How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company

When water damages a home, most homeowners hire the first company that answers the phone. That is understandable in an emergency, and it is usually a mistake.

Ask for IICRC certification

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry body that sets water and mold standards. A legitimate restoration company will have at least one certified Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) on staff and will name that person on request.

Confirm insurance experience

Most water losses run through a homeowner's policy. Ask the company how many claims they process a month, which carriers they bill directly, and whether they use Xactimate for estimating. If they cannot answer, keep looking.

Look at the equipment, not the marketing

A fully staffed crew arriving with commercial air movers, LGR dehumidifiers, moisture meters and thermal cameras is a good sign. Two people with a shop vacuum is not.

Read the work authorization carefully

Never sign a document that assigns your insurance benefits to the contractor without reading it. In many states an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) transfers control of your claim to the contractor. That is not always bad — but you should know exactly what you are signing.

Get the drying log

Professional restoration companies keep a daily drying log with moisture readings from every affected area. Ask for a copy each day. If they cannot produce one, the drying is not being monitored properly.