your home.
Likewise, independent professionals who aren’t affiliated with a large firm should be highly experienced within their field.
Provides Detailed Restoration Plans
The right water damage company will be able to provide detailed plans that outline their process and let you know what to expect.
After your initial appointment, you should have a clear idea of what will happen during the drying process and water damage restoration process. Ensure you ask about these plans before you commit to hiring a company.
The Best and Newest Restoration Equipment
When it comes to water damage restoration, a technician is limited by the quality of tools they use. The better their equipment, the more thorough job they’ll perform.
Reputable water damage professionals invest in state-of-the-art technology, such as:
- Premium water extraction tools
- Dehumidification machines for humidity control
- Carpet cleaning and steam cleaning equipment
- Fans, air moving and drying equipment
Advanced equipment ensures your home is cleaned up and restored as best as possible and more of your personal belongings may be salvaged during the process.
Can Fix Multiple Damage Issues
You may want to hire a company that specializes in numerous types of damage, depending on the type and extent of damage to your home.
You also want a company that can handle multiple types of damage including:
Homes with mold growth, mildew or hazardous material may also require specialty mitigation services.
Responds Quickly to Homeowner
Every minute counts with water damage and the most reliable water damage companies should respond quickly to the home or business owner.
You don’t want to have to wonder what the plan is for restoring your property, so good communication (via phone, email or text) is critical.
Always find out how quickly a water damage company can address your needs before hiring them.
Offers 24/7 Emergency Services
Many top water restoration specialists provide 24/7, emergency service. Finding a company with a fast response is vital if you are dealing with brand new water damage.
However, keep in mind that emergency response times may be naturally delayed if there is a significant community event, such as a hurricane, that impacts numerous homes in the local area.
Can Start Immediately
A quick time frame is essential when dealing with water removal or damage, and a prospective company should commit to fixing your water damage within a relatively short period.
Most moderate water damage restoration jobs should only take a few days from start to finish.
Trusted Reputation
The best water damage companies will have a good reputation within the community.
Search online to check out reviews and be sure to check multiple sources:
- Review websites
- Social media ratings
- Local commerce websites
You may also see reviews on company websites but keep in mind that companies will only share positive reviews.
You can also ask for references from past clients. Many companies have case studies or references on hand that they are happy to share. However, you should take this reference check one step further and call the references directly to ensure they are still satisfied with the service that was provided, even years later.
Helpful Customer Service
Dealing with water damage is stressful, which is why you deserve to work with companies that are willing to go above and beyond for their customers. Pay attention to the way you are treated when you phone in, and only work with companies that talk to you with respect and kindness.
Top-tier water damage companies will help you take measures to prevent further damage and ensure the water damage doesn’t happen again. They may help you address issues like:
- Proper plumbing installation
- Hot water tank quality and lifespan
- Hose line issues
- Faulty sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace
Companies with helpful customer service may also recommend local professionals who can fix drywall and complete other repairs.
Ideally, your water damage company will also work within the limitations of your insurance policy and will work directly with your insurance company to file a claim. This cooperative approach can help reduce upfront costs and minimize the hassle of paperwork.
Competitive Cost
Price is another consideration when comparing water damage restoration companies. Find out what the average prices are in your local area and then compare water damage repair costs between several companies.
However, it’s important to consider why one company may cost more than another. Higher prices don’t always mean better service, but it’s common for the best companies to charge slightly more if they have invested in newer equipment or more expensive employees.
You can always ask companies why they charge more or less than the competition before making a decision. Honest companies should have a clear, straightforward answer and be able to explain the reasons behind their pricing.
Finding Trusted Water Damage Companies
Water damage companies vary in quality. It’s worth the time and effort to find a trusted restoration service provider that can fix your water damage quickly and correctly.
Try to find an IICRC-certified water damage repair company that is experienced, reputable and provides high-quality water damage restoration services. The right company will also have excellent customer service skills, using communication skills to ensure you know what to expect throughout the process.
The ideal company will also be able to address your water problems safely, at a price that is fair for both parties.
Not sure who to choose? Call our free helpline to be connected with a trusted restoration professional in your area.