When water leaks, floods, or appliance malfunctions cause a water disaster, you need to take action quickly. According to a report from the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for nearly 29% of all homeowners’ insurance claims in the United States. As extreme weather patterns increase and infrastructure ages, homeowners in areas like Coeur d’Alene face a rising risk of water damage exposure.
The quicker you can react, the better your chances are to reduce structural damage, prevent mold growth, and protect your belongings.
However, with so many restoration providers available, it may not be easy to determine which company is capable of providing the expertise to deal with your water emergency. The difference between the smooth, efficient recovery you hope for and a lengthy, inconvenient, and costly recovery process can simply come down to which team you choose.
In this blog, we’ll go over the critical steps to choosing the best water damage restoration company near me, which can be useful whether you find yourself with a flooded basement, a ruptured pipe, or storm damage.
What You Need To Look For In A Restoration Company?
To find the best water damage restoration company in your area, begin by searching for one that is licensed, fully insured, has certified technicians, and has plenty of good local reviews. Here is what to look for:
- Verify Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance
The first thing you want to do is ensure the company is not only licensed in your area but also carries the required insurance coverage. Reputable businesses will typically have industry certifications, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which assures that the restoration technician is trained in industry practices and safety guidelines.
Certifications you should consider are:
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification
- IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
- State contractor’s license
You need insurance that covers both general liability and workers’ compensation because you want to protect yourself as the homeowner from property damage or liability for employee injuries that may occur during the restoration process.
- Determine Experience and Local Reputation
Experience is important in the water damage restoration industry because whether it’s a small leak or a flood in your home, it all comes down to the technical ability of the restoration team and their response time.
Even more important than experience is the company’s local reputation. You will want to work with a local company that is knowledgeable about the Coeur d’Alene climate and is familiar with the building materials used in that region. Read reviews from customers on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
- Ask About Emergency Response Options
Water damage can happen at any time of day, middle of the night, on weekends, and on holidays. For that reason, you want to select a restoration company in Coeur d’Alene that offers an emergency response option with 24/7 availability.
As time goes by, water damage severity increases. If a professional restoration company can respond promptly to evaluate the damage, determine severity, and begin mitigation, it can prevent worse outcomes.
Things to keep in mind when asking questions:
- How quickly can you arrive on-site?
- Do you have technicians on call 24/7?
- What is your average response time to an emergency?
- Look for Their Services and Work Process
Restoration is more than just pulling out water; experts should assist you in bringing your home back into a safe and livable environment. Depending on their scope of work, they should provide a varying degree of restoration services, including but not limited to:
- Water extraction
- Structural drying and dehumidifying
- Mold inspection and remediation
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Odor removal
- Repair and reconstruction
Also, make sure to ask what type of equipment they are using, such as industrial-size air movers and dehumidifiers, moisture detection devices, etc.
Also Read: Common Plumbing Issues That Lead to Water Damage (and Prevention)
- Written Estimates and Assistance with Insurance Claims
A reputable company will provide you with a written estimate which, to the best of its ability, will identify the scope of work, materials (where possible), labor costs, and timeline. While prices and scope can change based on the extent of the damage, your estimate should be relatively free of vague fees or excess bill padding.
Also, dealing with insurance claims can be a pain. Many restoration companies provide some assistance with filing your insurance claim by documenting your damage and working with your insurance company. This is an extra step beyond general customer service and is worth it because, at this point in time, you are stressed and dealing with a daunting task.
Look for a company that:
- Provides clear written estimates in print
- Helps with insurance claims
- Has experience working with various insurance providers
- Local Knowledge of Coeur d’Alene Homes and Risks
Unlike most areas in the United States, Coeur d’Alene has a combination of seasonal rainfall, snow melt, and cold winters that can lead to pipe bursts and flooding. A water damage restoration contractor in Coeur d’Alene who understands the local conditions is in a better position to diagnose root causes and offer solutions that truly fit your needs.
For example, an experienced local provider will know how to deal with the following:
- Basement flooding due to proximity to lakes and high water tables
- Mold issues stemming from poor ventilation in older homes
- Ice damming on roofs during winter storms
When you hire someone who knows the layout of the region, it gives you an advantage in preventing future issues and not just addressing the current one.
- Ask About Follow-up Services and Advice
After the drying and cleaning processes are completed, professionals should always conduct a follow-up service inspection. This will involve moisture checks to determine drying progress and re-examining any visible mold growth. Trusted providers will also give you preventative recommendations to help avoid similar situations in the future.
Examples of things they might recommend include:
- Installing sump pumps
- Upgrading your drainage systems
- Sealing your crawlspaces or basements
- Improving ventilation
Make the Right Decision for Your Home by Choosing Brothers Restoration
Making the right choice for the best water damage restoration company in your area is quite important. With a lot on the line, including your property value, family’s health, well-being, and more, it is advised to engage a professional, certified, and experienced team that understands your needs, but more importantly, the local environment.
An effective restoration company will have licensing and insurance, offer emergency 24/7 services, use best-in-class equipment, and have strong local reviews.
Whether you are recovering from a plumbing incident or disaster, or if your flooding incident was weather-related, the right choice today can save you time, money, and headaches tomorrow.
Brothers Restoration is proud to provide Coeur d’Alene with fast, professional, and compassionate disaster recovery services. We are a trusted provider of water damage restoration in Coeur d’Alene and have years of experience helping homeowners recover from water emergencies.
Call us today to arrange a free consultation or an emergency response.
