Water damage can be devastating. Whether it is caused by a natural disaster, broken pipes, an accident, or fire hoses, the negative effects can cause problems for many years. That’s why it is so important to work with a professional water damage restoration service to clean up and restore the property as soon as possible.
Ten Characteristics of Great Water Damage Restoration Services
There are many companies around who offer professional water damage restoration services, but they are often not all exceptional. Here are ten things that property owners can keep in mind to help them choose the best possible company to work with:
1) Reliability
Finding a company that will show up when they are needed is incredibly important. Mold, mildew, and other unpleasant side effects can happen very quickly after a flood. Property owners should always work with a company that can offer prompt and reliable service each and every time.
2) Good Reviews
Property owners should ask friends, family, or other building owners for recommendations. Word-of-mouth reviews are always the best kind. Ask about reliability, the accuracy of the quote, quality of work, and an overall rating of the company.
If word-of-mouth reviews are not available, online reviews also work. Use a variety of review outlets, including social media and search engine reviews.
3) Offer a comprehensive quote
Before any work begins, a professional water damage restoration service should send a qualified technician to the property to thoroughly inspect the scope of work. They can then offer a comprehensive quote that includes costs as well as the time it will take to complete the job. At this point, the restoration company can also answer any questions about the job and the extent of the damage.
4) Provide a full suite of services
The best water damage restoration services offer a wide range of services that can take a property from inspection all the way to final renovation. Working with a company that can restore the property to its pre-flood condition helps the property owner avoid a lot of hassle. Full-service restoration companies are more likely to be able to complete the job seamlessly, in a shorter amount of time, and with one invoice.
5) Experienced
Never discount the value of experience. Companies that have been around for decades are much more likely to have encountered similar situations. They can rely on their many years of experience to help complete the job effectively.
6) Good communication
Whichever company a property manager decides to work with, they should make sure that the lines of communication are always open. The restoration service should keep the property owner informed at each step of the process. They should also be open and friendly when the property owner has questions.
7) Highly trained technicians
A great water damage restoration service is only as good as its technicians. Property owners should look for companies that employ highly trained technicians. One sign of a great company is if the technicians have worked with the same company for many years.
8) Licensed, bonded, and insured
Just like with other trades and services, property owners should make sure that the restoration service they work with is licensed, bonded, and insured. For water damage restoration services, the company should hold specific licenses for water damage mitigation as well as general contracting.
9) Cutting-Edge technology
The best water damage restoration services use cutting-edge technology to help them detect water and moisture in the affected areas. This thermal imaging technology allows the technician to detect all problem areas. Without it, there is a much higher chance for mold growth in hard-to-reach areas.
10) Detailed documentation
Detailed documentation of all flood damage restoration and/or mold abatement can help the property owner with their insurance claims. Companies that provide detailed documentation as they work are also more likely to be trustworthy and reliable.
In the end, dealing with a flood or general water damage can be incredibly costly, time consuming, and traumatic. Working with an excellent water damage restoration service can help relieve the stress and expense of the entire ordeal. Choosing the best company to work with means that the property will be restored to its previous condition as soon as possible.