When seeking flood restoration services, the Better Business Bureau warns storm victims to practice caution when hiring a contractor. After experiencing a flood, you may find people you do not know knocking at your door offering discounted flood repair services. These individuals may not be legitimate contractors but will claim FEMA or your insurance company sent them to your home or business. When done incorrectly, flood repair can result in the growth of dangerous molds, structural damage to a building, rot, the harboring of disease-carrying microorganisms, and ongoing damage to wet contents.
Before Hiring a Flood Restoration Specialist
The truth behind the flood restoration process is that it is generally expensive and may take several days to complete, depending on the extent of the water damage you experience. Quick fixes may end up costing you more in the end. The cost of hiring a legitimate disaster recovery company will ultimately save you time and money.
Before hiring a flood restoration specialist, do the following to avoid falling victim to a scam:
- Talk to your insurance agent to learn if your insurance policy helps cover the cost of a disaster recovery service.
- Check with the BBB to learn about flood restoration specialists that have received good reviews.
- Get all contractor estimates in writing and seek at least three bids.
- Learn about a contractor’s methods to remediate water damage and wet documents.
- Require the profession to give you all guarantees in writing and a contract before the work begins.
- Ask the contractor for proof of general liability insurance and call the insurance company listed on the documents provided to make sure the contractor has an active policy.
- Check with your local construction contractor’s board or department of labor to make sure a contractor registered his business with the state.
- Avoid contractors who come to you unsolicited and try to pressure you into hiring their services, require full payment upfront, or require you to obtain permits to complete work.
- Only issue the final payment for flood restoration work after a contractor finishes the job.
- Never pay with cash; always use a check.
[image: Courtney Walker]
