Prudent decision making becomes elusive when embroiled in an unexpected water event that involves hiring a water damage restoration company. Circumstances of such a situation require immediate action, allowing little time to evaluate the competency of potential service providers. Heightened emotions combined with a sense of urgency often coalesce to obscure warning signs concerning an organization’s ability to deliver a comprehensive solution.
Due diligence when faced with the urgency of employing a water damage restoration company, is paramount to a satisfactory outcome. Assessing the capabilities of a potential service provider requires several fundamental considerations. Foregoing basic inquiries may result in exacerbation of the circumstances surrounding an unexpected water event. Additionally, overlooking this verification process can expose the consumer to financial and health liabilities.
Water Damage Restoration Company Experience
Qualified flood restoration contractors will possess years of experience. Verification of proficiency is accomplished via several avenues of investigation. Longevity, employee retention, training regimens and certifications held are essential considerations in determining organizational awareness.
Vetting water damage restoration company experience requires a holistic approach, beginning with a rudimentary companywide analysis. Internet investigation will quickly yield insights into a given organization’s suitability to provide a satisfactory result. This preliminary investigation, coupled with some or all the additional inquiries listed, will help sideline any uncertainty surrounding the hiring process.
Water Mitigation Company Reviews
Time is of the essence when amidst a water event requiring emergency restoration services. Online reviews are a valuable resource when rapidly qualifying a water mitigation company is necessary.
Companies with few online reviews should be considered suspect, no matter the result of the assessments. Low review numbers bring into question whether the evaluation came from independent sources or acquaintances of the organization. Finally, companies with a significant number of reviews that result in a low overall satisfaction score should be avoided. Organizations with a significant number of reviews that result in a high overall satisfaction score should be considered for service.
Training and Certification
Classroom training and subsequent certifications provide a baseline for job consistency. Formal training and certification should not be the sole domain of company administrators. Instead, this knowledge and accreditation should be woven throughout the organizational hierarchy. Formal training and certification of field technicians is essential to job success. Qualifications administered by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) are coveted industrywide.
The IICRC is a non-profit organization that seeks to establish and advance globally recognized standards, credentials, and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC is universally accepted as the leading industry curriculum provider. Protocols established by the IICRC are respected and referenced by industry professionals worldwide.
Insurance Coverage
Adequate insurance coverage is essential to staving off potential job liabilities. Worker’s compensation and general liability insurance should be considered prerequisites to the hiring process. Uninsured, fly-by-night organizations that do not provide such indemnification should be avoided.
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and confirm that the policy is current and policy limits are sufficient. Quality insurance coverage not only protects consumer interests, but also indicates a well-established and financially stable service provider.
Licensing
Organizational legitimacy should be determined for any water mitigation company being considered as a service provider. Unregistered entities lacking appropriate governmental registration and licensing should be avoided as such deficiencies denote dubious business practices.
Proper state licensing should be confirmed prior to enlisting the services of any water damage restoration company. Moreover, any contract presented or company vehicle in service should have state license numbers clearly displayed. Lacking such basic business requirements brings into question professional integrity.
Philadelphia Water Damage Restoration Company
If you have suffered flood damage in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties, contact us at (267) 808-7200 to prevent or alleviate the devastating effects of water damage. We can safely dry, deodorize and disinfect the affected areas. Our rapid response professionals offer water damage restoration in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. We are prepared and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can be on site within 1 hour protecting your interests.