Questions to Ask Restoration Contractors and Their References

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Home_Contractors-Fire-and-Water-Damage_Alameda_Easton-Construction-Group-Inc_1.jpg" alt="class=attachment-post-thumbnail" style="height: ;width: "/> <h3>Questions to Ask a Fire and Water Damage Restoration Contractor</h3> Before choosing a contractor to handle your home restoration project, take stock of your hiring options. Do some research and choose a handful of qualified local companies to contact via phone or email for an interview. Here are some questions you might want to ask: <ul> <li>What process do you use to ensure that your estimates for fire or water damage repair are accurate?</li> <li>Can you/how do you look beyond surface damage to determine if the structure of my home is safe?</li> <li>What happens if the fire or water damage is more extensive than the original estimate reflects?</li> <li>Will the restoration work require a building permit? Who will be responsible to get those permits? (Beware of contractors who ask you to take out permits yourself. This may be a sign that <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/worst-unlicensed-contractors-california-2/" target="_self">they’re not licensed contractors</a>.)</li> <li>What is the process like for restoring my home to its pre-fire/pre-flood condition?</li> <li>Can I remain in my home during the repairs?</li> <li>Do you have recent customer references I can call? (Ask specifically for the names of recent customers who live near you or who had work done that is similar in scope to the work you need.)</li> <li>Do you have any recent projects in my area where I can see the fire and water damage repairs from the street? Are there any completed homes I can visit?</li> <li>How would I handle future questions or problems after the work is complete? Are you responsible for providing warranty work if there’s ever a problem with your work?</li> <li>When can you start the job?</li> <li>How long do you expect this job to take?</li> </ul> <h3>Questions to Ask a Restoration Contractor’s References</h3> In addition to interviewing fire and water damage restoration contractors directly, ask each for a list of past customers who can tell you about their experiences with the company. Any qualified professional should be happy to provide a list of five or more recent customers whom you can contact. Here are some sample questions to ask the company’s references: <ul> <li>Were you satisfied with the company’s work?</li> <li>What was the type and scope of job they did for you (fire damage repair, water damage restoration, remodel after a house fire, remodel after a flood or water damage, whole house fire damage repair, basement flood repairs, etc.)?</li> <li>Did the company communicate well with you before, during and after the restoration?</li> <li>Was the work done on time? If not, were the delays avoidable?</li> <li>What did you like best about this company?</li> <li>Was there anything that concerned you or made you wary about hiring this contractor?</li> <li>Would you recommend this contractor to friends or family who faced a house fire or flood?</li> <li>If you needed this type of emergency home repair again, would you hire this company?</li> </ul> Keep in mind that references provided by fire and water damage restoration contractors can be cherry-picked or even fake, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when researching them. To get greater assurance, consider hiring a Diamond Certified restoration contractor. All Diamond Certified companies have passed an in-depth <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/ratings-process/" target="_self">rating process</a> that most other companies can’t pass. Part of this process involves conducting telephone interviews of actual customers. References provided by a restoration professional are not equal in value to the large, random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified rating process. So, if you want quality, you’ll have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Water & Fire Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Marin County Water & Fire Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Water & Fire Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">San Mateo County Water & Fire Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">San Francisco Water & Fire Damage Contractors</a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Water-Fire-Damage-Restorations/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Water & Fire Damage</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>