3 Reasons Why Restoration Should Be Left to a Professional

“Maybe I can do this project myself!”

Ah….the words so many of us speak when something happens at our home that requires repair. It may be something small – maybe a little water stain on the ceiling because Junior decided to see if Aquaman could survive being flushed down the toilet. Or it could be something more devastating, like a fire. Whatever the extent of the damage, many homeowners are left wondering if they are equipped to handle the restoration project on their own. Here are 3 reasons why hiring a restoration professional is a smart move.

  1. Certifications

Did you know there is an actual institution whose purpose is to train, test, and certify restoration professionals? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification……sorry gotta catch my breath after reading that one….is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating the standards for restoration companies to adhere to when getting a property restored. Did you know there’s a whole science behind drying out a property? Do you know what class your water damage was? What category? How many air movers and dehumidifiers to place? What materials to remove? Have your eyes glazed over? If you can’t confidently answer these questions, it’s best to leave it to a certified restoration firm who has the training and knowledge to properly dry out spaces to prevent further damages such as mold.

2. Working with your insurance company

Restoration contractors are accustomed to the ins and outs of working with your insurance company. They know what photos to submit, what the estimate needs to look like, and what insurance company standards are. Doing the project yourself or hiring a company who is not accustomed to performing insurance restoration work can make an already stressful experience even more painful.

3. A more pleasant experience for you

Experiencing damage to your home (no matter how small) is stressful. At best, it disrupts your daily routine and takes your valuable time. At worst, it makes your home uninhabitable. Hiring a restoration contractor can take the pressure off you to manage your project, find good tradesmen, source the correct materials, make sure the project is done well and done right. In addition, a reputable firm will warranty the work for a certain period of time.

If you do choose a restoration contractor, make sure to do your due diligence to find an honest firm with a good reputation. Check out the Department of Occupational Regulation website (http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/) to make sure they are properly licensed, check online reviews, and even ask for past client references. Taking a little extra time to find a good contractor will ensure your experience in getting your home and life back is as painless as possible.