Choosing a Certified Flood Damage Restoration Company: What to Look For

Flooding can cause significant water damage to a building and valued possessions – and even pose serious health risks if not treated correctly.

Prompt action is always advisable to protect safety and reduce further risks and unwanted expense further down the line.

To ensure this is done correctly and to keep disruption to a minimum, a certified flood damage restoration company is needed on site as quickly as possible.

Here is a checklist to help find the best water damage restoration company following a flood.  

1) Experience in the field

After a flood, it’s essential to find a water damage restoration company with years of experience in the field. 

Working with skilled technicians ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently. A company that has been operating for over 20 years – and with hundreds of successful water restoration projects and referrals behind them – knows precisely what to do and can start repairing the damage right away.

An experienced team can also offer additional help beyond basic services, utilizing their expertise to provide comprehensive solutions to water damage restoration challenges.

2) Fully insured and licensed

If the chosen company doesn’t have proper insurance, the owner of the property – and not the company – could be held responsible should an accident occur during the restoration process.

Therefore, it’s always wise to request proof of the company’s insurance documents and confirm they’re up-to-date before hiring them.

A qualified water damage restoration company should also have safety measures and precautions in place to protect its team members while working on a flood cleanup. Ask the company about their safety protocols in case of accidents.

Restoration experts should also be bonded and licensed. This provides additional consumer protection and indicates that the company has met the state’s requirements and is operating within the law. This will protect clients’ interests should any legal disputes arise.

3) Trained and certified technicians

For best results, a water damage restoration company’s technicians should be licensed and have received proper training and certification.

A water restoration company should ideally have two certifications: ICC and IICRC water certification. The International Code Council (ICC) is responsible for creating building safety codes, and a restoration company seeking ICC certification must apply for an exam.

Similarly, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides certification for restoration companies to ensure that all damage restoration companies in their network follow standard, tried-and-tested procedures.

Choosing a company that invests in their technicians’ ongoing training and certification will provide peace of mind that the job will be done correctly.

4) A clear process

Of course, no two water damage restoration projects are the same. This is why it’s important to ask about a company’s restoration process.

Enquire about how they plan to restore the property, what tools and equipment they use, and how quickly they can respond.

In order to avoid unrealistic expectations, ask the restoration company about their estimated timeline to allow for the necessary arrangements to be made while the property is being restored. 

5) Realistic guarantees

When reviewing the contract, it’s important to enquire about any guarantees made.

It’s best to choose a company that avoids making unrealistic promises, such as that mold won’t grow after a flood.

Instead, focus on finding a company that values quality workmanship and provides top-notch services. This will ensure that the restoration work is done properly and to the highest standards possible.

6) References from previous customers

As with any professional invited to carry out work on a property, it’s important to gather information about their capabilities and the quality of their services beforehand. To do so, speaking with the company’s previous clients can be beneficial.

Getting references from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the company’s professionalism, problem-solving skills and overall experience.

If former customers speak positively about their experience and would recommend the company to others, it’s a good sign that the company is trustworthy and capable. However, if there were significant issues or negative experiences reported, it may be best to continue searching for a more suitable company elsewhere.

7) 24/7 availability and fast response

In the event of a hurricane or other flooding disaster, it’s crucial to select a water damage restoration company that can provide an immediate response. Delayed response times may lead to standing water, which can result in the growth of mold.

It’s important to avoid companies that cause unnecessary delays. Instead, choose a water damage restoration company that can respond immediately. Are they able to provide 24/7 emergency services? Or do they have a waiting list? How do they handle city-wide flooding incidents?

Ensure that the chosen company has a team that can respond promptly to any emergency. Delayed responses may make the damage worse.

Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc ticks all the boxes

Flood cleanup is a delicate and complex process. Quick and targeted action from experienced and certified professionals is the optimal way to limit damage and overall repair cost.

For a company that ticks all the boxes in the St Louis MO area, contact Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc, the leading water damage restoration professionals.

Call now at (314) 668-1223 to tackle any flood emergency.