There are certainly a lot of responsibilities that come with owning a home. You don’t have a landlord available to handle fixing appliances or necessary repairs. Dealing with water damage is one of those problems that, as a homeowner, might be at the back of your mind and therein lies the importance of hiring water damage restoration.
Most people think of water damage in the extreme, only really thinking of it as an issue in relation to natural disasters like a hurricane or a flood. The reality is, water damage is much more common than you would think.
For example, it is prevalent in Chicago due to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the area. It has a tenancy to sneak up on you, causing havoc behind the scenes until severe damage is done. Once water damage is uncovered, it’s important to vet restoration companies to ensure you’re getting the best service available to you.
Here are five things to look for when choosing a company to work with.
1. Prompt Service
Perhaps a given, but prompt service is extremely important when dealing with this crisis. No one wants to deal with an extensive repair process. When it comes to water damage, a long wait for service isn’t only inconvenient, but detrimental to your home.
Even if your water damage isn’t an emergency, it’s still important to service the area as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. Even a day can make the difference between a routine service and needing to completely tear out a wall or a section of floor.
2. Invested in Their Customers
Knowing that the water damage company you choose has your best interests in mind is invaluable. Working with a company that truly cares about salvaging your property can make an otherwise stressful experience into a reassuring one. This is especially important if you happen to live in a historic home. In this case, water damage services aren’t simply about cleaning up, but about preserving your home.
Finding a company that cares as much about your home as you do can make a world of difference in your experience and in the final result.
3. Uses Advanced and Up-to-date Equipment
The quality of equipment that a company uses is directly related to how effective it will be. Using inadequate equipment is equivalent to ignoring the water damage. Water damage that isn’t properly taken care of could result in the growth of mold, damage to the structural integrity of the building, rot, and the swelling and weakening of the area. It’s important to eliminate these as possibilities by getting the job done correctly the first time.
4. Goes Above and Beyond
Addressing and eliminating water damage is the most important, but it’s a good sign when a company offers additional services. Things like deodorization and sanitation, prevention services, and even furniture restoration show that the company is willing to go above and beyond for their customers, ensuring your experience is as seamless as possible.
5. Works with Your Insurance Company
Another thing to consider is if the company you choose works directly with your insurance company. You might not think to ask, but this service will ultimately save you both time and additional stress.
Dealing with water damage is already a stressful and chaotic experience, and adding on the need to deal with an insurance company is the last thing you would want. This also allows for your claim to be properly handled. If your water damage company offers to work with your insurance, you have their experience and expertise on your side.
Conclusion
These are all factors to consider when looking for a restoration expert! We hope it never comes down to you needing one. However, it’s always better to have someone on hand that can help with these emergencies.
