Over 25% of reported fires within the span of five years occurred in homes. Within that time, US fire departments responded to about 353,100 home structure fires a year. These fires caused about $7.2 billion in direct property damage. If you sustained fire damage in West Virginia, it’s important to find a fire damage restoration company you can trust.
A qualified team will ensure your home is returned to pristine condition. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with the overwhelming stress of restoring your home alone.
Don’t take on the task by yourself! Instead, discover how to find a team with fire restoration experience with these easy tips.
After reading this guide, you can explore your fire restoration service options in your area. You’ll have peace of mind after finding a team you can trust.
Start your search for fire damage restoration services with these tips today.
1. Look for an Established Business
There are over 55,000 damage restoration companies in the US. Not every company will have the fire restoration experience you need, though. To start your search, look for a long-established business.
Make sure they specialize in fire damage in West Virginia, too. Otherwise, you could waste time with damage restoration companies that lack relevant fire restoration experience.
Ask each company how long they’ve worked and operated in the area. Look for owners who have years of experience in the industry. It’s likely they’ve learned a lot from hands-on experience within that time.
They likely have an established procedure for handling fire damage.
A brand new business, on the other hand, might still need to work out issues with their daily operations. It’s possible they’re still getting their footing. They might even take shortcuts when offering the fire restoration service options you need.
Instead, choose an established business with a strong professional reputation. They’ll strive to maintain that reputation by offering top-notch services.
They won’t take shortcuts when working on your home.
2. Check Their Credentials
Once you’ve found a few established businesses that cover fire damage in West Virginia, look into each company’s credentials. Ask the company if their license is up-to-date.
Make sure their license covers residential properties. If they’re only licensed to handle commercial property, keep searching.
Make sure they’re licensed to work within West Virginia, too.
Then, make sure each company is bonded and has worker’s compensation insurance.
What happens if someone causes further damage to your home? What if a worker is injured on the job? You don’t want them to hold you responsible for additional expenses.
Finding a licensed, bonded, insured company will give you peace of mind. They won’t hold you liable if an incident occurs.
3. Consider Their Availability
You never know when an accident will occur. For further peace of mind, ask each company about their availability. Consider fire restoration service options that offer help around the clock.
A company that’s open 24/7 will remain available and ready to help whenever a fire occurs. You’ll feel better knowing they’re only a phone call away.
If you’re dealing with current fire damage, ask each company about its current workload. How long will it take for them to arrive at your home? If they’re too swamped, you might have to wait a while.
A long waiting period could indicate the company is understaffed.
Instead, choose a staffed team that can offer restoration services when you need them most.
4. Research Their Team
Ask each company who will end up working on your home. Learn more about the technician’s experience and expertise. For example, are they certified?
You might want to find technicians with an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration certificate. This certificate means the technician has the necessary education and training for the job.
As you research each team, consider their fire restoration experience. Ask for a technician with extensive experience handling fire damage. They’ll ensure the best possible service when working on your home.
5. Ask About Their Service Radius
Google “fire restoration service” options and pull up Google Maps. How far away is each restoration company?
Make sure you fall within the company’s service radius. If you don’t, will you have to pay extra for them to arrive at your home? Make sure to ask before they arrive.
When there’s an emergency, you’ll want a team to respond quickly. Make sure the company isn’t too far away. Otherwise, you might have to wait a while.
Make sure the company has a local office, too.
Some companies follow disasters. They appear overnight, rush through their work, and disappear. If you need to call them back, you might struggle to get a hold of them.
Instead, find a professional team that helps with fire damage in West Virginia. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re only a call away.
6. Request References and Reviews
Ask each company for references and reviews. Reading online customer reviews can help you learn from people who were once in your shoes.
You can check the company’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau pages. Make sure the company doesn’t have a complaint filed against them.
7. Research Their Process
Ask each fire restoration company about its process. For example, will they work with your insurance company? Finding a team that works with your insurance company can save you time and stress in the long run.
Ask at least three companies on your list for a quote, too. Gathering multiple quotes can help you determine the local average. If one quote seems too good to be true, it likely is.
8. Look for a Guarantee
Ask each company on your list if they offer a guarantee. What’s covered?
If they don’t offer a guarantee, they could waste your time and money. You might have to call them back if you noticed they missed something.
A company that offers a guarantee will have your best interests in mind.
Start Your Search: 8 Tips for Choosing Professionals for Fire Damage in West Virginia
If your home sustained fire damage in West Virginia, don’t hesitate to call for help. Instead, use these eight tips to vet your fire restoration service options. With these tips, you can find an experienced team for the help you need.
Need fire restoration services right away? We can help you reclaim your home after a disaster.
Contact us today for the help you need, when you need it.
