Hiring a Fire & Water Damage Restoration Contractor

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Devengenzo-Landscaping-26-General-Engineering-Inc.-Framing.jpg" alt="class=attachment-post-thumbnail" style="height: ;width: "/> Fires, floods, sewage backups, and other disasters are unexpected and messy. Even once the emergency cleanup and initial mitigation work has been completed, there’s usually damage that needs to be repaired before you can move back into your home or business. Companies that specialize in returning homes to their original condition after a fire or flood are known as fire and water damage restoration contractors. While they may also provide general contracting and building services, they’re specially equipped to repair and renovate homes that have been damaged in fires and water emergencies. These companies often have specialized equipment to ensure all water, soot, mold, mildew and smoke have been removed from the home. They’re also skilled at seamlessly integrating new and repaired portions of homes with original features so the former damage is invisible. In returning your home to its prior condition, a fire and water damage restoration contractor can help you retain your home’s value. <h3>Determine What Services You Need</h3> Before you begin your search for a contractor, take a few moments to think about your needs and wants—that way, you’ll be fully prepared to interview the fire and water damage restoration contractors in your area. Questions you’ll want to consider include: <ul> <li>Has the initial fire and water damage been cleaned up?</li> <li>Is my home dry and ready for restoration construction to begin?</li> <li>Where are the repairs needed (entire house repairs after a fire or flood, or just one room or section of my home)?</li> <li>What is my budget for home repairs after the flood or fire? (Remember to include insurance settlements, any federal or local assistance, and any personal funds available.)</li> <li>What characteristics or qualities am I looking for in a fire and water damage repair contractor?</li> </ul> <h3>Protect Yourself Against Unlicensed or Unscrupulous Fire and Water Damage Contractors</h3> When you’re facing a home emergency, you might be tempted to rush into hiring the first contractor you speak with. But jumping into a contract without researching candidates could turn a home disaster into an even bigger problem. After an emergency like a house fire or flood, some homeowners have reported unscrupulous water and fire damage restoration contractors who have taken advantage of their need for emergency home repair services. These contractors sometimes accept down payments and never provide the services promised, or they provide reconstruction services that are incomplete or don’t meet local building codes. For these reasons, it’s vital to do your due diligence and fully research your needs and the contractors you’re considering. Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself from hiring the wrong fire and water damage repair contractor. <ul> <li>Choose a Diamond Certified fire and water damage repair contractor. All certified companies must pass an in-depth<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/our-certification" target="_self"> rating process</a>, including license and insurance verification, customer references, and more.</li> <li>Carefully interview and vet each contractor you’re considering. Call references, ask for proof of insurance, double-check licensing and ask to see examples of work they’ve done in the past.</li> <li>Try to hire a contractor based in your local area. Local water and fire damage contractors may be more likely to give you reliable service now and be there for you in the future.</li> <li>Think twice before hiring an out-of-state contractor or one that doesn’t have a physical address. These can be signs of fly-by-night contractors that may be more prone to leaving customers without a warranty and with no recourse for incomplete or poor construction work.</li> <li>Remember: Contractors working on a job that totals more than $500 must be licensed with the Contractors State License Board. You can verify a contractor’s license <a href="https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx" target="_self">here</a>.</li> <li>Get a written contract for all services for which you’re contracting. Be sure you understand every word of the contract and that your interests are represented before you sign it.</li> <li>Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000. By law, that’s the most any contractor can ask for a down payment.</li> <li>Your contractor may ask you to pay for the work in stages or as the work is being completed. That is a smart way to make payments if you tie payments to work deadlines. Never let your payments get ahead of the work progress.</li> <li>Never pay with cash. Instead, pay with checks or a credit card so you have a record of all payments made.</li> </ul> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Alameda County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">San Mateo County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/water-fire-damage-restoration/ca/sonoma-county/" target="_self">Sonoma County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Water-Fire-Damage-Restorations/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Water & Fire Damage</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>