Things to Check Before Working with a Water Damage Restoration Contractor

Burst pipes, roof leaks, or heavy storms can cause significant damage to your property. Water can become trapped in walls and weaken your property’s foundation. It could also cause mold to grow and spread quickly, which directly impacts indoor air quality. 

Water damage restoration is the professional process of removing the water from the property so it can be returned to its pre-damage state. 

However, not every water damage restoration contractor can do the job perfectly, and it’s important that you check certain qualities before finally trusting someone with your time and money. 

In today’s article, we’re going to talk about those important things. Let’s get started.

Choose a Contractor with Credible Local References

You wouldn’t hire a cook with no experience to prepare a meal for your party. Then why would you do anything differently when you’re planning to save your property from damage? 

So, when hiring a restoration contractor, start by checking their reviews on websites like Yelp, but don’t limit yourself to these. You should also track down references from previous clients. A reliable contractor will happily share those things because they have nothing to hide. 

Once they provide the references, you can call them independently to know about their experience. 

Look for Immediate Disaster Response Capabilities

Water damage worsens every hour, so you cannot afford to waste even a few minutes. Ask directly how soon they can reach your site and whether they take emergency calls around the clock. A contractor who can respond only during business hours won’t be able to handle emergencies.

A reliable contractor can deploy all their equipment at a moment’s notice. They also have complete situational awareness of the area and ensure the water is quickly drained from the property. 

You can go for a reliable contractor with a nationwide network of locations or pre-loaded fleets that speed up dispatch times.

Check If They Have State-of-the-Art Equipment

Water damage restoration jobs are complex, so the contractor must use cutting-edge equipment, such as industrial-grade fans, infrared cameras, and antibacterial sprays, to diagnose and treat the problem.

But why does it really matter? 

Well, commercial-grade extractors and submersible pumps can remove hundreds of gallons of water per hour. Similarly, tools like infrared thermal imaging cameras and thermohygrometers can detect trapped water behind walls and within insulation before it rots materials. 

And removing the water quickly means the mold will also not spread. All this will not only protect your property from major damage but also prevent the need for major renovations.

Insurance Handling and Warranties

It’s important to know what written warranty or guarantee they offer for their drying or mold-prevention work. A reliable contractor stands behind their work and confidently offers warranties. 

Then, you must check if they can coordinate directly with your insurance provider. They can document the damage with photos and provide clear, itemized estimates. The more accurate their images and estimates are, the higher the chances that your insurance provider will accept your claim.