When hiring fire damage repair contractors in Texas, it is crucial that you choose the right one. The fire has already caused so much stress and anxiety and a shady contractor shouldn’t add to that burden.
Asking questions can help you in choosing the right contractor to hire. This is because by doing so, you’ll be able to know the contractor better and whether or not they are competent enough to carry out the fire damage repair works.
If you’re not sure what specific questions to ask, then here’s a guide for you. Here are the top five questions you should ask a fire damage repair contractor in Texas.
Are you industry certified?
The IICRC (which stands for Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) has established globally recognized standards, credentials, and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry.
So when hiring a fire damage repair contractor, make sure they are IICRC-certified as these contractors are known for their high level of technical experience and professionalism. They have unmatched skills to complete even the most complex projects.
By hiring them, you can have peace of mind knowing the fire damage repair will be completed right the first time. Rest assured there is quality, superior workmanship, and excellent customer service.
How many years of experience do you have in the industry?
Nothing can beat experienced fire damage repair contractors so ask about how many years of experience they have in the industry. An experienced contractor already knows the ins and outs of fire damage repair. They already know what will work and what will not.
They can provide you with better insights and information on how to approach the repair work, what will work best for your home, and how to expedite the whole process. Thus, they will be able to provide you with high-quality results the soonest time possible.
What other areas is your expertise?
The fire damage repair process will not only involve reconstruction and debris removal. It also involves water damage mitigation and restoration, content restoration, and soot and smoke damage restoration. It’s a long, complex process.
Hire a contractor that specializes in all of them. Make sure they have master-level certifications too so you won’t have to worry about the quality of results they deliver. It’s better to be informed and fastidious from the beginning than regret it later on.
How long does the fire damage repair process take?
This largely depends on the extent of the damage and the scale of repair work involved. The more severe or extreme the damage sustained by the property, the longer the repair process will be. And the more repair work is involved, the more time will it take to finish.
You need to know how long the process will take, or at least get an estimate, so you can make the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that if the property damage is severe and it is unsafe to stay there, you may have to move out temporarily and stay elsewhere.
Not only will you have to think about yourself, your family, and your pets but you also need to think about your belongings. You need to arrange where you will store them while the repairs are in progress. Knowing the project timeline will help you in making these arrangements.
Can you help with the insurance claim process?
When you start your insurance claim process, the first question they ask you is whether you have hired fire damage repair contractors or not. That is because repair contractors not only prevent more damage but also provide an estimate of the total loss.
You can take this estimate and submit it to the insurance company along with documents that the contractor helped you prepare. Filing an insurance claim is an essential step in recovering from fire damage, and these contractors make this process smooth and fast.
This is why you should ensure that the contractor you hire is proficient in the entire insurance claim process and that they will help you navigate them so you’ll have a higher chance of getting approved as soon as possible.
If the contractor you have in mind is not well-versed or is not willing to help you with your claims, then you’re better off just crossing them out of your list and just hire someone else.
Looking for professional fire damage repair contractors?
Integrity Restoration Management is a professional fire damage repair contractor in Dallas, Texas that has over 30 years of combined experience in the industry. We are IICRC certified and have master-level certifications. We will help you navigate the insurance claim process so you’ll have a higher chance of getting approved right away. Get in touch with us for a free consultation!