I would like to start by saying that water damage to your home can be a very emotional time in your life, especially if it was the result of a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane. So with that in mind, the prospect of picking a Water Damage Company can be daunting at best. Not to mention that whoever you pick will more than likely be coming into your home and tearing it apart in a effort to bring it back to normal. This of course only adds to the emotional aspect of things. Who wants a stranger going through their personal life? Oh ya, and then to get a bill that can run into thousands of dollars!
Well, first off, try to stay calm. The calmer you are, and less emotionally attached, the easier it will be to logically decide if you need a Water Damage Company or how to pick the one that is right for you.
Assess the damage and start with video taping everything, assuming the incoming water has ceased. A video can be a crucial part of getting your insurance claim to go through quickly and easily.
Now, are there things you can do to get the process started? Is there standing water that can be removed with buckets or a shop vac? How about furniture and other movable items that can be dried out and salvaged? Has the water seeped in to the carpet, drywall, ceilings, etc? If at all possible, open the windows and turn on the fans for fresh air circulation. This will help to control the spread of bacteria and aid in the drying process.
Do You Need A Water Damage Company?
After you have gone through the assessment process you’ll have a pretty good idea if you are going to need professional help and the type of help you’re going to need. Water Damage Companies, typically called Water Damage Restoration Companies can be found in the Yellow Pages (on or off line).
Some of the things that a water damage restoration company can do might include water extraction, sewage clean-up, basement and crawlspace drying, carpet cleaning, sanitization, disinfecting, dehumidification, and mold remediation. And generally speaking, their services can vary from company to company so be sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the company you hire.
Comparing Water Damage Companies
You will want to get at least 3 estimates to be assured of a fair price. Always make sure when getting a bid that they are comparing apples to apples, and not giving you a quote for different things. Find out how long they have been in business. Do they have positive references? Do you know of a friend or family member who has used their services before, and was it a good experience? Are they licensed? Certified?
The reason we want ask all these questions brings us back to the beginning of this article. It’s inevitable, it’s an emotional time and they know it. Unfortunately there are a few companies that will take advantage of the situation and sell you everything under the sun, whether needed or not. This can be avoided by taking a few precautionary steps and applying due diligence. A little homework can go a long way.
On a last note, time is of the essence. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor, don’t let the water sit. The longer it sits, the more damage it creates.
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