A property restoration professional may not be on your quick-call list, but when you suddenly discover water damage or a mold problem, knowing who to call can save some critical time in getting your property returned to its pre-damaged condition.
It’s frustrating to spend the time contacting a company to help with your property damage, only to find out that something about your situation or location isn’t within their capabilities. So, in order to avoid that when evaluating property cleaning and restoration service providers, here are some things to inquire about that can help you choose the right company.
IICRC-certified technicians
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) establishes globally recognized standards, credentials, and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and the restoration industry. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE trains and certifies technicians according to the latest IICRC standards.
Being connected to the IICRC means being amongst the most knowledgeable leaders in the industry. So when a company’s technicians and other team members are IICRC-certified, you can trust they have the knowledge to safely and properly perform the necessary mitigation, cleaning, and restoration services that your property requires.
Take mold remediation, for example. While indoor mold growth is extremely common in the U.S., it is a largely unregulated issue. If mold is unmitigated or handled improperly, it can continue to grow and cause structural damage and health concerns. The IICRC is a leading voice and institution for mold remediation guidelines. The IICRC’s S520 Standard provides “a procedural standard for the remediation of mold damaged structures and contents,” which means companies and technicians that use and follow the S520 will ensure the job is handled correctly and completely.
Having 24/7 service
More often than not, water damage issues in your home or business happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether you notice the issue immediately or return home to find a flooded basement, the more promptly you act on the problem, the less severe and costly the resulting damage will be.
When you’re selecting a company, choose one that offers 24/7 emergency response service, so you know they will always answer your call and be prepared to respond as soon as possible.
Can the company handle large or difficult jobs?
1-800 WATER DAMAGE is backed by a national network and global industry leader. What this means is that our local businesses have access to major resources for major losses – we can handle jobs of any size or scale and deliver a quality result.
These resources and our national network also help in cases when a severe weather event may be greatly impacting a local area and pulling extensively from the labor force. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE teams have a deep bench to draw upon and plenty of experience successfully navigating all kinds of large losses and situations with intensive cleaning and restoration needs.
Full documentation and remediation
This can seem obvious, but be sure to check that the company you choose will provide full documentation of the damage plus the cleaning and restoration services that have been provided. Your insurance company will need this documentation if you choose to file a claim, and if you experience future water damage, knowing what has been addressed in the past can act as a useful guide.
You also want the company to be able to work with your insurance provider if needed. This relieves some responsibility from you while you’re managing the situation in your home or business, and it connects the insurance company to the professional who’s actually doing the remediation work.
Can the company handle your unique situation?
It’s not uncommon for water damage to occur on properties that have unusual characteristics. Perhaps your home or your vacation property is located on a seasonal road, in a remote area with key security measures, or amidst rough terrain. Ensure that the company you hire is willing and able to take the time to listen and understand your home or property’s unique needs, and work with you accordingly.
Don’t take your location and unique details for granted. Go over these situations with the company to ensure they can respond to the situation.
Know the process
Finally, cleaning and restoration service companies can approach the process in different ways. Be sure you know the process your chosen company is using to handle your property damage. For example, do they handle mold remediation or contract that work out to someone else? This will be important for your insurance claim, but also in understanding how many different service providers will be on your property.
Call 1-800 WATER DAMAGE for a reliable service
1-800 WATER DAMAGE has a proven track record as a trusted water damage restoration company. We meet all the criteria noted in this checklist, and that’s how we know the importance of these elements.
If you’re looking for skilled technicians who do the job right the first time when it comes to water damage restoration services, contact us today at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE.
