How to choose a water damage or storm restoration company
Choose a company that answers 24/7 and can be on-site within a few hours, documents damage for your insurer, handles both mitigation and rebuild, is local with a physical address, and has reviews you can verify.
Questions to ask
- Do you answer 24/7, and how fast can you be here? Water damage gets worse by the hour. Ask for a realistic arrival time.
- Where are you based? A local shop with a real address is easier to hold accountable than a storm chaser who leaves town.
- Will you document the loss for my insurer? Look for photos, moisture logs and itemized estimates.
- Do you also rebuild? Companies that only dry out leave you hiring a second contractor.
- Do you do roofs too? After storms, the roof and the interior are often one claim. One company keeps it simple.
- What certifications do you hold? Ask about restoration training and roofing manufacturer certifications, and check them.
- Can I see recent reviews? Check Google, BBB and Angi, not only testimonials on the company’s site.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign on the spot before you have talked to your insurer
- Asking you to pay the full deductible up front or offering to waive it
- No local address or a phone number that only goes to voicemail at night
First Responders is based at 11785 Lackland Rd in St. Louis County and answers 24/7 at (314) 644-8800. About us.