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How to Choose a Restoration Professional

How to Choose a Restoration Professional


When you purchase a home, the last thing on your mind is all of the different damage types that it can incur.  When water enters a home, whether from weather, burst pipes, or broken appliances the damage is often extensive and overwhelming.  Water damage left unaddressed can cause a complete loss to your structure and contents.  Fire damages, even small ones, can cause devastating damage.  Mold in a home is unsightly, damaging to the structures, and a health concern.  No matter the damage to your home, calling a professional restoration company is imperative to getting the home back to its pre-loss condition.  But how do you decide who to call?  There are several different things to consider when choosing a restoration company to handle the damage to your home. 

Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, is the non-profit certifying and standard-setting body for the restoration and cleaning industry.  The IICRC maintains strict standards for member companies and their employees in regards to on-going training in order to re-certify year by year. For water damage restoration, the "Water Restoration Technician" certification is obviously required, but other certifications are helpful as well, like Applied Microbial Remediation and Applied Structural Drying.   

Insurance Compatible

Any restoration company worth its salt will be able to work directly with your insurance.  If the company you’re interviewing says otherwise, that should set up red flags.  The project manager for your job will be able to work directly with your insurance adjuster to streamline the restoration process for you, and excellent managers will help ensure that you’re getting the industry standard of care within the confines of your insurance limitations.  Communicating directly with your insurance adjuster allows your restoration team to expedite the process and get your job done as quickly as possible. 

Reputation and Business Rating

When researching restoration companies, ask around and look at online reviews.  A restoration company that’s been around for a while should have good online reviews for a variety of the services they offer.  Even if they have a few negative reviews, take time to read the company's response. How a bad review is handled shows a lot about the attitude and professionalism of the company. Additionally, word of mouth is a big deal in the restoration industry.  Whether a company did a good job or a bad job, someone is likely to tell you all about it if you ask.  In addition to online reviews and an overall good reputation, the company should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. 

Response Time

A good restoration professional understands that time is of the essence when dealing with water or fire damage.  Because of this, most restoration companies offer 24/7 emergency service and are committed to quick response times.  If a company is taking too long to respond, barring extenuating circumstances like an overload of calls during a bad storm, they aren’t showing professionalism or consideration for the emergency at hand.  Even in overloaded situations, many companies will create a waitlist and even offer the number of other reputable companies to ensure your emergency is addressed as quickly as possible. 

Damage to your home can be exceedingly stressful to deal with, but knowing what to look for in a restoration company can take a lot of the guesswork out of it.  The right company will be able to calmly and professionally guide you through the entire process leaving you with peace of mind you didn’t think was possible in a crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers expert guidance through the entire insurance claim process. Our team will assist you through the process to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damage. When Accutech technicians arrive on-site at your home or business, we will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage.

We document the damage with a plethora of photographic and videographic evidence and create detailed reports outlining the damage, what needs to be done, and the estimated cost. Our team will handle all communication with your insurance company, reducing the headache and hassle of you being the middleman. We'll submit all documentation, invoices, and payments directly to your insurer, ensuring everything aligns with your policy coverage. Accutech is here to advocate on your behalf if any disputes or discrepancies arise during the claim process.

In some cases, your insurance policy may not cover the damage, and our team will help you understand what is and is not covered, along with providing you with the steps you should take next.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Yes, we work with all major insurance companies and assist you throughout the claims process.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

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