Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Choosing Contractors for Water Damage Restoration

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

The choice of the right contractor is just as important as the decision to make immediate repairs after water damage. Effective contractors act as a bridge that will make the goal of restoration possible after flooding. In most cases, your insurance company can make referrals to reputable companies. Other times, the recommendations of friends and family members can be quite valuable. Whatever the case, there are some concepts that are vital in the hiring process of contractors.

A logical approach to the situation

Many have emphasized the importance of a timely response to water damage. This is certainly a fact. However, this does not mean that steps to finding reputable companies to work with should be skipped. There are some unscrupulous characters that may take advantage of the situation by offering their assistance when they are not qualified to do so.

Even with an emergency such as water damage, there is no need to hire the first contractor that comes along. Invest the time into conducting research on whether or not the company will be a good hire. While investigating on their track record and reputation, small repairs to prevent further damage can be done. For example, cover the openings in the home with plastic or plywood. Doing this can often buy the homeowner time while making sure that a good contractor is found.

Determine the kind of contracting & repair company

Not all contractors are the same; in fact, the most reputable ones are those that actually indicate a specialization. Depending on the kind of damage sustained by the home, there may be others that are better- suited for the job.

One type of contractor is the restoration or emergency service provider. They are the ones who are most aware of the need for speedy responses. Their equipment listing is composed of fans and dehumidifiers to get rid of the moisture that accumulates in the home. Another kind of contractor is the specialty firm or tradesman. Examples of these are plumbers, electricians, and roofers. They are the ones that deal with a certain aspect of the home repair.

Home improvement contractors are those that remodel and retrofit existing residences to improve the structural integrity of the property. On the other hand, general contractors typically work with properties that are yet to be built. Their niche is often with large-scale construction. Large damage jobs often work with general contractors because of their experience in dealing with different aspects of home repair and construction.

The hiring process

Always check the contractor's background and references in order to get a picture of how they operate. Avoid those companies that have complaints lodged against them. Also, watch out for some of the red flags that may indicate an unfair transaction. A common example of this is asking for large deposits before work can be done. Usually, stable companies do not need large deposits because of good credit and a secure cash flow position. Finally, always read the contract for the task carefully. Be on the lookout for unfair clauses, especially when it comes to the payment schedule and purchase of materials.

Recommended Reading:
Checklist for Choosing a Qualified Restoration Contractor
How to Find Good Water Restoration Contractors
Water Damage Restoration - How Much Does it Cost and What Affects the Pricing?