When disaster strikes your home or business—whether from fire, flooding, or both—the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Beyond the emotional stress and property damage, you’re faced with urgent decisions, including who to trust for cleanup and restoration. Hiring the right fire and water restoration company is critical. The right team can help restore your property safely, efficiently, and correctly. The wrong one can make things worse—or leave you with incomplete or subpar work.
So how do you choose the best company for the job? Here are the top 5 things to look for when hiring a fire and water restoration company:
Proper Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance
First and foremost, always verify that the company is licensed to operate in your state or locality. Restoration involves a combination of construction, environmental cleanup, and health safety—so the company must meet specific industry and legal standards.
Look for certifications from trusted industry organizations such as:
IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification): This is the gold standard for water and fire damage restoration professionals.
EPA Lead-Safe Certification: Important for older homes that may contain lead-based paint.
OSHA Compliance: Shows they follow workplace safety guidelines.
Additionally, make sure the company is fully insured and carries liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects both you and the workers in case of injury or accidental damage during the restoration process.
24/7 Emergency Response
Disasters don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your restoration company. A prompt response can be the difference between manageable damage and a complete loss. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure, and lingering soot from fires can permanently damage surfaces and materials if not addressed immediately.
Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services and can mobilize quickly when you call. Fast action not only minimizes damage—it can also reduce costs, prevent secondary problems, and give you peace of mind that someone is on your side during a stressful time.
Experience and Specialization in Both Fire and Water Restoration
Restoration after fire or water damage is not just about cleanup. It’s a complex process that includes:
– Water extraction and drying
– Smoke and soot removal
– Odor elimination
– Mold prevention or remediation
– Structural repairs
– Decontamination and sanitization
A good restoration company should have extensive experience in both fire and water restoration, not just one or the other. Ask how long they’ve been in business, and request examples of past jobs or references. The more experienced the company is with your type of damage, the smoother and more successful the restoration process will be.
Transparent Process and Detailed Estimates
Restoration can be costly, so you need a company that is upfront and transparent about what they’re doing, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. Beware of companies that are vague about their process or refuse to provide a written estimate.
A reputable fire and water restoration company will:
– Conduct a thorough inspection of the damage
– Explain what steps are needed for cleanup and restoration
– Provide a detailed written estimate with clear costs
– Work directly with your insurance company, if needed
– Keep you informed throughout the process
Transparency builds trust. The company should be willing to answer all your questions and guide you through the process step by step.
Strong Reviews and Local Reputation
In a crisis, it’s tempting to go with the first company you find online—but it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to do some research. Look at online reviews, check the company’s website, and ask friends or neighbors if they’ve had any experience with local restoration services.
Sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can provide valuable insight into how a company treats its customers. Look for:
– Consistently high ratings
– Positive comments about customer service, professionalism, and quality of work
– Responsiveness to both praise and criticism
– A physical location in or near your community
Choosing a local company can also have added benefits—they’re more likely to understand regional building codes, weather patterns, and water sources, which may affect restoration planning.
Tip: Look for a Full-Service Provider
When possible, opt for a company that offers full-service restoration, from emergency response to final reconstruction. That way, you won’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about gaps in responsibility. A single team handling the project ensures smoother communication, faster work, and better quality control.
Hiring a fire and water restoration company isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about restoring your home, your safety, and your peace of mind. In a time of crisis, the right team can make all the difference. By looking for proper credentials, 24/7 service, real-world experience, clear communication, and a solid local reputation, you’ll put yourself in the best position to recover quickly and successfully.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to find a restoration company. Save the contact info of a reputable local service now—so you’ll be ready when every minute counts.