After working in the restaurant business for 15 years, I can say that I have almost seen it all. And it’s been an interesting 15 years. But one of the frustrating things for me is seeing shady people take advantage of people who claim to know what they’re doing when it comes to renovating someone’s home. Usually the biggest purchase they’ve ever made. And as with many other things, you get what you pay for.
A guy who has a truck mounted exhaust fan can clean carpet, but that does NOT mean he has the knowledge and certifications to properly dry your house after a water leak. And what does a homeowner get when the house doesn’t dry out properly? A higher rebuild bill, or perhaps more damage to structural elements or even personal property, or a denied claim for failing to properly mitigate, or the growth of mold or mildew, or any combination of the above. And I get it. I have been through a loss myself. It has been known to scare off some homeowners, but take a minute, take a deep breath, and get a little insight. Make some phone calls. Turn off the water first while doing this, of course! Call your insurance agent, see who they recommend. Ask your insurance company who your provider is (your provider will be vetted, licensed, insured, bonded, and reputable). Ask friends, family, or neighbors who they recommend. So make the call. And don’t be afraid to ask the company questions. Any reputable company will be more than willing to answer questions and put your mind at ease. Find out how long they’ve been in business, if their technicians are certified, what their BBB rating is, how long it will take them to respond to your loss, and if all their insurance and certifications are up to date.
These steps are worth following because the list of what happens when a house doesn’t dry properly only adds dollars for the homeowner and the insurance company. It is your right and duty to get the right company in your home. You want someone you can trust at home with your family. When there is a loss in your home, these professionals will see and have access to areas and things that even your family does not have access to most of the time. It has to be someone you can trust. So just make sure they are.
