A few things to consider before choosing a restoration company…
» Is the contractor licensed, bonded, and insured? In Arizona, a contractor must be licensed to legally perform jobs that require a building permit or when labor and materials for the project cost $1,000 or more. ( THIS INCLUDES WATER EXTRACTION, STRUCTURAL DRYING, AND MOLD REMOVAL )
» You may recover losses up to $30,000 through the Residential Contractors Recovery Fund that occur due to poor workmanship or non-performance, provided that you’re working with a properly licensed residential contractor and your paperwork is in order. You can call the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at 602-542-1525 or 1-877-MY AZROC (1-877-692-9762) or go to www.azroc.gov to check a contractors license and complaint history.
» Most of the testing and requirements needed to obtain a contractors license (in the state of Arizona) to perform water damage related services (such as water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation) do not even touch upon those specific specialty skills. Testing for the “K5″ license, which most drying and mold remediation companies have, requires passing just the business management portion of the contractors test.
» Not only should the company or person you hire be licensed, bonded, and insured… they should also be “certified” in the services they are offering. The industry has certifying organizations that are accredited and recognized as the restoration industry’s standards and guidelines. Each of these organizations offer specific training, both hands on and instructor taught classes, and will require testing with passing test results at the end of each course in order to obtain the specific certification that is being applied for. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) is one of the most recognized of the certifying organizations where these specialty certifications can be achieved.
» You should ask the person or company you are considering if they or their technicians are certified, and to bring their certification card upon arrival of an any inspection or quote for services. Each certification comes with an “ID” card that will state the specific skill set it was given for and a registrant number for tracking purposes. Every project should have at least ONE certified technician on-site at all times to supervise the work being rendered.
» Does the company your are considering offer a satisfaction guarantee in writing? Any company worth its salt will stand behind their product or service 110% and back it up with a guarantee. Click here to see ours.
» What is your first impression (either online, over the phone, or in person)? How is the overall appearance of the company’s representative(s) who arrive at your home or place of business? Are they in uniform? Is their uniform clean? Is their company vehicle neat and professional? Is the representative(s) knowledgeable? Do they take their time to answer your questions and go over solutions to resolve any issues or concerns? Do they make you feel comfortable and at ease or are they high pressure?
» Do they have any legitimate complaints, such as those with the Better Business Bureau or Registrar of Contractors?Discouraging enough as they are, internet complaints shouldn’t count due to the fact that anyone (such as competitors) can leave a negative remark in hopes to tarnish a company’s image. We say this because it has happened to us and is unfair and wrong. We have no unsatisfied customers to date and have references available upon request. This is why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
These are just a few things to consider before choosing a restoration company. We will be adding more to this list so please check back soon!
Tags: Consumer Warning