It’s a very bad day, the worst. When your home or business sustains serious damage from any source – fire, flood, wind – it shoves you roughly through a range of painful emotions, from worry to panic and into survival mode. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, it can be hard to even think straight, let alone research the best damage restoration services in Dallas.
Since you’re here, chances are good that you have recently experienced a catastrophic loss. If that’s the case, we would like to express our sympathy for what you’re going through. We know this time will not be easy for you or your family. In the hopes of lightening the load just a little, we have collected some tips for locating and engaging the best provider, whether you need Dallas water damage restoration or work related to fire or other natural disasters.
When you find the right provider, it won’t be just another job to them. Here is what you should look for.
Well Qualified
Any trustworthy damage restoration outfit will be licensed and insured. This means that, for starters, the company is officially approved by the state to do business in the area. The company should also carry appropriate insurance to cover the liability aspect of work at the property.
It’s also good for look for the IICRC seal next to the business name. That stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and it verifies that the company is qualified in the industry and competent at the work. Technicians that are unqualified may miss important elements of the job and leave issues like mold unaddressed. That can lead to a total loss down the road, just when you’re putting your life back together.
Quick to Respond
Every minute counts when it comes to restoration, especially if you have sustained any kind of water damage. Mold colonies can be established and begin to spread in just 24 hours, multiplying the damage and making the space toxic for humans.
For that reason, it’s helpful to choose a damage restoration company that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Disasters do not observe standard office hours. The best damage restoration companies understand and graciously accommodate this.
Verified Ratings and Work History
When major disasters occur in a community, a lot of families will need help. Unfortunately, that need often spurs a crop of brand new and underqualified operations to spring up, seemingly overnight. In order to determine that a company has plenty of experience doing this work successfully, there should be a verifiable work history in the form of reviews that span at least a few years.
It’s also a good idea to check out the company’s BBB page. This can show not only that the company has a positive rating, but also how it deals with complaints. No one can please everyone all of the time, but how a business deals with unhappy customers shows a lot about its character and trustworthiness.
And finally, ask your friends and family for first-hand recommendations. They can help to make sure that you choose a firm with experience in the specific work you need, whether that is air duct cleaning in Dallas or mold remediation in Richardson, Plano, North Irving, or another city in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.
Clear and Detailed Contract
After the space is assessed by a licensed, insured, and certified service provider, you will be ready to sign on the dotted line and let the technicians get to work. However, a vague or confusing contract is a red flag that should give you pause.
The contract needs to be very clear about the scope of work, terms of service, and expected completion date. The cost estimate must be detailed and as close to accurate as possible. When it comes to restoration work, however, further damage can always be uncovered as the job progresses. Make sure the contract spells out what will happen in that case so that you are able to track the estimate as the job goes along and are not hit with a surprise bill at the end for twice what you expected.
Remember that you will not be in the greatest frame of mind when you sign this contract. It will be hard to keep all of the details straight. A good contract is detailed enough to provide an excellent reference as questions and concerns occur to you later.
Familiarity with Insurance Claims
You will most likely be dealing with your insurance company as well as a damage restoration specialist, so be sure to ask any potential provider about their understanding of the claims process. Lack of attention to your insurer’s required procedures and protocols can delay your claim considerably.
You may also risk going out of pocket if the restoration company jumps right into work that isn’t approved. Good damage restoration firms will offer to help you navigate the complexities of your insurance claim.
Professionalism and Kindness
When you need to engage a damage restoration service, you are going through a terrible time. Your home and business properties are very valuable both monetarily and emotionally. You need a firm that understands this and is willing to go above and beyond to make the experience as easy as possible for you. If at any time a representative is brusque or unwilling to answer your questions, move along.
Modern Equipment
Established professional restoration companies care about regularly upgrading their equipment so that it can be as powerful and efficient as possible. Outdated equipment may not dry moisture or clean the air as thoroughly as it could.
Newer equipment gives the service provider the best chance of saving as many of your possessions as possible. And in many cases, the better the equipment, the faster the job can be completed and you can get back to normal life again.
A catastrophic loss can plunge you into the depths of despair, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are companies that stop at nothing to help you feel comfortable, keep you informed, and treat your space and your belongings with respect. The best damage restoration services can provide you with peace of mind as well as competent and thorough work. When you find that, you can relax in the knowledge that the job will be done right.