There are a few things to look for when selecting a water damage restoration company. The first thing you should do is call the company and ask about their qualifications. Do they have certified technicians? Are they insured? Do they have good reviews from past customers? Is there a 24-hour emergency line for you to call? You can find out about these things by checking out online review sites or word of mouth. Choosing a company that can respond to your call quickly and efficiently is crucial to mitigation.
If your property has been damaged by water, it is critical to act fast. Water damage can occur in many forms, including through a leaking pipe or indoor flooding. When this type of damage happens, it is important to address it as soon as possible because it can quickly become a larger problem and trigger mold growth. If you wait too long, you may find yourself dealing with more problems than you originally thought. Professional water damage restoration contractors have the expertise and experience to respond to any water damage promptly.
When hiring a water damage restoration company, it is important to remember that cleaning and reconstruction may take a few weeks. During the first few days, your crew will be working on cleaning and drying your home. You can begin deconstruction if you’ve managed to salvage some of your belongings. After investigation, your contractor will remove damaged materials and then reconstruct your home. This process can take anywhere from one to two weeks.
The cost of water damage restoration is an important consideration when choosing a water damage restoration company. While a small home flood costs about $1000, a large commercial property may require several hundred thousand dollars. However, you can negotiate a lower price for the job if you need additional services. Another way to find a water damage restoration company is to ask for references. Ask previous clients if they can act as references. Make sure that you obtain permission to use their names for reference purposes.
Water damage restoration companies also specialize in black water cleanup. Black water can include sewage, seawater, river water, or contaminated groundwater. This damage usually happens when a sewer or septic line backs up. It contains components that pose immediate health risks. A restoration company with experience in tackling this type of damage is necessary to remove all sewage traces and prevent further contamination. The process is often more complex than you might think.
If salvageable building materials cannot be salvaged, a water damage restoration company may need to remove them from the property. This process is necessary for efficient drying, and it may cost as little as 15% of the insurance claim if the property was damaged during a flood. Also, removing building materials will expose the walls, ceilings, and subflooring, making the drying process more efficient. The cost of removing all damaged materials from your property will depend on the extent of the damage.
Once the water is removed, the water damage restoration company will clean and disinfect the property to make it safe for re-occupancy. This process is crucial because it will prevent further damage, such as mold growth. The water damage restoration company will also work closely with the insurance company on your behalf to help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible. Some companies perform both mitigation and restoration in-house. Others do both. So, depending on your needs, it is good to choose a company that provides both services.
A good water damage restoration company will strategically place air movers and dehumidifiers in wet areas. Proper drying can dry a property within a few days. However, in some cases, the property is at risk of fungal growth. If left untreated, mold can begin growing in just a few hours. Your restoration company should apply antimicrobials to prevent mold from growing in the property and destroy any existing spores.
Once you have hired a company, you should also be prepared to pay a fair price. Water damage restoration is expensive, and you should budget for it. Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $8,000 for a complete water damage restoration. The average cost of hiring a water damage restoration company is approximately $3,000.
