Choosing a Restoration Professional

Choosing a water, fire, or mold damage specialist is not an easy decision and should not be made based on price alone. Time is important with these types of situations, but taking the time to do research can prove to be invaluable. Look for a professional with a good reputation that has experience handling these types of situations. The State of Florida also requires some restoration professionals to hold special licenses to perform that type of work.

Certifications
Two major training schools, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), provide certifications and set the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. These organizations are the most well-known and respected organizations in the industry. Choose a company that employs technicians with certifications in Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation from these organizations and who also follows the IICRC and NORMI recommended procedures. The company itself should also be a "Certified Firm" with the IICRC and a Member of NORMI. Ask to see proof of these credentials before allowing a company to perform any work.

Licensing and Insurance
Any company you choose should be hold a valid business license and be fully insured for handling water loss situations, fire damage, and mold remediation. They should also have worker's compensation insurance. In Florida, all companies and persons performing mold related services are required to hold a state license to perform such activities. This license requires extensive training, certifications, and special insurance policies to obtain and it is illegal to perform mold remediation without this license. You can check for these licenses with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Division of Corporations.

Experience
Knowledge comes not only with education, but experience. While some companies claim to be able to perform water damage restoration, they more often than not lack the expertise and the equipment to do a thorough job. Choose a company that specializes in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and mold remediation.

Water Damage Restoration Process
Do they use thermal imaging and moisture detectors to help locate hidden sources of water intrusion? What type of drying equipment will be used and how is the process monitored?

Mold Remediation Process
Ask any company you speak with about the process they use for mold remediation. Do they use air scrubbers and containment rooms to remove mold spores and prevent them from spreading to other areas of your home? How do they plan to remove the mold? Will they be using soda or ice blasting, sanding followed by HEPA vacuuming and wipe-down, or other techniques? Will they perform post-remediation verification testing to ensure successful remediation? These are important questions to ask to help ensure the company knows what they are doing.

Reputation
A good reputation is extremely important. While not every customer will have good things to say about a company, happy customers say a lot about a company. Ask how long a company has been in business, and check social media sites, search engines, and sites like Angie's List for customer feedback. Also, ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with companies they have used in the past. One or two bad reviews does not necessarily mean you should move on to the next company on the list, but a company with consistently poor reviews should raise a red flag. You can also ask the company for references and a portfolio of previous work if the information is not available online. We would be happy to provide you with a portfolio of our work and references upon request.

Do Your Homework
Make sure you've done your research and phoned around before deciding on a company to use. Chat with friends or co-workers, or do a search online to find out what others have been saying about the water restoration company of your choice. Make sure the company has the relevant certifications and insurance, along with friendly, highly-trained staff.

Get it Sorted Fast
Water damage is something that you can't wait too long to deal with. Water damage that is left alone only worsens, leading to mold infestations, disease, and even permanent damage to the structural integrity of the building. Do your research quickly. Better yet, when putting together an emergency contact list for your household, make sure a water damage restoration company is added to it, so, if you ever have the need, you can just make the call right away.