In the aftermath of a disaster like a fire, selecting the right restoration company is paramount for a successful recovery. Our licensed home inspectors and adjusters are here to guide you through this critical process.
Comprehensive Assessments: Rely on our licensed home inspectors to conduct thorough assessments of your property. They'll evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the fire or other disasters, providing you with a clear understanding of the restoration needs.
Detailed Recommendations: Benefit from personalized recommendations tailored to your unique situation. Our licensed adjusters will collaborate with you to understand your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that you receive the best possible solution.
Vast Network of Partners: With years of experience in the industry, our licensed professionals have cultivated a vast network of reputable restoration companies. They'll leverage their connections to match you with the company that is best equipped to handle your specific restoration needs.
Peace of Mind: Rest assured that with our licensed home inspectors and adjusters on your side, you'll receive unparalleled support and guidance throughout the restoration process. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we're here to alleviate your concerns every step of the way.
When disaster strikes, trust our licensed experts to lead you to the restoration company that's best equipped to restore your home or property to its former glory.
Research and Recommendations: Start by researching restoration companies in your area. Look for companies with experience in fire damage restoration and positive reviews from past clients. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations based on their experiences with restoration companies. Credentials and Certifications: Verify that the restoration company holds the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage required by your state or locality. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Experience and Expertise: Choose a restoration company with extensive experience and expertise in handling fire damage restoration projects. Inquire about their track record and ask for examples of similar projects they have completed successfully. Services Offered: Ensure that the restoration company offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to your specific needs. This may include emergency board-up, water extraction, smoke and soot removal, odor mitigation, structural repairs, content cleaning and restoration, and mold remediation. Response Time and Availability: Inquire about the restoration company's response time and availability for emergency services. Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency response and can mobilize quickly to assess the damage and begin the restoration process. Technology and Equipment: Ask about the restoration company's use of advanced technology and equipment for fire damage restoration. A reputable company should have state-of-the-art tools and techniques to efficiently and effectively restore your property to pre-loss condition. References and Reviews: Request references from past clients and take the time to read online reviews and testimonials. Contact references to ask about their satisfaction with the restoration company's services, professionalism, and communication throughout the process. Communication and Transparency: Choose a restoration company that prioritizes clear and transparent communication. They should keep you informed and updated at every stage of the restoration process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have promptly. Cost and Estimates: Obtain detailed cost estimates from multiple restoration companies and compare them carefully. Beware of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others, as they may cut corners or use inferior materials. Contract and Warranty: Review the restoration company's contract thoroughly before signing and ensure that it includes detailed scope of work, timelines, costs, and warranties for workmanship and materials. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can select the right restoration company to handle your fire damage restoration needs effectively and professionally.
Repairing Your Home After a Disaster
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 10, 2017
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If your house has been damaged by a natural disaster -- flood, fire, snow/ice, tornado or earthquake -- chances are you're on the hunt for a reputable contractor to help with repair and restoration. Inevitably, the demand for qualified contractors after a disaster usually exceeds the supply. Enter the home repair rip-off artist, who may overcharge, perform shoddy work or skip town without finishing your job.
This article provides practical advice and some red flags to look for when repairing your home after a disaster. See FindLaw's Owning a Home section for additional articles.
Repairing Your Home After a Disaster: Avoiding Rip-Offs
Because many legitimate licensed home repair companies can be booked solid for months, frustrated and anxious homeowners and landlords, eager to get their property back in shape, may neglect to take the usual precautions when hiring contractors. As a result, some consumers find that they've hired part-time contractors, who may not get the job done in a reasonable time; contractors from surrounding areas, who may be difficult to track down for follow-up; inexperienced contractors, who may not do the job well; and all too often, just plain crooks, who are seizing the opportunity to make a fast buck.
Many communities have emergency ordinances in place to keep crooked contractors out. But for consumers desperate to get the work done, recognizing a home repair rip-off can be a challenge.
Repairing Your Home After a Disaster: Tips from FEMA and the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following tips for consumers who may be facing major repairs after a disaster hits home:
If you suspect a repair rip-off, call the consumer division of your state Attorney General. If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse involving Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance programs, report it to FEMA's Inspector General's Office. You shouldn't have to suffer additional headaches when repairing your home after a disaster, so proceed with caution.
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