Managing water damage in your Orlando residence or commercial property can be overwhelming. Quick action is essential to mitigate additional damage, necessitating prompt repairs and restoration services.
1. Lack of licensing and certifications
Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t require water damage restoration contractors to be licensed. However, there are voluntary certifications they obtain to demonstrate their expertise. Examples include the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and the Restoration Industry Association. Don’t assume a company is qualified just because water damage restoration is their advertised service. Check what IICRC, RIA, or other industry certifications they hold. The lack of any credentials is a warning sign.
2. Vague pricing and cost estimates
A trustworthy Damage Control in Orlando should inspect your property and provide a detailed estimate for services before starting work. Estimates shouldn’t only cover immediate restoration needs but also recommendations for preventing future damage. Vague pricing, excessive fees, or reluctance to offer a written estimate are red flags. These behaviors point to potential hidden costs or overcharging once work begins. Insist on comprehensive quotes from at least three Orlando contractors.
3. High pressure sales tactics
The best contractors educate customers on necessary services and then allow time to consider options. If a company tries high-pressure tactics to force quick decisions, such as using guilt or refusing to leave, this behavior sabotages due diligence. Avoid contractors who show up unsolicited, deliver slick but generic proposals, or create false senses of urgency. Take your time and don’t let anyone bully you into signing an agreement on the spot.
4. Negative online reviews
Online customer feedback reveals much about a company’s trustworthiness and service standards. Search for reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Watch for concerning patterns like shoddy workmanship, lack of response to issues, overcharging, or failure to honor warranties. No contractor’s record is perfect, so a few negatives among overwhelmingly positive reviews are OK. But pay attention if multiple recent reviews all report similar bad experiences or unethical practices.
5. Lack of emergency response capability
Water damage emergencies require rapid response within 24 to 48 hours to mitigate microbial growth and structural issues. This quick reaction time is a key reason you likely chose a restoration specialist rather than attempting repairs yourself. Check that your chosen contractor offers 24/7 emergency services and maintains readiness for rapid deployment. Trying to save money here with a company lacking emergency response capabilities will only cost you much bigger in the end.
Doing due diligence protects your investment
Recovery from catastrophic water damage means substantial costs for restoration services and repairs to your property. Choosing the wrong contractor multiplies that investment exponentially through substandard work or potential fraud. By spotting red flags like lack of credentials, vague pricing, high-pressure sales tactics, bad reviews, and insufficient emergency response, you avoid contractors likely to cause further headaches. Doing this due diligence takes time but ultimately protects your financial and emotional investment in properly restoring your water-damaged home or business.
