When a flood or storm causes a water damage emergency, you should call a professional as quickly as possible. But instead of hiring the first water damage restoration company that appears in a search, homeowners should review each company’s qualifications and ask specific questions to find a business to rely on.
The team at DK Environmental presents seven tips to follow when employing a water damage restoration contractor. These tips will help homeowners find a trustworthy company with the skills, tools, and experience to get the job done right.
1. Check License and Certifications
Any reliable water damage restoration company will have certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC publishes high standards for water damage treatments and offers training courses for restoration technicians.
Some states require water damage restoration companies to possess IICRC certification before offering flood cleanup services. The first thing to ask about is the relevant professional certifications.
2. Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews give homeowners deep insight into how a company operates and how they treat their clients. Look for reviews online or ask any friends or family that has hired the company in the past. Try to find reviews that are not on the company’s official website, as the company cannot curate only positive reviews on a third-party site.
3. Check for Insurance
Most states in the US require water damage restoration companies to have general liability insurance. A general liability insurance policy reimburses customers for any damages or injuries sustained as a result of improper work.
If a company cannot produce insurance information, you should immediately look elsewhere. Damage restoration companies that do not carry insurance may be scam operations and might take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
4. Ask About Guarantees
Even experts can make mistakes sometimes. So make sure to ask water removal companies if they offer guarantees for their work. For example, many companies offer free services if there is a problem with their past work. A service guarantee gives homeowners peace of mind that they won’t have to pay extra if something goes wrong.
5. Ask for a Written Quote
Many less-than-reputable companies do not give a clear price for their services, so customers get blindsided by surprise charges after the fact. You should always get an itemized quote in writing with an agreement on the final price for the job before the company performs any work.
6. Learn About The Process
Homeowners should also inquire about the restoration and mitigation processes the company uses. Specifically, ask:
- How long the process takes
- How many steps it has
- What kinds of sanitation and cleaning services they perform
It is important to understand the CDC-recommended water damage restoration process to make sure the company abides by all health and sanitation practices.
7. Ask About Tools and Equipment
Lastly, homeowners should inquire about any tools and equipment the company uses. Professional restoration companies have industrial-level fans, vacuums, and sanitizing equipment to remove water, eradicate moisture, and restore the damage.
About the Company
DK Environmental offers water damage restoration services in Washington’s King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties. To learn more about their restoration and mitigation services or schedule an inspection, send an email to info@dkeabatement or call (425) 903-4356
