Joe's Water Restoration Service
9960 W Sam Houston Pkwy S. Suite 100B, Houston, TX 77099
(281) 535-2022
Flood damage restoration is the method of removing the excessive volumes of water from different sources. It could be a broken pipe, toilet leaks, natural disasters, and leaks from the roof or from windows, sewer pipes, and leaking water heaters or in some cases, leaks caused by water beds. The damage caused by flood water is more destructive and intrusive.
It can lead to damage to furniture and electronic devices. One way to prevent further damage is to turn off the main power. It is also necessary to use rubber gloves and boots to prevent getting in contact with the water that could be from unsanitary sources. Nonetheless, addressing flood waters alone is a grueling task on its own and requires unique methods to effectively remove the water, sanitize the affected area and dry it out completely. It is necessary to get the help from contractors to effectively restore the flooded area.
Work with your insurance.
If you have insurance and have coverage for particular flooding issues, those not caused by natural disasters, they would normally recommend a preferred contractor to address the flood damage restoration. If the company does not have any recommendations, you would still have to deal with them to address the payment for the contractor once the project is done. Contact the insurance immediately to address this issue.
Get references.
The insurance adjuster can offer a list of contractor for water damage. You take at least 3 names that you can compare. This will be the start of your search.
Check fees and services.
A number of companies will require an inspection fee. They vary from service to service. Always do comparative analysis of the rates and see which ones are the best. However, it is not enough to look at their service. Contact the company directly and talk to them about their various restoration services.
Talk about your particular problem.
You need to tell the contractor about the extent and nature of the damage. Do not leave a detail. Tell them about the general situation of the house. This will be critical in addressing the flood damage restoration. Note if there are signs of mold and mildew. Tell them if the ceiling beginning to pop already. The contractors will be able to analyze the severity of the damage and how to make a strategy.
Check if they are licensed or certified.
The water damage contractor needs to be certified by the IIRC that also provides certifications to inspectors, restorers, mold inspectors and other specialists in water damage removal. They must also bear a contractor's license. If you want to check, contact the licensing board in your state. Confirm the number and status of the contractor's license. Also, make sure that the experts have years of experience already in the business. This means they know more or less how to handle the different issues concerning flood water damage restoration.
Set inspection on the site.
When you find the candidate that is most qualified for you, ask for an onsite inspection. They can then make more solid analysis about the gravity of the issue and the solutions that have to be done.
Since there are so many contractors competing for projects nowadays, these tips will serve as your checklist to find the right contractor for flood water damage restoration. It is necessary to research well for the right experts since water damage is a big job. Water damage affects thousands of households every year go for highly reliable experts that can effectively dry up the area and make sure that it will not happen again.
Many water damage contractors will offer 1 or 2 hour response time for flood emergencies. This does not mean that upon arrival to your home or business that they cannot give you, in writing, at least a rough cost estimate of the extraction and drying services.
Be wary of the contractor who says, "Just sign here and we'll get started". Extraction and drying services are usually separate from the reconstruction/restoration estimate which is done after drying is complete. Observe the contractor and make sure he or she does a thorough inspection of the suspected wet areas. Have them explain to you what is wet, what should be discarded and the drying process step by step. Some water damage contractors only offer emergency services, while others offer both emergency and reconstruction services.
Both types of contractors have their benefits and their place in the water damage industry. Is the water damage contractor thoroughly experienced in his/her field? Make sure they specialize in what they are proposing, ask questions, do they have the proper training, local licenses, insurance and certifications for the job? It is not a good idea to hire a janitor or carpet cleaning / handyman service to tackle a complex drying project, although many carpet cleaning services have water damage divisions that do a great job. A reputable water damage contractor will have nothing to hide and will be upfront with you from the start.
If necessary, ask for references, this will give you instant feedback of prior homeowners experiences. If you do not feel comfortable with the company or person that is in your home, call another company for an estimate. Most reputable water damage companies have no problems with a free in home estimate. Should you decide to file an insurance claim, your insurance carrier will often have a referral list of restoration contractors. But remember, you, as the homeowner will make the final decision on who works on your home.