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Fire Water Damage 103

The previous two articles looked at what to do in the event of fire damage or water damage to your home or business, because there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage.  The running theme, however, was “call a professional”.  In most cases, fire and water damage restoration projects are simply too big and too complicated for the average homeowner to take on, no matter how handy he or she may be.

Okay, call a professional.  But who are you going to call?  The Yellow Book in every city has numerous listings for people advertising fire and water damage restoration.  The problem is that all companies are not created equal, and everyone who claims to do this is not necessarily qualified to do so.  There are no official or government regulations to oversee who can and cannot do this sort of work, so basically anybody, and I mean anybody, can buy a Sears Craftsman tool kit and say they are in the business.

But there is a way to separate the men from the boys.  The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification was founded 30 years ago as the unofficial governing body for the fire and water damage restoration industry, establishing standards, procedures, and certification for companies specializing in this sort of work. 

Choosing a company with the IICRC seal insures that they are a company dedicated to high business ethics, available 24/7, licensed, bonded, and insured, and staffed with highly qualified technicians proficient on all the latest fire and water restoration equipment and techniques.  They will offer a full range of service designed to handle all of your fire and water damage restoration needs.