When a disaster strikes your building, it can be a stressful and costly experience. Choosing the wrong restoration company can significantly add to that stress and do more harm than good.
Exorbitant charges, unnecessary delays, poor workmanship, and risky behavior are common problems in the industry. But armed with the right things to look for, you can save yourself from considerable headaches and expense.
Here are 5 key things to consider when choosing a restoration company:
1. Are they licensed, insured, and certified?
There are several reasons to only work with licensed and insured restoration companies. For one, licensed and insured professionals can legally address your building emergency, freeing you from legal and financial liabilities. If things go wrong with an unlicensed or uninsured restoration company, you’re vulnerable to fraudulent charges and lawsuits.
Certifications give additional peace of mind because they ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to perform restorations correctly. One key certification to verify is IICRC, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Additional certifications expand the types of emergencies that the restoration provider is equipped to respond to.
See Ideal’s qualifications and certifications
2. Are they available 24/7?
Emergencies are unpredictable. When disaster strikes, you need a team that’s prepared to respond at any time of day and on any day of the week. A company that offers round the clock servicing is a must. How long is their average response time? A building restoration company with multiple locations can get to your faster which can significantly reduce the cost of disaster repair and prevent the issue from getting worse.
Part of availability is communication. You’ll want to be kept in the loop with the timeframe for the project, what will be needed of you, and how your business will be impacted. In emergency situations, time is of the essence and proper communication goes a long way to make sure things run as fluid as possible.
Learn about Ideal’s strategic locations and response time guarantee
3. Do they have a good reputation in the community?
Online reviews can make us skeptical . Are they paid or are they authentic? It can be hard to tell sometimes. So look at more than just reviews. Have they been serving the local community long? Does anyone local recommend them? How long have they been in business and what do they specialize in?
These are all good questions to ask. Of course, doing a price comparison is always a wise course of action, but remember, cheaper is not always better. Don’t assume that the cheapest estimate is the best deal. In fact, going with a cheaper but less reputable restoration company may cost you much more in the long run. After all, this isn’t getting your lawn mowed, this is damage remediation. Quality and experience should be paramount.
See what Ideal’s clients are saying
4. Are their technicians trained to handle multiple issues at once?
A building emergency can uncover other potential issues that need to be addressed. For example, a call for water damage recovery may also require mold remediation or asbestos abatement. In most cases, building restoration companies need to bring their work to a halt and call in another team that can handle the new issue. This adds cost and delays to the project. Look for a building restoration company that has fully cross-trained technicians that are equipped to address any situation they come across. This will ensure your emergency can be resolved as fast as possible and minimize any potential disruptions to your business.
Learn more about Ideal’s fully cross-trained technicians and our approach
5. Are they taking measures to protect their clients from COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is extremely contagious and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken the lives of millions around the globe. Even during building emergencies, every precaution should be taken to keep occupants safe from potential infection.
Ask your building restoration company what protocols they are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Does every technician have adequate PPE? Is the equipment cleaned, disinfected, and wrapped after each project? What kind of disinfectants are used and have they been approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2 ?) Do they use containment barriers like STARC systems to isolate their workspace? A building restoration company that is dedicated to keeping their clients safe while they perform their work will be happy to answer these questions for you.
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It Pays to Ask the Right Questions
Choosing the right building restoration and emergency recovery partner doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With the right research and questions prepared, you’ll be able to pick a company that has the experience, equipment, and expertise that will meet your needs and give you peace of mind.
For over 40 years, Ideal has been the trusted building restoration and emergency response partner for hundreds of companies around the Bay Area. We are focused on delivering the best service for our clients and invest in the latest equipment and training so we can help them recover from any disaster. With two strategic locations on both sides of the Bay, we can be on scene within an hour or less. And because our technicians are fully cross-trained, they’re prepared to handle any scenario they come across.
Would you like to schedule a free consultation and assessment of your building? Get in touch today.
