8 Tips for hiring a water cleanup company in Columbia MO

When homeowners experience roof leaks, a burst pipe, or a flood, cleaning up the water quickly often requires the services of a water cleanup company like ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Columbia. However, choosing the right company can feel exhausting, especially if the water damage resulted from a weather event that affected other homes in the Columbia, MO, area. Homeowners can know what to look for while searching for a water cleanup company with these eight tips from ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Columbia.

1. Start by Asking Family and Friends

Neighbors, family members, and friends living in the area may have experienced water damage before, which can save homeowners hours of research with their recommendations. If they have companies to recommend, asking them questions about specific technicians or the best way to contact the company can be beneficial. With trusted sources providing a list of water cleanup companies, homeowners can begin researching each business.

2. Follow Up with Online Research

If a neighbor used a water cleanup company a year ago, that doesn’t mean that the company has provided all of its customers with such a satisfactory experience. Homeowners should go online and search for each company, reading online reviews and checking out how the company responds to negative or upset customers. They can find reviews on many platforms, such as Google, BBB, Yelp, and social media.

3. Ask How They Perform Water Cleanup

Water cleanup companies vary in their timelines and methods, so requesting this information early on helps weed out inexperienced businesses. Requesting a timeline also provides information on when and how quickly a customer can expect their water emergency solved, an important question if they've suffered extensive water damage. Companies that can respond sooner and offer a quicker timeline should top the list of potential water cleanup specialists.

Besides the timeline, homeowners should also ask how they clean up sewer water vs. fresh water messes. Each type of water requires different cleaning methods to ensure customers have safe, healthy homes.

4. Request Proof of Documentation

Water cleanup companies in and around Columbia and Jefferson City have to maintain registration and licensure with the state of Missouri. Customers can request copies of these documents to help them solidify the validity of the business. Especially after weather event emergencies, homeowners may experience the dreaded door-to-door water cleanup companies with no registration on file.

Using an undocumented company to clean a home after a water emergency puts the property owner in a bind should they suffer any consequences afterward. If a company cannot provide its business license and associated registrations, don’t hire them.

5. Ask About Business Insurance

Legitimate businesses carry insurance that protects not only the company but its employees and clients as well. Customers can request copies of the insurance company’s policy to ensure they're covered in case a water cleanup technician suffers an accident. In addition, these policies will often cover the homeowner and the house if a technician accidentally causes more damage than the water did.

6. Ensure They Have Certified Technicians

Ask the water cleanup company whether their technicians have gotten and maintained their certifications. A successful and legitimate company usually has fully trained and certified water cleanup technicians. If a company doesn’t provide proof that they have certified technicians, that means the business owner refuses to invest in properly trained and safe water cleanup techs.

7. Ask About Guarantees

Experienced water cleanup experts know that they can guarantee a happy customer without making impossible promises. Guarantees against algae or mold growth, for example, indicate that the company may not provide realistic customer guidance during the cleanup process. Find a business that provides practical guarantees and offers to return in case they perform inadequately the first time.

8. Read the Service Contract

After following these other tips and settling on the right water cleanup company, the homeowner should thoroughly read the service contract before signing. They should ensure the company has outlined what work they plan to perform and how along with a final total that makes sense with previous quotes. Additionally, they should ask questions and address any and all concerns with their water cleanup specialists before signing the service contract.

Dry Out Your Home Successfully with the Experts at ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Columbia

Following a leak, flood, or natural disaster, experienced water cleanup services can help homeowners efficiently and effectively dry their houses. When looking for a professional water cleanup company in Columbia, MO, contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services or call them at (573) 928-2668.