There’s nothing more annoying than the sight of water leaking through the walls, forming a big, wet patch, or visiting your basement to find it inundated with water. Once there’s leakage, there’s no stopping it. It won’t be long before molds make their appearance or the wooden floors begin swelling. Instead of delaying the problem or trying DIY methods, it is important to think of getting the problem fixed. One way to start fixing this problem is by looking up “water damage restoration company near me” on your preferred search engine. An experienced water damage professional will minimize your losses while adequate prevention is taken to prevent its recurrence. Before you contact a company, here are some things you might want to check out.
What is Their Response Time?
Some water damages are urgent and cannot be delayed by even a day. For instance, a flooded basement will need attending to right away. But if the restoration company takes more than an hour to arrive after you have contacted them, it’s a good idea to search for another one.
Do They Have the Proper Certification?
When you search for “water damage restoration company near me,” you will be presented with a long list of water restoration service providers close to your residents. However, it’s recommended that you choose restoration companies that have the proper certification and are licensed by a body like the IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Having a certificate and license will ensure they are experienced for the job and have extensive knowledge of dealing with various water damage issues. You might also want to check if they have a BBB A+ rating, indicating their trustworthiness and professionalism.
Do they wait for the backup to arrive?
It will be inconvenient if the specialists arrive on the scene without the required equipment and wait for a backup. Any reliable restoration company will usually have trucks carrying large-capacity air movers and dehumidifiers, enabling them to begin the cleaning process immediately.
Which Areas Do They Serve?
It is essential to ask the specialists which areas do they serve and if they would be willing to arrive at your location if it’s not mentioned on their website at an extra cost.
What Kind of Services Do They Offer?
Not all water damage restoration companies provide the same services. You might find one specializing in basement flooding but whose services do not extend to roof leaks. It’s better to choose a company that covers both these services, along with mold removal and restoration, because you will have mold issues with water leakage.
What Do Their Customers Say?
If the restoration specialists have a website, browse the testimonials and check their customers’ opinions. Are they satisfied with their quality of service, and why would they recommend them to others?
Do They Bill Directly to Your Insurance Company?
You will need to file a claim with your insurance company in case of basement flooding. Some items usually covered in such claims include air conditioning units, clothes washers, dryers, and food freezers. However, you will need to explain to your adjuster the extent of the damage and how it occurred and fill out the documentation. It can be challenging to do all that when you are worried about flooding. Ask the restoration company if they would be willing to bill directly to your insurance company and handle the claims submission process.
Even though your priority in case of water damage or flooding might be to find a water damage restoration company near you, remembering these details will help you find the best one. Water damage can cause significant damage financially and health-wise, but the right company will ensure they are kept to a minimum and avoided in the future.
