This second it sure might feel like this damage is your biggest threat or inconvenience
But it’s not…
Here’s why:
- Not All Companies Are Equal (and I’m sure you already know that)
- Some National Water/Mold/Fire Damage Franchises (around the country) are NOT locally owned.
- And some have their main office out of the local area or out of state.
- Some companies even have their own legal team on staff or a lawyer on speed dial. (If you’re like me you’ll ask yourself why)
- Some companies only do the demolition and cleanup BUT NOT the rebuild.
I’m not trying to scare you or to disparage my competition.
I am trying to give you an insider’s look into the industry so you can be a savvy consumer when you ultimately make your decision.
So Which Company To Choose? (My advice)
But first, let me tell you a story…
A few days ago my phone rang and a desperate voice on the other end said; “Mike, I need your help”.
It was a friend of mine in California who just walked into his basement and it was flooded. Flooded like 6 inches deep.
He searched the internet looking for what to do next.
He found horror stories (and brutal pictures) of other homeowners fighting with the restoration company that came to clean up their water damage.
He was worried and didn’t want to make a mistake by hiring a company that would make his flooded basement problem even bigger.
Since I’m on the other side of the country I couldn’t help him.
But I could give him some advice.
I’ve been in the business for 20+ years and this is my livelihood.
I feed my family and my employee’s families from my business.
So I take it VERY seriously.
There are a lot of good companies out there.
But if you choose the wrong one things can go from bad to worse fast.
BTW – I’ve worked for a number of franchises and independents so I’m familiar with how it all works.
My advice to him (and to you)
Do business with a locally owned company.
(When you call, ask where their main office is located)
Be careful with online reviews – some reviews are not legit.
Because some companies have their employees leave reviews instead of their customers. This can be tricky, so doing a Google search on the reviewer can help.
(Or when you’re reading the reviews, make sure to use your internal BS detector)
Look for a company that is owner-operated and shows up on the job.
(The buck stops with the owner and having him/her stop in to check and oversee a job is priceless)
Bigger is not always better.
Big companies may have lots of “national resources” but unless your job is in the middle of a climate disaster… local access is the key.
(Smaller, local companies are well connected in the community and can get things done fast)
Know their reason why…
Some people are in it “just for the money” and it’s purely a transaction. — One and done.
Look for people with roots in the community.
(Giving back is a good sign – Sponsor events is a good example)
They educate you, not sell you.
(People that help educate you, have your best interest in mind.)
At the end of the day, you need to trust who you are doing business with.
I hope this helps you make a better decision on what company you’ll hire for the situation you’re in.
If I can be of service or if you need a free quote, just give me a call or you can heck these posts too:
- Get a free quote
- Emergency water/fire/mold cleanup
- Water damage restoration
Magnetic