After a fire or rainstorm, partnering with one of the restoration companies in Denver to get your home back to normal might feel nerve-wracking. Particularly under such complex circumstances, where time is of the essence, picking the right company is vital.
To be sure you made the right choice, do some research and ask some pertinent questions to avoid the costly mistake of hiring a company that is unqualified or unskilled to perform your restoration efficiently and promptly.
Keep reading to learn the vital questions you must ask when choosing a Denver restoration company, ensuring your property is in good hands.
The Meaning of Pre-Damage Condition
The phrase “pre-damage” indicates the condition of a property before fire, mold, or water damage. The goal of every restoration project is to return the property to its pre-damage condition.
Based on the seriousness of the damage, this may entail:
- Replacing or repairing damaged structural elements,
- Sanitizing and cleaning affected spaces
- Managing any hidden problems that could develop because of the damage
Restoring a property to its pre-damage condition is vital to guarantee that it is healthy, functional, and safe for its occupants. It also means that material replacement value will be limited to similar quality materials that were previously used before the loss occurred.
Questions to Ask a Restoration Company Beforehand
What Certifications and Credentials Do You Have?
When dealing with restoration companies, choosing one with the right certifications and certifications is critical. Ask the business about their qualifications, including being bonded, licensed, and insured.
Additionally, ask about certifications from trustworthy industry organizations such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These certifications guarantee the business has gone through meticulous training and follows industry best practices.
Are Your Technicians Available 24/7?
Reputable restoration companies should answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since damage from a disaster must be immediately managed, restoration companies should also be able to send technicians to examine the issue as soon as possible, typically within an hour of being dispatched to the disaster.
What Restoration Experience Do You Have?
Inquire how frequently they do projects like yours to decide their level of expertise. It’s also vital to search for online reviews of the company and to ask for a list of referrals. Ask their previous clients if they were pleased with the results, how long the job took to finish, etc.
It’s important to note that every review might not be perfect. What you’re investigating is a pattern of broken deadlines, unfulfilled promises, and sub-par work. If there is a bad review, see how the company addressed the complaint. This is a good sign of how your matters will be handled. Just as with any service company, experience is a huge factor.
An experienced company will have the skills, knowledge, and specialized tools needed to manage the restoration job effectively, decreasing the time it takes to finish the work. Furthermore, they foresee and deal with any possible problems that could arise during the restoration project, saving time and eliminating any future issues.
How Long Will It Take to Complete the Restoration Job?
In most water disasters, the flooded spaces must be dried within 72 hours of the incident. If not, the area will get worse–such as warped flooring or mold growth Since time is of the essence, be sure the restoration contractor is aware of this and creates the right time limit for the job’s completion.
If the flooded areas aren’t dried within 1 to 3 days of the disaster, the stagnant water could develop mold and bacteria. Since urgency is a factor, be sure your restoration company can accommodate the correct time frames for every phase of your job.
Is Your Company Insured and Bonded?
Make sure the company is covered by both workers’ compensation and general liability coverage before using them. Restoration companies do their best to avoid causing structural accidents or workers getting injured during the restoration project.
If injuries or accidents do happen, the company will cover the cost if it is insured and bonded. Ensure the restoration company has these policies and they’re current before you hire them. If not, you could be liable for medical bills, damage, and other costs if the company doesn’t have them. Pure Restore is IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified, insured, and bonded.
Be bold and ask for credentials before partnering with a restoration company for the project. You want to make sure you can depend on the company to fulfill its service promise.
Does Your Company Do More Than Just Dry-Out a Property?
Some restoration companies only do the dry-out phase of the restoration, leaving you to find another company to complete the work. Having several restoration companies to restore your property makes the insurance process more complex, usually prolonging the amount of time to get your property back to pre-damage condition.
Finally, be sure your contract includes specified services that detail what you can expect and a clear-cut timeline for finishing.
What Are Response and Turnaround Times?
Response and turnaround times are crucial factors when picking a restoration company. Response time denotes how swiftly the company can answer your need for help after a disaster.
The quicker the response time, the less amount of damage will happen and the faster the restoration process can start. On the other hand, turnaround times mean how long the restoration company will take to finish the job once they have begun.
While this timeline could differ based on numerous factors like the size of the property and the type of damage, it’s vital to talk about the expected turnaround time with the restoration company beforehand. A trustworthy restoration company must be able to give you a credible timeline based on their skills and experience as well as your particular situation. Keep in mind that drying out moisture can take longer than predicted, and experienced project managers can help you stay up to date with progress.
Remember that a faster turnaround time could mean a higher price tag, so talk about your timeline expectations and price range with the restoration company before hiring.
What Techniques and Tools Are Used for Remediation?
Restoration companies use many tools and techniques for restoration, based on the scale and type of the damage. For instance, when it comes to water damage, the restoration company will use specialized tools like air movers, dehumidifiers, and pumps to remove the water and dry out the distressed spaces. Additionally, they might use moisture meters and infrared cameras to find hidden moisture, guaranteeing that all spaces are completely dried.
Restoration companies also use specialized cleaning agents, ozone generators, and air scrubbers to eliminate smoke damage, stubborn odors, and soot. If mold is an underlying issue, procedures like air filtration, containment, and cleaning solutions eliminate the mold and stop it from spreading. If you are allergic or sensitive to certain chemicals or scents, inform your restoration company so that they can choose the appropriate cleaning products to work with.
Do They Provide Guarantees on The Work?
Some restoration companies offer guarantees on their work to give their clients peace of mind and guarantee customer satisfaction. A guarantee usually implies that the restoration company will stand behind its work and take full responsibility for any problems that could develop after the restoration project is done.
Ask if the company includes any additional remediation service if needed to tackle any issues that weren’t found or solved during the original restoration job. Before picking a restoration company, discuss their guaranteed policy. Knowing the terms and conditions is critical.
For example, some restoration companies offer a comprehensive guarantee while others offer a limited guarantee. Be sure to pick a Denver restoration company that provides you with a guarantee that satisfies your needs and gives you the peace of mind you want to move forward with the restoration project.
Do They Help with the Insurance Company and Paperwork?
Dealing with an insurance company after a disaster could be very stressful. However, many restoration companies know that their clients aren’t experienced or don’t have the know-how to handle the negotiations and paperwork.
Most dependable and respectable restoration companies are happy to assist their clients during the process and will work directly with the client and insurance company to offer documentation and estimates. Keep in mind that you are ultimately the insurance company’s customer, and you will be heavily involved throughout the process–especially when it comes to authorizing work.
This type of support may be vital for those dealing with the trauma and stress of a disastrous event. However, before picking a restoration company, it’s crucial to discuss their insurance claim assistance procedure, making sure you know how they can assist you with your insurance claim.
The best Denver restoration companies are the ones that will minimize and relieve your headache of going back and forth with your insurance company with a wide range of details. A truly professional restoration company has lots of experience handling insurance claims and will be prepared to work side by side with you and your insurance company to make your damage restoration project happen in a safe, complete, and timely manner.
Denver, CO Restoration Services
If you have experienced a fire, water, or other disasters in the Denver, CO area, contact Pure Restore for a free evaluation. Our experienced restoration technicians are ready to aid you with restoring your property so you can get on with your life.
