When a severe storm tears through your neighborhood, the aftermath can be chaotic and overwhelming. Downed trees, missing shingles, shattered windows, and basement flooding are all common problems that require immediate attention.
In the confusion, your first instinct might be to search for “storm damage cleanup near me,” but how do you know who to trust? Hiring the right contractor is the most important decision you’ll make in your recovery process. Here’s a guide on who to call and the critical questions you must ask.
Who Do You Call First?
After a major storm, you might be facing multiple problems at once—water in the basement, a tree on your roof, and a broken window. Do you call a roofer, a tree service, or a water removal company?
For a complex situation, your best and simplest call is to a full-service, IICRC-certified restoration company.
A professional restoration company acts as a “general contractor” for disasters. They have the teams and equipment to handle all aspects of the cleanup simultaneously, from emergency water extraction and structural drying to roof tarping, tree removal, and securing your property. This simplifies your life immensely, as you’ll have one point of contact managing the entire project and working directly with your insurance company.
10 Critical Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Contractor
Your goal is to find an experienced, local, and trustworthy contractor. Use these questions to vet any company you speak with.
- “Are you licensed and insured in this state?” This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you from any liability if a worker is injured on your property.
- “Can you provide local references?” A reputable local company will have a long list of satisfied clients in your area. Be wary of companies that can’t provide references or whose references are all from out-of-state.
- “Do you have 24/7 emergency services?” Storm damage doesn’t wait. You need a company that can dispatch a team immediately to prevent further damage, especially for roof tarping or water extraction.
- “What is the full scope of your services?” Can they handle everything? Ask if their services include water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, soot removal (if there was a fire), and full reconstruction.
- “Do you work directly with my insurance company?” This is a huge stress-saver. A contractor experienced in storm damage claims will use the same estimating software as the insurance companies (like Xactimate) and can bill your insurer directly, streamlining the entire process.
- “What is your timeline for the project?” A good contractor can’t give you a final date, but they should be able to provide a clear, step-by-step plan and an estimated timeline for mitigation and repairs.
- “Will you itemize the estimate?” Ask for a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs for labor, materials, and equipment. This is essential for both you and your insurance adjuster.
- “Are you IICRC-certified?” The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is the industry standard. A certified firm and certified technicians have been trained in the latest, safest, and most effective restoration methods.
- “What kind of warranties or guarantees do you offer?” A professional company will stand by its work. Ask about warranties on repairs and guarantees on services like mold remediation.
- “What is your local, permanent address?” This question helps you identify “storm chasers.”
Red Flag: Beware of “Storm Chasers”
After a major weather event, out-of-state “storm chasers” often flood the area. They move from town to town, knocking on doors, offering cheap, fast repairs. They often use high-pressure sales tactics, demand large cash payments upfront, and then perform shoddy work (or no work at all) before disappearing.
Red flags of a storm chaser:
- They have out-of-state license plates.
- They demand a large cash deposit or your entire insurance check upfront.
- They can’t provide a local address or local references.
- They pressure you to sign a contract on the spot.
Your Trusted Local Partner
After a storm, you need a partner you can trust to respond immediately and handle every aspect of the cleanup. A local, certified restoration company is your best resource for getting your home and your life back to normal quickly and safely.
If your property has suffered storm damage, contact our certified 24/7 emergency response team for a fast, professional assessment.
