Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

How to Find Good Water Restoration Contractors

By Kimberly Duncan

Several different factors can easily cause water disasters from broken pipes to river overflows and flash floods, which is why water damage to residences and commercial establishments is fairly common. Because this fact, you can find plenty of water restoration companies that can respond to a water crisis offering services from water extraction to cleanup and restoration.

Finding a Water Restoration Company Online

Finding a good water restoration contractor is easy with the help of the Internet. Using any Internet search engine, just type the words 'water damage company' in the search box followed by your location, the state or city where the damaged site is located or the zip code. You will get basically two types of search results - the direct website of a water damage contractor in your area or a directory site that will list all contractors servicing your location. Likewise, you can check the Yellow Pages to get the same information.

Insurance Referrals

If the damage is covered by your homeowners' insurance policy, it is likely that your insurance agent or adjustor can recommend a company. Be sure to pre-screen the suggested company. You will need to confirm that the suggested company is the right company for you! Additionally, it is always recommended to find your own restoration contractor, someone who will be working for you, and not for your insurance company. Hiring a contractor of your choice will have no effect on how your claim is handled and how funds are paid. Contact us for free insurance consultation.

Ask Around

Other easy and similarly effective ways to find a good water damage company is to simply ask around. Contractors that have developed a good reputation for their satisfactory service typically grow their client base through word of mouth and this mechanism, in most cases, is very reliable since the recommendation comes from real customers who have used the service themselves.

Qualify Your Restoration Contractor

If you cannot get referrals from the people you know personally, get feedback from customers online. Just do some more web browsing and you will certainly stumble across relevant customer feedback. Alternatively, and this is probably one of the best ways to find a good restoration contractor, ask the contractor for a list of customer references. A water damage company that is proud of their workmanship will certainly share this information with you. Satisfied customers will not mind if you give them a short call to confirm the work the contractor did for them.

In addition, make sure to look at the qualifications of the contractor to verify if they are licensed to operate as a water damage restoration company and whether they are properly insured. A contractor's insurance will cover damage to your property that is caused by the contractor as well as injuries that happen on your site during the performance of the job. Before you decide on a contractor, do not forget to ask for a written quote of the job. Most good quality companies use the Xactimate software solution to come up with a repair and restoration cost estimate that matches insurance guidelines.

Certifications

You should also opt to choose a water damage contractor that has been certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC. Having an IICRC certificate means that the company is reputable, meets industry standards and has trained damage restoration professionals. Likewise, being a member of large industry organizations like the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians (SCRT), and the Indoor Quality Air Association (IAQA) reflect the contractor’s professionalism and awareness of and adherence to industry standards.

Recommended Reading
Checklist for Choosing a Qualified Restoration Contractor
Choosing Contractors for Water Damage Restoration
Warning Signs during Damage Inspection