If your home has been damaged in a fire, you need home restoration experts you can trust. Sadly, there are some people who seek to profit from the misfortune of others. In the days and weeks after your home is damaged, you may be approached by people looking to capitalize on your loss. That’s why it’s essential that you do your research and find a fire damage restoration service company you can rely on to get the job done right.
Biodynamic understands the importance of finding a restoration company you can entrust with your home, personal belongings, and the health and safety of your family. We’ve been serving the Pacific Northwest for more than a decade, and as a local Portland company, we want to help our neighbors make informed decisions during this critical time. Here are a few key things to consider if a fire has damaged your home and you’re looking to restore or rebuild.
Research Their Experience and Credentials
Any legitimate company specializing in fire damage restoration services should be able to provide you with proof that their technicians possess the proper certifications. To verify this, check with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The non-profit organization certifies fire and smoke damage restoration technicians who demonstrate proficiency in the cleaning and deodorization of residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects.
Once you’ve checked for technician certifications, you should also evaluate the company’s reputation and experience. For instance, how many years has the business been in operation? Look for companies with extensive experience and solid industry reputations. One way to size up an Oregon-based company’s track record is by searching for any past complaints through the Oregon Department of Justice’s consumer complaints database.
Read Reviews
After you’ve confirmed the company’s technicians have the proper certifications and training, check customer reviews to see what type of experiences customers have had with the company in the past. There are a few places you can look for customer reviews.
For starters, simply Google the business. If the company has been reviewed in the past, Google will display an overall rating based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars and the total number of reviews. Keep in mind that sometimes different businesses have the same or similar names, so double-check the address to ensure you’ve found reviews for the right company.
You can also check whether the business has a professional Facebook page. Some professional Facebook pages allow customers to leave ratings and reviews as well.
And there’s also good old-fashioned word of mouth. Ask trusted neighbors and friends if there’s a fire damage restoration service company they would recommend.
Research the Restoration Methods They Use
Once you start narrowing your list, take a look at the restoration methods each company uses. What kind of technology do they use? Do they utilize chemicals or other cleaning methods? How deep does the cleaning go? Do they offer demolition and rebuilding services if necessary?
For example, Biodynamic uses cutting-edge technology and non-toxic products to remove soot and smoke damage while optimizing indoor air quality and safeguarding the health of your family. We’ve invested in safe and effective dry ice blasting and laser ablation technology to restore surfaces without causing additional methods. These methods lower your costs and reduce the time required for the demolition process.
Find out how potential companies handle odor removal. The acrid smell of smoke odor can linger long after the fire and cleanup if not dealt with properly. In addition to restoring your home’s surfaces, steps must be taken to rid your home of smoke odors, including contaminants embedded in materials and structures. For instance, we use BioSweep, a proven technology that eliminates odors. Finding a company that includes this service will save you the time and expense of booking separate odor removal services.
Carefully consider the methods each company uses and inquire about how the restoration process works from start to finish.
Ask About Rebuilding Services
Restoration companies will make every effort to clean and restore surfaces while removing as little as possible from your home. Often, however, at least some rebuilding is necessary after fire damage. Ask potential restoration service providers how they handle rebuilding when it’s needed.
While you always have the option to hire a separate contractor for reconstruction, working with a restoration service that manages rebuilding for you can alleviate some of the stress and hassle and allow you to focus on other important tasks. Biodynamic, for instance, utilizes professional contacts and in-house talent to complete necessary rebuilding work and ensure the work is done properly. Hiring one company that handles cleaning, restoration, and rebuilding can make the process easier and faster, getting you back in your home sooner.
Look at Emergency Response Capabilities
In emergency situations, you need a team you can rely on to show up now. After all, a rapid response may help prevent further damage to your home. So look for a team that is ready and prepared to start immediately and able to secure your home quickly and efficiently.
Technicians should be able to provide emergency board-up and tarping to protect your property and contents. Properly securing your home will help stabilize the structure, and boarding up doors and windows minimizes the risk that your home will become the target of vandalism or break-ins. Tarping your roof will also assist in protecting your property from harsh weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or strong winds.
Find Out If They Provide Insurance Claim Assistance
When your home is damaged in a fire, it’s important to document the condition of the property and belongings for insurance claim purposes. Work with a fire damage restoration service that will assist you with the insurance claim filing process. For instance, Biodynamic provides a full contents inventory, including detailed reporting for your insurance company. We will also supply you with 360-degree photo documentation of your home’s condition to further support your insurance claim. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy like a housefire, details like dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. Working with a restoration company that handles some of that work can give you peace of mind.
The Biodynamic team understands that your house is more than a structure. It’s your refuge. That’s why our technicians take great care to help you through every step of the cleaning and restoration process. We also work hard to get you back inside your home as quickly as possible.
Get in touch with us. While we can’t change the past, we can help you embark on a fresh new start.
