How To Choose The Right Property Restoration Company

This post was created by BELFOR US.

Ever think about disasters? No, not like forgetting your anniversary. I mean real, house-destroying, wallet-crushing disasters. Fires. Floods. A tornado deciding your roof was optional. Enjoying your morning coffee when your kitchen decides to cosplay as the surface of the sun.

When that kind of disaster happens, you need a property restoration company. And you need one fast.

But here’s the problem: Choosing a restoration company isn’t like picking a pizza place. If you make a bad call, your house might still be unlivable months later. Or worse, the “experts” you hired could be about as useful as a roll of duct tape and a prayer. So, how do you avoid that? Let’s break it down.

[Source: Unsplash]

Make Sure They’re Not Just Randos With Tools

Rule number one: If they don’t have a license, certifications, and insurance, walk away. Run, actually. If they mess up (and they probably will), you’ll be left footing the bill while they vanish into the void.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry standard. If the company you’re looking at doesn’t have IICRC-certified technicians, that’s a red flag the size of a fire truck. Restoration isn’t a hobby. You want people who actually know what they’re doing.

Experience > Enthusiasm

Look, everyone has to start somewhere, but your disaster is not the time for someone’s trial run.

A solid restoration company has years of experience. If they’ve been around long enough, they’ve seen it all. Flooded basements? Check. Fire damage? Check. That one time a raccoon chewed through someone’s plumbing and caused a full-blown house flood? Probably check.

Do some digging. How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in your particular disaster? If their expertise is mostly in fixing minor leaks, and you’re dealing with a ceiling collapse, you might want to reconsider.

Do They Answer the Phone at 2 AM?

Disasters don’t care about business hours. If a company isn’t available 24/7, that’s a problem. Water damage, in particular, gets worse by the minute. Mold will start moving in within 24 to 48 hours, like your deadbeat cousin from upstate. You need a company that responds now, not next Tuesday.

Call them and see how quickly they pick up. If you get an automated message saying they’ll “get back to you soon,” it’s time to keep looking.

Internet Stalking Is Encouraged

Reviews matter. And not just the five-star ones that sound suspiciously like they were written by the company’s employees. Look at the bad reviews. Are there complaints about slow response times? Hidden fees? Work left unfinished? If so, that’s a red flag.

Also, check how they respond to criticism. Do they take responsibility and try to fix things, or do they blame the customer and act like it’s never their fault? If it’s the latter, that’s your cue to move on.

The Insurance Dance

Dealing with insurance companies is about as fun as stepping on a LEGO barefoot. A good restoration company will help you handle the claim process. If they act like they have no idea how insurance works, you’ll be stuck dealing with a bureaucratic nightmare on top of everything else.

Ask upfront: Do they work with insurance providers? Do they help document damage for claims? If they say yes, you’ll save yourself a massive headache.

How Not to Get Scammed

Before signing anything, make sure you get answers to these:

• How long will the restoration take?
• Do they provide a written estimate upfront?
• What kind of equipment do they use?
• Will they handle reconstruction, or do you need to hire another contractor for that part?

If they dodge these questions, assume the worst.

Cheap Isn’t Always Good, and Expensive Doesn’t Mean Best

Everyone loves a good deal. But if a restoration company is suspiciously cheap, be wary. They might cut corners, use low-quality materials, or just lack the skills to do the job right.

On the flip side, the most expensive company isn’t automatically the best either. Get multiple quotes, compare what’s included, and make an informed decision. The goal is to find a company that balances cost with experience and reliability.

There are a lot of companies out there, and you’ll probably come across some well-known names. One that frequently pops up in disaster recovery is BELFOR US. They’ve been in the game for a while and have handled everything from minor water damage to massive disaster recovery projects.

But don’t take my word for it. Do your own research, compare them with other options, and make sure they fit your needs.

Plan Now, Thank Yourself Later

The best time to find a property restoration company is before you need one. Trust me, you will appreciate not having to make a panicked decision while your living room is turning into an indoor pool.

Do some research now. Save a couple of numbers on your phone. Maybe even ask your insurance company for recommendations ahead of time. Because when disaster strikes, the last thing you want to do is waste time figuring out who to call while your house falls apart around you.

Stay safe, stay dry, and may your pipes never burst at 3 AM.

This content was produced independently from the Worldcrunch editorial team.