Time is your greatest enemy when your property is underwater. The impulsive decision of the homeowners in the situation may lead to hiring the wrong team. And that in course, can be more damaging than the water itself. Identifying the high-quality Flood Damage Restoration Services before signing the contract is a must to protect your investment and the health of your family. Hiring a low-quality team or settling for a cheap fix often leads to structural rot. There are certain red flags you should watch to avoid the common pitfalls.
Does the Company have proper Certification and Licensing?
Not all companies out in the market are certified with specific requirements. There are service providers who claim to be the restoration team with just shop-vacs and drying fans. This is where the need to check the certifications is important. As the restoration industry is highly technical and requires deep knowledge of the science behind the cause and drying process, they need to be verified with IICRC credentials. Without this, the technicians are nothing less than a common man.
Is providing a detailed, written estimate important?
Of course, yes! Transparency is the hallmark of any profession, as well as in restoration. Walk away from the team if they figure it out over the phone and scribble a lump sum on a notepad. It is also a major red flag to be considered. Professional Flood Damage service providers will use the industry standard software to provide line-time breakdowns.
Does it make them unprofessional if they are using Residential-Grade Equipment?
This should also be a major concern to be checked out when you hire a team to restore your home. If the crew shows up with normal and simple shop-vacs and household fans, it is clear that they are unprofessional. A true service team utilizes industrial-grade equipment like LGR, dehumidifiers, and high-pressure air movers. The ones using residential-grade tools can never fix the problem and will put you at greater risk than ever.
Is there a lack of advanced Moisture Detection Tools?
If the team you hired is determining if the room is dry with just touch and sight, there is no other red flag than this. A reputable professional team will have infrared thermal cameras and moisture meters. This helps track the drying progress even under the floorboards. Guessing with just touching leads to mold growth.
Does the team demand a massive upfront deposit?
It is often a warning sign if the crew is demanding 50% or more of the total cost before they start doing the work. It is common that the companies demand a small mobilization fee or a deductible payment. But the true professionals usually work directly with the insurance company and will also be comfortable being paid as milestones. Demanding high upfronts is a signal that they are financially unstable.
Is it a red flag if the company is unwilling to handle insurance claims?
A trusted and highly qualified professional team will never let you know the difficulties in the paperwork involved in a flood claim. The contractors take initiative and help the homeowners to deal with insurance claiming steps, and will never say, ‘you deal with the insurance, we do the work.’ A true professional team ensures you get the maximum coverage for your loss without letting you know the backend headaches.
What if the team is neglecting safety and PPE protocols?
Lacking any of the protective tools like gloves or PPE kits, when the team is working, means they aren’t valuing their own safety and likely won’t value yours, either.
Navigate the aftermath of the flood, check out the red flags, and filter out the amateurs and ensure your property is in capable hands. At Capital Restoration Cleaning, the team is ardent in prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of every homeowner with the right tools and right certifications.
