Water damage is a serious issue that can affect your home anytime. Whether caused by severe weather or a burst pipe, water damage must be addressed quickly to minimize the impact.
When choosing a company to perform water damage repairs, consider the following factors: Experience, Certifications, Insurance coverage, and Customer service.
Experience
A reputable water damage restoration company will have years of experience handling various emergencies. This is important because every situation will be different, and only a well-versed water remediation crew will know how to address it adequately.
Additionally, homeowners should look for an experienced water damage repair service provider that is insured. Addressing water damage is dangerous; if anything goes wrong during the cleanup process, you’ll want to be sure your company has insurance coverage covering any damages.
Customers should also look for a company that offers 24/7 availability. Water damage is a time-sensitive issue, and it can quickly turn into a much larger problem like mold growth or compromised documents and belongings.
The best water restoration companies will be able to respond as soon as you call, even if it’s the middle of the night. They should also offer a free inspection and transparent pricing. This will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Certifications
In addition to experience, choosing a water damage restoration service with the proper certifications to handle your disaster is essential. They should also be able to provide proof of liability insurance. They should also abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Homeowners can check for these credentials by visiting the company’s website or calling their customer service department. Other vital factors to consider include their specified service area, damages that they repair, availability, scheduling, customer service, and specialized certifications or additional services like document restoration.
For instance, a premier water damage restoration company should be able to offer customers vacuum freeze-dry technology and gamma irradiation for damaged electronics, documents, fine art, machinery, and other media.
This will help them recover more moisture, resulting in better restoration and recovery. This is especially critical in the aftermath of flood damage, when the more extended structures and materials stay wet, the more severe the damage will be.
Insurance coverage
As a homeowner, you pay for homeowners insurance to protect your home from unexpected drywall water damage repair. When water damage occurs, you must act quickly and find the right restoration company. Start by shutting off the water supply and moving any personal belongings away from puddles or other areas of water damage.
Then, take pictures and videos of the damage and inventory your possessions. This will help you file a home insurance claim, which should cover the cost of professional cleaning or replacement, depending on the terms of your policy.
However, the cause of the water damage will also affect whether your insurer covers it. Some causes of water damage, such as gradual damage from a leaky pipe or washing machine, may not be covered, but sudden breaks should be.
The best way to determine if your home’s insurance policy covers water damage is to discuss it with an agent or broker.
Customer service
When choosing a water damage restoration company, homeowners want to be sure that the customer service is top-notch. After all, dealing with water damage is stressful enough without having to deal with rude or indifferent representatives on the phone or online.
The company should have a broad service area and be available around the clock. They should also provide a comprehensive FAQ section and communicate directly with insurance companies to expedite the claims process.
The best water restoration companies will provide complete services, including water removal, drying items, and structures, sanitizing, restoring, and dehumidifying. They may even offer advanced services like vacuum freeze-drying technology and gamma irradiation for document and content restoration.
They should also abide by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. This includes utilizing proper safety gear, implementing preplanned safe work practices, and abiding by local and state regulations. These standards help to prevent further damage and potential hazards, such as mold growth or structural problems in the home.
