When disaster strikes, you can find yourself in a vulnerable position as a homeowner. Whether it's flooding or a fire, the aftermath of a natural disaster can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. In such situations, you’ll most likely turn to professionals for help with cleanup and restoration.
How can you trust such professionals with access to your property? Doing your research and finding a company you can trust is crucial. Let’s discuss some essential pointers to ease how you choose a restoration company.
1. Online Reputation and Experience
A company with an excellent reputation and experience will have the knowledge, skills, and tools to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition. Check online reviews and find references from previous clients. Such information helps you see to it that you're working with a reliable company.
Online reviews and ratings will tell you a lot about a company’s quality of service, reliability, and trustworthiness. Positive reviews will demonstrate that a restoration company has a track record of delivering on its promises and meeting client expectations.
Reviews on Google/Yelp will provide insight into the company’s values and operations.
2. Licensing and Insurance
A licensed company has met the requirements to perform restoration services. Hiring a licensed company ensures skilled and knowledgeable professionals will complete the restoration work safely and effectively. Besides, licensed companies have liability insurance protecting the company and the property owner.
On the same note, insurance protects you in case of any accidents or damage during the cleanup process. Feel free to ask for proof of licensing plus insurance before hiring a company. Be sure to verify that the insurance is up to date.
Standard certifications include the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP) and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
3. Availability and Response Time
After a flood or fire, time is of the essence. You need a restoration company that is available and responsive. Find a company with 24/7 emergency services. A company with a quick response time starts the cleanup process promptly.
The restoration company should be easy to reach and communicate with. Also, only settle for a company that keeps you informed throughout the cleanup process. Positive online reviews indicate the company is easy to work with and responsive to client inquiries. Such reviews also reveal that the company goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
4. Services Offered
While some companies only offer cleanup services, others may offer more extensive restoration services, like reconstruction and remodeling. Consider the extent of the damage to your property and the services you need before choosing a company.
Only settle for a company that uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure they can clean up and restore your property efficiently and effectively. You can also assess the company’s employees and trucks to determine its capacity.
5. Price and Payment Options
Before selecting a restoration company, getting a detailed estimate of the costs upfront is helpful. The estimate should include a breakdown of provided services, materials needed, and labor costs. Get multiple restoration quotes to compare prices and services.
Additionally, look for a company with flexible payment options to simplify the process. Ask about payment plans, credit card payments, and other available options. Be wary of upfront costs - reputable restoration companies will only require payment in full once they complete the work to your satisfaction.
Work with Tried and Trusted Service Providers
In sum, choosing a restoration company for flood or fire cleanup requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By researching and considering these key factors, you can find a reputable, experienced company to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition.
Have you faced a property disaster recently? STOP Restoration’s team of experts offers a written action plan and consultative approach that ensures you return to normal as soon as possible. Count on us to work with all insurers and leverage the latest industry tools and technology to restore your property to the desired state.
