Many people who own a property that has water damage can find it difficult to resolve the issue and often don’t know where to start after a leak or flood occurs. Unfortunately, it can be easy to be targeted by companies who are looking to scam unsuspecting homeowners. There are a few ways to protect yourself from a water damage restoration scam and avoid losing thousands of dollars.
Ask for Their Business Address
Many companies that scam people are from out of town and often arrive on your doorstep as they attempt to restore the quality of your home. It’s important to only hire professionals who have a physical address in the local area. Many scammers will provide you with their P.O. Box, which is a red flag and is a cause of concern.
Missing Essentials
Reputable companies are easy to recognize when they have insurance and a license and can provide you with referrals. If a water damage restoration company can’t provide you with any of this information, it’s important to move on to a more reputable company.
Research the company and look into its background to ensure they’re established and have been operating for several years in the industry. The company should also be able to provide you with at least three referrals to ensure you can speak to some of their customers.
Ask the customers if they recommend the services and were happy with the work that was performed. You can also read online reviews to determine if the company has a good reputation and has a high level of customer service.
No Contract
You should be able to receive an estimate for the water damage restoration services to ensure you understand the overall cost. Unfortunately, many scam companies can’t provide you with a number and may increase the cost of the project after they get started or when it’s time to pay for the services.
Avoid using any company that can’t give you an estimate or refuses to put the details in writing. All project estimates must be on paper to ensure they protect both parties involved.
It’s also important to avoid hiring a company that provides you with a quote or estimate that is too good to be true. Most restoration companies have overhead costs they need to pay, which makes their rates similar to other companies in the local area. Hiring a company that gives you a great deal could mean you’re about to be scammed.
You should also avoid companies that require paying in cash. This may mean they don’t report their earnings to the government and don’t want to pay taxes. It can also mean they don’t want anyone to be able to trace your money back to them.
Avoid paying any Flood Damage Restoration Denver company for services that need to be paid for upfront. Reputable companies shouldn’t require your money before the project starts to pay for the necessary materials. Instead, look for a company that will collect the money after the work is completed.
Failing to Follow a Protocol
Many scammers try to cut corners when they provide you with their services. This includes using the same supplies that were leftover from a previous project or failing to obtain permits to perform the restoration work on your property.
It’s important to only use a company that has a high level of integrity and works hard during the project. They should have a throughout and detailed process that involves professionalism.
The team should also have strong communication skills and keep you informed on the process. You should know what to expect before the work begins and have a timeframe of when the project will be completed. Staying informed shows the company has a protocol and is organized throughout the process.
Knowing what to look out for when you need to hire a reputable restoration company in the local area can allow you to find a company you can trust. Knowing how scammers attempt to swindle homeowners out of money can allow you to avoid falling for their tactics and can ensure you obtain the services you need from a reputable team in the area.
AUTHOR NAME : ALISON LURIE