How To Choose The Best Michigan Restoration Company
Experiencing a property damage loss here in Michigan due to a fire, flood or natural disaster can be a very stressful and confusing event for any homeowner. For that reason alone, it is very important that you do your homework when choosing a property damage restoration contractor who can answer any questions you have about the entire restoration process, and help alleviate all your concerns. The restoration contractor should listen closely to you, educate you and offer an open line of communication to guide you through the entire restoration process, without making you feel rushed or uncomfortable. This will ensure the project runs smoothly and gets completed on time and within the budget.
Michigan Restoration contractors are required to meet a strict set of standards, dictated by insurance companies and industry organizations like the IICRC to restore property to its pre-loss condition or better. If a restoration project is done improperly, it can result in all kind of setbacks, not to mention time and money.
Before choosing a Michigan restoration contractor, research your options carefully. Start by reading reviews online, go to the better business bureau and take your time. The restoration process is a marathon not a sprint. It could take up to a year in some cases to complete a project.. Here are a few tips to consider:
Tip #1: Do Not Choose a Family Member or Friend in the Construction Business
We’ve all heard the horror stories about someone who hired their handy father-in-law or a cousin with some construction experience to clean-up the damage after a flooded basement, or try to clean up soot after a fire and it turned out to be a disaster. It is never a good idea to try to save money and cut corners by hiring a friend or family member to clean-up after a disaster or make building repairs. This will always harm the relationship and costs more time and money in the long run. Contact The Professionals At Select Restoration.
Tip #2: Do Not Choose the builder of Your Home or Building
Licensed general contractors and construction companies here in Michigan who mostly build new construction and do home improvements do not have adequate insurance restoration experience. They lack the equipment, experience and certified training required to perform fire & water damage restoration services here in Michigan. Also, they do not understand the proper methods for reconstruction and repairs under these unique conditions after a disaster.
Tip #3: Do Not Hire a Contractor Who Has Little, or No Experience Working With Insurance Companies
As the insurance policy holder, it is your responsibility to disclose any loss to the insurance company and provide all the necessary documentation required to process the claim. You will need a detailed estimate from a certified restoration company that meets the strict insurance company guidelines, created using the specific estimating software xactimate. If the estimate format does not meet the insurance company standards, it may be rejected or you could lose out on thousands of dollars left on the table by a contractor that does not know how to negotiate an insurance claim.
Tip #4: Hire a Local 24/7 Emergency Response Company
When disaster strikes you can’t wait on a call-back when you need immediate help. Make sure you choose a restoration business with administrative staff on call and certified field technicians available 24/7. Fast response time and efficient project completion are important, so location counts. You want to work with a property restoration company that can quickly take care of jobs in the city and the suburbs too.
When finalizing choices for a local restoration company, get to know key personnel. Speak with several representatives so that you have a real sense of how the business operates from day to day. During the course of a project, restoration teams working on client properties stand as your representatives. You want administrative and technical personnel on the job who answer questions, calm concerns and act as trusted, knowledgeable liaisons between you and the insurance company.
Years of experience and extensive training are required to be a certified restoration contractor here in Michigan. Select Restoration has over 27 years of in business property restoration experience and meets all the insurance company requirements. We specialize in maximizing insurance claim’s for property damage here in Michigan. Insurance companies count on errors made by property owners and contractors so they don’t have to pay the full settlement.
