Before you hire a water damage company, ask how fast they can arrive, whether they also fix the pipe, how they will prove your house is dry, whether they work directly with your insurer, and what they will put in writing before work starts. A good company answers all of these plainly on the first call. Ask us right now: call (413) 603-1274.
On the phone
- How soon can you be here, and is that someone local?
- Can you fix the pipe, or do I need a separate plumber? See plumber or water damage company
- Do you answer calls at night and on weekends?
- Have you worked on two- and three-family homes like mine?
At the house
- Will you show me the moisture readings, and leave copies?
- What has to be removed, and why?
- How many days of drying do you expect?
- Will you photograph everything before you remove it?
- Will you follow lead-safe practices if you open walls in an older home?
About money and insurance
- Will you work with my insurance adjuster and send them your documentation?
- What do I sign, and what does it allow you to do?
- What will I owe if my claim is denied or below my deductible?
- How do you price the work? See water damage cleanup cost
You usually have the right to pick your own company. See choosing your own mitigation company.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign over your insurance payments on the spot
- No readings, or readings they will not share
- Equipment removed before anyone measures
- Vague answers about cost
Questions for after the job
- Can I have the final moisture readings, in writing?
- Can I have all the photos you took?
- What was removed and thrown out, and is that listed?
- What should I watch for in the next few weeks?
- Who do I call if a smell or stain comes back?
Keep these records with your insurance file. They also help if you sell the house later, since they show the damage was handled properly.
Insurance language
Ask the company to explain anything in their paperwork that mentions your insurance, direct payment or assignment of benefits. You should know who will be paid, by whom, and what happens if the insurer pays less than the bill.
Questions to ask yourself
Before you sign anything, take a minute with these:
- Did they explain the plan in plain words?
- Did they show me readings, or only tell me things?
- Do I understand what I am signing?
- Do I know who to call with questions, and will someone answer?
- Did I feel pressured?
If the answers make you uneasy, you can stop. You can ask for emergency water removal only, and decide on the rest after you have had time to think.
Check reviews the right way
Look at recent reviews and read the bad ones too. Look for how the company responded and whether reviewers mention communication, cleanliness and clear pricing. A few reviews describing jobs like yours in houses like yours count for more than a long list of generic praise.
Questions
Should I get more than one quote?
For the rebuild, yes if you have time. For extraction and drying, waiting usually costs more than any savings.
Can I switch companies midway?
Usually, but read what you signed first and tell your insurer.
Ask us anything. Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.