Water damage can happen at any time, and what further complicates it is that a property owner has to act on it as soon as possible. This, more often than not, leads a homeowner to make a rushed decision in choosing a water damage contractor to work with.
HIRING AN EMERGENCY CONTRACTOR
The question as to How to find a 24 hour water damage company, will be one of the first questions a property owner will have to ask himself as soon as he discovers water damage that he is sure he cannot remediate himself. So what are the pointers he has to keep in mind when doing so?
The Better Business Bureau has some really comprehensive tips on dealing with this. In its official website it published tips on what to do when hiring a contractor, and how to land a licensed one that can be entrusted with the restoration of a property.
“Be highly suspicious of any contractor that tries to get you to pay for the entire job on the front end. You may never see him again after you give him your money! For certain jobs it might be OK to pay a deposit. Again, check with a trusted friend, a relative or your insurance agent to see if payment of a deposit is customary for your particular job.”
Read the rest of the tips here.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also came up with reminders for homeowners who are about to hire a water damage restoration contractor.
In its official website published key characteristics an expert contractor must possess, to prove that the company is the right one for the job.
“Ask the contractor for three references— former customers who had similar work done. Ask the reference about any problems and if the person was satisfied with the job. Insist on a written contract, clearly stating all tasks, associated costs and a payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Make sure the contract clearly states who will apply and pay for required permits or licenses. If substantial costs are involved, have a lawyer review the contract. Keep a copy of the contract.”
Read the rest of FEMA’s advice here.
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The Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC meantime emphasized the reasons why a homeowner should hire a licensed and certified water damage contractor to restore a water damaged property.
“Technicians in the field have to be able to track moisture, detect the damage it has caused, evaluate the fidelity of any affected material, find and eliminate microbial infestations, dispose of destroyed material, and dry the rest until it is safe to use again. Performing all of these processes in a timely manner requires great skill, technology, and hands-on experience.”
Take a look at the rest of the advice here.
Hiring a water damage restoration contractor can be quite challenging, and homeowners have to bear in mind that it is the primary key to ensure that their home will be restores to its pre-damaged state.