After a disaster damages your home, you're suddenly thrust into an industry you may know nothing about. You're stressed, your home is compromised, and everyone from your insurance company to the contractor who just knocked on your door has an opinion about what you should do. Choosing the right restoration company is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make during the recovery process.
Here's how to evaluate your options and make a confident choice.
Essential Certifications to Look For
The restoration industry has specific certifications that indicate a company meets recognized standards of training and competence:
- IICRC Certification: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the gold standard. Look for firms certified in Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT), and Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT).
- State licensing: Requirements vary by state, but your restoration company should hold all required licenses for the work they're performing — including general contractor licenses for reconstruction.
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification: For homes built before 1978, renovation work must be performed by EPA Lead-Safe certified contractors.
Key Questions to Ask
Before hiring a restoration company, ask these questions:
About Their Experience
- How long have you been in business in this area?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
- Can you provide references from recent clients?
- Do you handle both mitigation and reconstruction, or just one?
About Their Process
- What's your typical response time for emergencies?
- Who will be my point of contact throughout the project?
- How do you document damage and communicate progress?
- What equipment do you use for drying and monitoring?
About Insurance
- Do you work directly with insurance companies?
- Will you help me with the claims process?
- Do you carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation?
- Can you provide a copy of your insurance certificate?
Red Flags to Watch For
The restoration industry, like any industry, has bad actors. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Door-to-door solicitation after storms: Legitimate companies don't need to canvas neighborhoods. "Storm chasers" follow severe weather events and often deliver substandard work before moving on.
- Pressure to sign immediately: A reputable company will give you time to review a contract and won't pressure you into signing on the spot.
- Large upfront payment demands: While deposits are reasonable, any company asking for full payment before work begins is a red flag.
- No physical office or address: Fly-by-night operations won't be around if problems arise after the project is complete.
- Unwillingness to provide references or insurance certificates: Any legitimate company will happily provide these.
- "We'll waive your deductible": This is insurance fraud and it's illegal. Any company that offers this is signaling they're willing to cut corners — and willing to involve you in fraudulent activity.
The Value of One Company for Both Phases
Some companies only handle mitigation (water extraction, drying, board-up). Others only do reconstruction. The best option is a company that handles both:
- No scope gaps: When the same company dries your home and rebuilds it, nothing falls through the cracks.
- Faster timeline: No waiting for handoffs between separate contractors.
- Single warranty: One company stands behind all the work.
- Simpler insurance process: One scope of work, one set of documentation, one point of contact for your adjuster.
Check Reviews — But Read Them Carefully
Online reviews are valuable, but look beyond the star rating:
- Read the negative reviews — how did the company respond? A thoughtful response to criticism says more than five-star praise.
- Look for specifics about communication, timeliness, and quality — not just "they were great."
- Check Google, the Better Business Bureau, and industry-specific sites.
- Ask the company for references you can actually call.
Choosing the right restoration company is about more than price. It's about trust, competence, and accountability. At Independent Restoration Services, we welcome every question on this list — because we know the answers reflect well on how we do business. Contact us for a free consultation.