Water Damage: Choosing a Restoration Professional

Look for these qualities in a water extraction company

Water damage restoration professionals have the experience and equipment required to restore church buildings back to their original state, plus eliminate harmful microbes that cause mold. Secondary water damage behind walls, in stairwells, and in other unseen spaces can cause more trouble than the initial emergency.

Hiring a Professional Pays Dividends

Choosing a professional to handle the restoration process is an effective way to make sure the damage from a flood or leak is dealt with swiftly and properly.

Now is the best time to identify one or two companies in your area that can respond 24 hours a day and are properly trained, certified, and equipped to restore your ministry after a loss. Add their numbers to your emergency response plan.

What to Expect from a Restoration Expert

Here are a few important qualities to expect from a water restoration professional.

Easy to Reach: Look for a company that’s available 24 hours a day, and can respond to your ministry within an hour or two of calling for service. The first 48 hours of water restoration are the most important in keeping any water damage from permanently affecting your structure.

Full Range of Services: Find a company qualified to get your ministry back into pre-loss condition. This includes water extraction to dry and sanitize the affected area, as well as carpet cleaning and mold removal. You may need to hire a separate company to handle any structural repairs.

Certified: Many professionals will seek certification by an industry organization, such as the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), or the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Both organizations establish standards and offer education related to inspection, cleaning, and restoration.

Insured: Confirm that the contractor you've selected carries adequate liability insurance.

Access to Referrals: Take advantage of any opportunities to contact former customers of a company. They can give you honest insight into the quality of work the company achieves.

Cost Estimate: The professional you hire should be able to provide a ballpark estimate of the cost, before any work is done.

Ask your insurance agent for recommendations on professionals in your area.