Realizing you’ve got water damage can be very stressful. In Sarasota, there are several causes for water damage. Bad weather, such as a hurricane or other heavy storm, can lead to flooding or a leak in your roof. You may have burst pipes or an overflowing toilet. Your sewer may have backed up. No matter what the cause, you now need to enlist the help of a professional for decontamination, cleanup and restoration. If your home has just recently been flooded, please refer to our post on what to do after a flood.
The first thing you should do when choosing a water damage company is research. If you are in Sarasota or a nearby area, look for a company that is local.
Make Sure Your Water Damage Restoration Company will be Available
Since water damage can occur at any time of the day or night, and usually on very short notice or none at all, it is important to learn whether the company of your choice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Although you may not plan to have a flooded basement in the middle of the night or over a holiday weekend, if something should go wrong, it will need to be repaired and restored. After you have repaired the flood damage, please refer to our post on how to protect your home from water damage. The presence of an emergency number in the company’s listing is a good indicator that service is available around the clock.
What Do Others Think of Your Water Damage Restoration Company?
The next thing you should examine is the company’s reputation. Research for other clients’ opinions; a large number of complaints in comparison to positive reviews will tell you the company you’re looking at is probably not the right one for your water damage. Determine whether the company is licensed, bonded, insured, and can handle all types of water damage and related troubles such as mold or contamination. A company that has been operating for twenty years typically has more experience than a company that has been in business for two. Be sure the company you focus your search on has all the proper equipment and chemicals, as well as a capable staff. If you are interested, click here to read some of our testimonials.
Do They Work With Your Water Damage Insurance?
Next, determine which companies are willing to work with your insurance company to minimize the steps you must go through to pay for the work. In the event your insurance does not cover the cost of repairs, like in the case of not maintaining your plumbing or carelessness on your part (leaving a hose or faucet running, for example), you will be responsible for any fees assessed by the water damage restoration company.
What is Your Water Damage Restoration Company going to do?
Finally, be aware of the scope of services provided by your water restoration company. Some companies will provide more assistance than others; while they will all clean up and disinfect the damaged part of your property, some will go above and beyond and assist with tasks such as cleaning furniture, replacing damaged flooring or carpets, or working with your insurance provider to ensure all necessary claim forms are filed in a timely manner.