When something unexpected happens in your home, such a flood or fire, finding the right help quickly becomes a top priority. Most people end up searching online for “the best restoration company near me”; however, knowing which one to trust is not always as straightforward as it seems.
In Minnesota, where seasonal weather can lead to water, fire, or storm damage, having a restoration team step in and guide you through the process can make any disaster a bit easier to handle.
How to Find the Best Restoration Company
Not all restoration companies are created equal. Some will only remove the damaged materials, leaving you with an uninhabitable home. Others may offer restoration services, but don’t have the knowledge to guide you through the insurance claim process. So, it’s critical to do your homework and follow these three steps to determine the level of service offered before you hire.
STEP 1: To ensure you’re not hiring a fly-by-night company, check for certifications. These should be posted on the company’s website to let you know their team has been trained in proper restoration methods and follows industry standards. Here are just a few IICRC certifications to look for:
- Applied Microbial Remediation
- Applied Structural Drying
- Substrate and Subfloor Inspection
- Building Moisture Thermography
- Contents Processing
- Mold Removal/Odor Control
- Fire and Smoke Restoration
STEP 2: Depending on the type of damage to your home, there are several OSHA safety regulations and standards that most restoration companies uphold. These should also be listed on the company website.
STEP 3: Before choosing a restoration company, ask the following five questions to get a better feel for their level of service and commitment to your home:
- How quickly can you respond to my emergency?
WHY THIS MATTERS: When it comes to any type of disaster, timing can make a big difference. Water can spread faster than most people think, and mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. In this case, emergency water removal is critical. If you live in the Twin Cities, Restorations by Highmark will respond within an hour of your call. Early action can help preserve more of the existing materials in your home.
- Do you handle both cleanup and restoration?
WHY THIS MATTERS: Cleanup after fire, water, or storm damage is only part of the solution. You’ll need a company that takes it a step further and restores and rebuilds your home so you can once again live there safely.
- Will you assist in filing my insurance claim?
WHY THIS MATTERS: Insurance is often one of the more unfamiliar parts of the restoration process for homeowners. Working with a restoration company that understands how to document damage and communicate with adjusters can help lessen your anxiety about the claims process. At Restorations by Highmark, our team includes former insurance adjusters, so we understand the process and what you need to submit to get your insurance claim approved.
- Can you restore any of my damaged belongings?
WHY THIS MATTERS: Instead of tossing everything, the best restoration companies can often rescue certain items damaged by smoke or water. For personal items that can be saved, Restorations by Highmark will clean and deodorize them in our state-of-the-art ozone cleaning system and then store them until your home is ready.
- Do you offer design assistance?
WHY THIS MATTERS: Rebuilding your home is an important step in the process. At Restorations by Highmark, we provide an in-house design selections coordinator to review your insurance allowance and guide you in selecting tile, carpet, cabinetry, and fixtures that fit within your budget.
Finding the Right Fit
Minnesota homes and businesses experience everything from heavy snow to seasonal storms, and those conditions can affect how damage shows up and how it is handled. If you are dealing with water, fire, or storm damage, having a team you trust can make the entire experience feel more manageable. If you live in the Twin Cities metro area, contact Restorations by Highmark for 24/7 emergency home restoration services. We’ll be there to guide you through each step.
Need Restoration Services?
Call us right away. Our 24/7 response team can be at your home or business within an hour if you live in the Twin Cities metro area.
