When disaster strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your home, a fire damaging your property, or mold growing in hidden spaces—the need for professional restoration services is urgent. Homeowners understandably want to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently, but making the wrong choice when hiring a restoration company can lead to further stress, higher costs, and, in some cases, inadequate results. Over the years, I’ve seen countless homeowners make the same mistakes when hiring a restoration company. In this blog, I’ll highlight some of the top mistakes people make and offer practical advice on how to avoid them to ensure your restoration process is smooth and effective.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a restoration company based solely on price. While it’s natural to want to save money, opting for the cheapest option can often lead to poor outcomes. Restoration services require a high level of expertise and specialized equipment, which costs money. If a company’s prices seem too good to be true, they likely are.
Restoration work, especially for damage caused by water, fire, or mold, can be complicated. Cutting corners to save money may result in inadequate repairs, leaving you with hidden damage that can worsen over time. For instance, improper water damage restoration can lead to mold growth, which is far more expensive and challenging to remediate down the road.
How to Avoid It: While cost is always a factor, it shouldn’t be the deciding one. Look for companies with a good reputation, verified credentials, and experience in handling your specific type of damage. Check customer reviews, ask for references, and get multiple quotes. The cheapest option may save you money upfront, but it could cost you more in the long run if the work isn’t done properly.
Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Licensing and Insurance
A restoration company’s licensing and insurance are non-negotiable. Many homeowners mistakenly assume that all restoration companies are licensed and insured. However, not all companies adhere to the required standards. Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured company can leave you exposed to liability if accidents happen or if the work is subpar.
For example, if a company causes accidental damage to your property during the restoration process, an uninsured company may leave you footing the bill. Similarly, a lack of proper licensing could mean the company is not following industry regulations, which could lead to future complications, especially when dealing with complex issues like mold or hazardous materials.
How to Avoid It: Before hiring a restoration company, always ask to see proof of licensing and insurance. A reputable company will have no issue providing this information. Check that the company is licensed in your state and that their insurance covers both liability and workers’ compensation. This ensures you’re protected if anything goes wrong during the restoration process.
Mistake #3: Not Checking for Proper Certification
Restoration work is highly specialized, and different types of damage require different expertise. A company might be great at water damage but lack the necessary experience or certification for fire damage restoration. Many homeowners fail to ask about a company’s specific certifications and end up with a service that doesn’t meet industry standards.
Certifications like those from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) indicate that the company’s technicians have been trained in the latest techniques and best practices for restoration. Without these certifications, a company might be using outdated methods or substandard equipment, which could affect the quality of the work.
How to Avoid It: Always inquire about the company’s certifications and experience in the specific type of restoration service you need. The IICRC is one of the leading organizations for restoration professionals, and choosing a company with IICRC-certified technicians ensures that they are knowledgeable and up to date on the latest industry standards.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Importance of Timeliness
In the world of restoration, time is of the essence. Homeowners often make the mistake of not acting quickly enough after an incident, allowing water to sit in their home or fire damage to worsen. Many also don’t prioritize the restoration company’s response time. Delays can result in further damage, such as mold growth or structural weakening.
Restoration companies with a quick response time are essential to mitigating damage. A company that offers 24/7 emergency services and responds immediately to calls will prevent the damage from escalating further. The longer you wait, the more expensive and difficult the restoration process becomes.
How to Avoid It: When searching for a restoration company, prioritize those that offer emergency services and have a proven track record of responding quickly. Time is critical in minimizing damage, so don’t wait too long to hire a professional. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving your property and reducing restoration costs.
Mistake #5: Not Getting a Written Estimate
A common mistake homeowners make is accepting verbal estimates or vague promises from restoration companies. Restoration projects are often complex, and prices can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the materials required, and the labor involved. Without a detailed written estimate, you risk being hit with unexpected costs later on.
Some companies may try to take advantage of this by lowballing an initial estimate and then tacking on additional charges once the work is underway. This leaves homeowners frustrated and financially burdened.
How to Avoid It: Always insist on a written estimate before work begins. This document should detail the scope of the project, the timeline, the materials required, and a breakdown of costs. Make sure the estimate includes any potential additional charges, so you’re not caught off guard later. A clear, written agreement helps protect both parties and ensures transparency throughout the process.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Customer Reviews and References
With so many restoration companies out there, it can be hard to know which one to trust. Many homeowners fail to properly vet companies by checking customer reviews or asking for references. Online reviews can give you a sense of the company’s reputation, while references from previous clients can provide insight into their experience and quality of work.
Without reading reviews or speaking with past clients, you risk hiring a company that has a history of poor service or unsatisfactory results.
How to Avoid It: Take the time to read customer reviews and ask the company for references. A reputable company will have positive reviews on multiple platforms, and they will gladly provide references. Pay attention to the overall sentiment, how the company responds to complaints, and the consistency of their service across different types of projects.
Make an Informed Decision
Hiring the right restoration company can make a significant difference in the outcome of your restoration project. Avoiding these common mistakes—like choosing based on price alone, failing to verify credentials, and not reading customer reviews—will help you find a company that is reliable, professional, and capable of handling your needs. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and ensuring you’re working with a certified, experienced team, you can protect both your property and your peace of mind during the restoration process.