Home - Business - 9 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring Water Damage Restoration Professionals

9 mistakes to avoid when hiring water damage restoration professionals

9 mistakes to avoid when hiring water damage restoration professionals

While water is integral to life, it can also negatively affect life when it floods homes and offices. Every aspect of one’s life, from belongings and finances to daily sustenance, is hampered. But even in these situations, water damage restoration professionals can help get the situation under control. And that’s why hiring a reliable water damage restoration professional is essential. So, here are some mistakes to avoid when hiring a water damage restoration professional:

1. Overlooking credentials
Water restoration professionals do the crucial job of handling a flood situation, so they need to be trained extensively for these operations. Ideally, the technician or company should be licensed to practice by an authorized body, such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and should be highly experienced and trained in methods to assess damage, drain out water, and sanitize the place. Even if the professional is qualified in the field, they might not be able to come up with the right solutions based on the situation if they don’t have relevant training and experience. So, one should check the company’s or professional’s credentials closely.

2. Picking a professional only based on fees
Water damage usually causes huge losses, so one may be unable to pay a hefty sum to a water restoration company immediately after the incident. However, selecting a professional only based on what they charge is a huge mistake because there is a chance that these people may not be well-trained or experienced. Hiring such professionals can only increase one’s expenses in the long run. So, instead of compromising on service for cost, one should find other ways to get financial relief, such as a flexible debt plan. The ideal solution is to set up emergency funds for such unexpected scenarios beforehand.

3. Not considering references and reviews
Just like one usually checks out reviews and feedback for other products and services, one should also seek feedback from water restoration professionals before hiring them. Online reviews may help to a certain extent. Still, local people like neighbors, friends from the area, and other members of community groups may be able to provide a better idea of the professional’s reliability and expertise. A direct approach to finding local references is to ask the company upfront. Most good companies would be more than willing to provide references to potential clients.

4. Not enquiring about insurance coverage
The last thing one may want during a water damage situation is to pay a considerable amount to a water restoration company and not get the money back if the company cannot offer its services optimally. If the company has insurance coverage, it ensures that its clients are at least financially compensated in such cases, which is some relief during such difficult times. That’s why, before hiring a water restoration professional, one should always check if the company has an insurance plan in place.

5. Failing to check whether the company uses up-to-date equipment
Water restoration is an elaborate task that requires a professional to use multiple tools and equipment, from high-quality infrared cameras to anti-microbial sprays, moisture detectors, and dehumidifiers. Also, different water restoration activities require different specialized tools; water restoration professionals should be prepared with all of these at the site. Thus, it is important for clients to actively inquire with the company about the tools and equipment they use, how up-to-date and effective they are, and what each of them does. Without premium and efficient machinery and tools, the water restoration process may lag behind, increasing water damage and losses for the owners.

6. Overlooking adherence to regulations
It is a good idea for those hiring water restoration professionals to discover some basic regulations these individuals need to follow on-site. As such, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has laid down some regulations that all water restoration professionals must adhere to. So, before hiring water restoration professionals, one should check with the company to see if they abide by such regulations to meet global safety standards.

7. Not discussing with the company about their damage repair plans
Once the professionals have examined the site and understood the level of damage, one should discuss possible management strategies and what would work best in the situation with them. A qualified and genuine professional should be able to chalk out a comprehensive plan that covers various aspects of water damage and restoration, including removing dust and debris, sanitization, dehumidification, drying, and renovation if required.

8. Waiting endlessly for the professionals to respond
Water damage is an emergency situation that needs immediate attention, so one cannot afford to waste time endlessly waiting for the professionals to arrive and begin their work. Trustworthy water damage restoration companies understand the urgency and get to the site, usually within minutes, taking quick action to inspect the place and come up with a strategy. So, it is best to let go of a company if its response time is high. One should aim to get help as soon as possible in such situations.

9. Not checking the customer service quality
Customer service should be a significant factor when shortlisting water restoration professionals, especially because these professionals must be available on short notice. So, one should check whether the company offers quick customer service through operator assistance, chatbots, emails, etc.

Previous Read

6 mistakes small business startups must avoid

Starting a business of any size requires a whole lot of patience, effort, skill, and, of course, resources. Further, to make the investment of human and physical resources pay off, it is important to adopt the right practices and tread carefully in the initial stages of a startup. The process can involve a lot of trial and error, but here are a few major mistakes one can avoid while setting up a small business: 1. Skipping market research A clear understanding of the market and the target audience is a crucial aspect of starting and running a successful business. Before setting up a startup, one must have a proper knowledge of the segment that they are entering. They must know their target audience as well as competitors. One must also study their target audience in detail to understand their preferences and complaints regarding available products. Following thorough market research, they can develop new products or services and improve upon existing ideas to stand out. Further, entrepreneurs must understand their competitors’ approach to learn more about the market. Without such research, a startup may find it difficult to grow.  2. Not making a clear plan A clear plan for a startup is like laying a foundation for a building. To allow the structure to grow and become indestructible, the foundation has to be strong. So, when starting a business from scratch, one must begin by drafting a basic plan. This outline does not have to be complicated and extremely rigid. It only needs to be clear so that everyone involved knows the business objectives and strategy to meet these goals. The plan must make the following elements very clear: - The short-term and long-term goals of the business - The desired impact of products or services being offered - Growth and expansion strategy for the future Over time, as the startup grows, the plan can grow, too, gradually incorporating elements like cash flow planning, strategy for hiring and managing employees, inventory management plans, strategy for acquiring and retaining clients/customers, and so on. 3. Misallocation of funds For small startups and businesses, it is extremely important to spend money carefully. Entrepreneurs must identify the key aspects of their business that need more investment. Similarly, they must also identify unnecessary expenses that can be avoided in the initial stages. For instance, if a startup can function with its employees working remotely, the entrepreneur need not spend money to rent an office space. Instead, they can direct their funds toward things that would actually benefit their business, like providing better salaries to employees. 4. Undervaluing the product A big mistake that new startups must avoid when they are launching their product is undervaluing it. Entrepreneurs may be inclined to set low prices to seem better than their competitors. However, in the long run, this could impact the business negatively. For instance, a low-priced product may be perceived to be inferior in quality by the target audience. Additionally, if a startup prices its products or services too low, it may struggle to make profits or even meet its operational expenses. 5. Rushing the hiring process Building a workforce is a crucial step for startups. It helps one manage the operations and the clients better, which would eventually lead to the growth of the business. However, in the initial stages, it is better for a startup to delay hiring full-time employees as long as possible and instead opt for freelancers or part-timers. Also, when it is time for a startup to begin hiring full-time workers, it is important to be patient during the process. This is because each applicant’s skill level, experience, and other similar factors have to be carefully considered to determine if they are the right fit. This can influence the initial growth of the business. 6. Ignoring intellectual property rights For any business, the products or services are the most important assets. If the offering is something unique or self-created, one must protect it. One can do so by applying for relevant patents and copyrights. Besides its products, a small business startup must also protect its other intellectual properties (IP), like the name of its business, its tagline, trade secrets, and other creative inventions that contribute toward building the identity and USP of the business. Failing to protect intellectual property can expose business creations to theft and unauthorized use.

Next Read

7 common wristband branding mistakes to avoid

The world of marketing has seen constant change and growth. Messaging that once used to be reserved for televisions and posters is now being shared more subtly, such as wristbands. Wristbands have become an extremely popular brand-building method, from music shows and concerts to charities. However, many businesses make mistakes with this niche marketing style, which could cost them money. Read on to find out about some of them. 1. Not having a wristband marketing strategy Wristbands are an understated way of marketing any business. These are fun and easy to wear, and they can be instrumental in getting the word out. These can be especially useful for businesses and spaces that cater to teens and younger audiences, as they can catch people’s interest and promote marketing by word of mouth. Keeping this in mind, one of the biggest mistakes businesses can make is not using wristbands for marketing. If sharing them with the world seems like too much, creating a small set of wristbands for one’s team may also be effective. Although this will be on a smaller scale, building an internal brand and getting people talking may still work wonders. 2. Being inconsistent with branding The key to the success of any marketing campaign is consistency, as it helps establish recognition and trust with the customers. This means that everything related to one’s business must align, including the website, business cards, packaging, print materials, ads, and even the wristbands. This creates a cohesive brand identity and improves the chances of brand recall among new and existing customers. At the same time, businesses must keep their brand looking contemporary and relatable. Since this tool often lends itself well to younger audiences, try to find inspiration in current trends and tweak them to match business sensibilities. 3. Using poor-quality materials Next, pay attention to the materials being used to make the wristbands. Look for comfortable or durable materials such as rubber, silicone, or fabrics that can handle daily wear and tear. If these are going to feature prints, ensure that good-quality ink is used so it does not fade away. A cheap or flimsy wristband is not only going to impact the business’s reputation with its customers but also affect the longevity of the marketing campaign. 4. Not allowing customization There are a lot of ways to make an impression with a wristband marketing campaign, and one of them is customization. Many brands opt for generic designs or styles that fail to leave a mark. Instead of following the crowd, personalize these bands differently. Relying on unique and catchy slogans, creating specific categories, or using individual names are some ways to do so. This will make the customers more likely to talk about it or maybe even share a selfie, garnering a lot of personal attention for the brand. 5. Not paying attention to distribution When using wristbands as a marketing tool, it is also crucial to highlight their distribution. Depending on the type of band and venue, these may be sold to customers, gifted during giveaways and promotions, or provided at entry or checkpoints for easy recognition. Companies must ensure that these are distributed at the right place and time to maximize their reach. 6. Forgetting about social media integration Amidst all this, don’t forget to showcase the campaign on social media. Create a tied-in physical and digital marketing campaign with wristbands by asking customers and patrons to share their experiences with a common hashtag or post a photo wearing the band. This can have a three-pronged impact: increasing reach and engagement on social media, building community, and improving brand awareness and recognition. 7. Overcomplicating things Last but not least, keep things simple. Overcomplicating things with too many symbols, quotes, colors, or designs may detract from the actual brand messaging or put a convoluted message forward. For instance, many brands use wristbands to outline certain categories, such as general, VIP, fan-pit, etc. However, demarcating too many classes could create confusion as people are more likely to forget them, doing more harm than good. To create a big impact and improve brand recognition, convey the message clearly. Wristbands were popularized as a marketing tool back in 2004. Twenty years later, they remain one of the most favored brand recognition strategies, especially among the bold and young.

Trending Articles

01

Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
02

Top 5 luxury watches to check out

Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
03

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
04

5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

Our Blogs

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
Read More
4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
Read More
5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
Read More
3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
Read More
4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool.
Read More
8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are tiny tear-shaped growths in the nose and sinuses, usually brought on by asthma, infection, allergies, or other kinds of inflammation. These polyps are usually painless and non-cancerous, however, they can be big enough to cause itchiness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and running nose. Doctors usually prescribe nasal sprays that can relieve the symptoms and get rid of the polyps. However, one can also try a few natural remedies to deal with the condition: Neti pot (or nasal irrigation) Neti pot is a popular and convenient nasal irrigation device. All one has to do is fill this container with saline solution or add 1–2 tsp salt to distilled water or boiled (and then cooled) tap water. Then, one would have to lean over a washbasin or a sink and tilt their head sideways so that the liquid does not flow back into the mouth. One would have to breathe through the mouth, insert the spout into the upper nostril and allow the fluid to drain from the lower nostril. Then the nostrils will have to be cleaned by blowing the nose to remove mucus and dirt. This process should be repeated through the other nostril. The goal is to loosen and clear the mucus and debris like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity.
Read More