Tips to Consider When Selecting a Restoration Company

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we have the experience, training, equipment and highly skilled technicians to handle your restoration needs safely and properly.

When damage occurs to your property, it can be a very stressful, confusing, and saddening time for the home or business owner. One way to relieve some of that stress and confusion is to know that you are leaving the job of restoring your property in the right hands. Going with not only with a reputable company is important, but also is going with one specifically specializing in restoration. By choosing a qualified restoration company who can answer any questions you have about the restoration process, will help alleviate your concerns. At SERVPRO of Burlington, we guide you through the entire restoration process. All our technicians are highly trained, to restore your property and safely and properly. We use state of the art equipment and safe but effective products. If a restoration project is done incorrectly, it can result in mold growth or other toxic hazards that can cause serious health issues for the anyone in the home or business. If mold is an issue in your home, we can also remediate that.

Before choosing a restoration company, take these tips into consideration:

1. Research and compare. Check reviews. Not only read those reviews but pay attention to if the company responds to ALL reviews, including any which may seem to be negative. If a company is being responsive, it’s because they care and appreciate their customers. The reviews, be it positive or negative, deserve their attention. Negative reviews can also not be what they seem and reading an owner’s response may gain perspective. Often in trying times it’s easy to want to impulsively choose a company just to get the job started and done right away. However, basing your decision with reviews, reputation and referrals in mind can help you to make an educated decision.
2. If you have a friend or family in construction, do not use them. Everyone likes to be able to personally know who may be coming into their home or business. There’s lots of personal space and belongings at stake. It is not the best idea though to hire someone or accept even free services from someone who need to do a job that is beyond their specific skillset. This can harm your relationship with them, and it may take more time and cost more money in the long run. Even construction companies bring in outside electricians, or roofers for instance. Having training and experience where it pertains specifically to the job you need done is key to getting the job done right.
3. Do not select a contractor even if it is the one who built your home. While they can rent or purchase it, a contractor or general contractor, lacks the proper equipment. They also do have the experience and certified training required to perform water mitigation, smoke odor removal, soot removal and restorative cleaning, deodorizing and handling techniques. They may not understand the proper techniques and safety methods for reconstruction and repairs under such unique conditions. They will also not know how to identify and safely handle any hazardous materials or dangerous structural conditions, after a disaster.
4. Do not choose a company with little or no experience dealing with insurance companies. As a policy holder, it is your responsibility to disclose any loss to the insurance company and provide the necessary documentation required to process the claim. In turn, you will need to get an estimate from a restoration company that meets the strict insurance company requirements. An experienced company will know also which formats the insurance company needs an estimate in. If the estimate format does not meet the insurance company standards, it might be rejected.
5. Stay away from companies that specialize mainly in cleaning services. Carpet cleaners, housekeepers, cleaning services are great for every day, small-scale cleaning jobs. When it comes to flooding, water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, they don’t have the specific technical capabilities or knowledge to remove high levels of moisture that can infiltrate floors and walls, causing dangerous mold to accumulate. If mold has already begun to grow, as it does within a matter of days, they will not know how to properly treat it so that it does not return, nor will they be able to remove air borne mold spores which can be hazardous for your health. Smoke damage also goes far beyond the soot that is left on walls, ceilings and furniture. If not cleaned and deodorized properly, it can leave behind microscopic toxins and fine particulates that can be hazardous to the health of the occupants.

With over 20 years of experience and extensive training that’s specifically required to be certified in restoration, SERVPRO of Burlington is here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year. Give us a call at 336-379-1772 if you experience any flooding, storm damage, water damage, fire damage, or mold. We are "Faster To Any Disaster", and will make it "Like it never even happened."