Restoration Contractor Photo paulbr75 / Pixabay
After a household disaster, it’s sometimes hard to do all of the necessary research to find the right restoration contractor for the job. You might find yourself settling for just an okay job, or one that seems to be the cheapest. But you have to be careful with who you decide to hire. To help you out, here are some basic dos and don’ts for restoration contractors.
Ideally, you should find a restoration contractor through a referral. Try a friend, coworker, or family member who has had work done before and can vouch for a job well done. The next best thing is to check the contractor’s credentials. Do they have a website listing their information? Are they licensed and knowledgeable with the procedure you need done? If you call their number, is customer service available for you? Do they answer your questions? Remember that you will likely be working with this company for a while, so they need to be good and easy to work with.
Don’t check one restoration contractor and then assume it’s the best you’re going to get. Research a few contractors and compare the differences. It’s not just about price. Contractors can be certified in different areas, specialize in certain types of jobs, and might be used to work that isn’t what you’re looking for. Likewise, don’t be discouraged if you find a dud in your research. They are one of many different companies for you to choose from.
Once you are quoted a price, ask how it should be paid. Do they take your insurance? Does the damage even fall under insurance? You want a restoration contractor that will work with you to make payment easy. Ask if you’ll have to pay upfront or if they will take payments through your insurance. If you need to make multiple payments, you should know if they accept that as well. Each company could have a different answer.
All work should be done under a contract. DO NOT allow a restoration contractor to get started without one. It is in both your and the contractor’s best interests to have everything in writing. It holds workers accountable to do their job and holds you responsible for payment. Insurance may not pay if there’s no contract.
Hiring a restoration contractor for your household project is a big job. The job needs to be done well, so your research needs to be thorough. Make sure you are happy with who you choose. At Kelley Klean, we are IICRC certified and available 24/7 through customer service. Whether you need basic repairs or have an emergency, we will be there for you. Call us today at 573-214-0990.