In 2019, fire damage cost United States residents a startling $14.8 billion. Materials like PVC, vinyl siding, single-paned glass, and wood are susceptible to damage from extreme heat.
A fire restoration contractor can mitigate and possibly reverse these effects.
This guide explains how to hire the best fire restoration contractor in Chicago, IL.
that will restore your Chicago home or business to its original condition.
Let’s dive in.
8 Tips to Choose the Best Fire Restoration Contractor in Chicago, IL
If disaster has struck your Chicago home or commercial building, you need to prioritize finding an excellent fire restoration contractor.
Here are some tips to hire the best contactor that will get the job done right:
1. Look for a company that provides 24/7 emergency services
Fire damage can happen at any time. If your house catches fire at 3 a.m., you shouldn’t have to wait to get your property repaired.
Instead of waiting around for hours, you should hire a fire damage restoration contractor that offers 24/7 services, like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. We provide prompt, emergency response all day, every day.
2. Check your contractor’s credentials
When hiring a Chicago fire restoration contractor, ensure you select a contractor with the correct credentials. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured to perform the necessary restoration work.
If the contractor lacks credentials, they may not have undergone the extensive training needed for fire restoration. Check for certificates from a trusted authority like the IICRC.
Our team atServiceMaster of Lake Shore is comprised exclusively of IICRC-certified professionals.
3. Prioritize experienced contractors
Look for a contractor that specializes in both residential and commercial properties, as these types of buildings have different needs.
You can determine the contractor’s experience levels by reaching out and asking how long they’ve been in business, as well as the types of properties they’ve serviced and jobs they regularly complete for properties similar to yours.
At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we have served Chicago properties since 1996, so you will be in good hands with us.
4. Find a contractor who works with insurance
Reputable fire restoration companies will work with your home insurance company. After a fire, you must file an insurance claim.
If you aren’t experienced, this process can get tedious and frustrating. A contractor can alleviate the stress of filing a claim to get you the financial assistance you need.
The contractor can negotiate details with your insurance provider, such as the source and extent of the damage. A skilled contractor will ensure that no stone is left unturned.
Our team at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore will help you work through your insurance claim.
5. Research the services they offer
Different fires require different services. A company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can offer comprehensive restoration services for fire and smoke damage, both for residential and commercial properties.
Some of the fire damage services provided by ServiceMaster of Lake Shore are:
No matter the source of your fire, we have you covered. Our contractors are equipped to handle these types of fires:
- Business
- Chimney
- Cigarette-based
- Complex
- Furnace malfunction
- Home
- Kitchen
- Multi-family
- Natural
- Smoke damage
Also, see if they work on your type of property. Some of the types of Chicago commercial properties that ServiceMaster of Lake Shore works on include:
- Churches and other religious buildings
- Entertainment venues
- Financial institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
- Industrial sites and factories
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Retail centers
- Schools and universities
- Warehouse facilities
A high-quality fire restoration contractor will make your property healthy and safe to enter again in no time.
Full-service companies can mitigate damage that you may not have noticed before. They will address your property’s needs, no matter how complex.
6. See if they meet industry standards
Quality restoration companies must abide by set industry standards. The two primary standards are:
If your home has suffered from water, mold, or other damage, the restoration contractor will need to follow other standards as well.
Check that the contractors use state-of-the-art tools to repair your building. Commercial-grade equipment will provide the best results and ensure your safety.
For commercial fire damage, you will want to hire a fleet of contractors that can expedite the process and get your business running again in no time.
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore abides by the necessary smoke, water, and fire damage standards to ensure we deliver the best services to all of our clients.
Regardless of the size of the project, we want you to be satisfied with the results.
7. Ask for a quote and restoration plan
Your Chicago fire damage restoration contractor should hand you a quote for their services. It should include the restoration plan and other information about the timeline, payment, and company policies.
The company should base this quote on an on-site inspection of the damage. You will likely need to pay an inspection fee, but you will receive an accurate estimate. The expense will get applied to the project if you hire those contractors.
Once the contractors have completed the inspection, they should give you a restoration plan that outlines the process. It will detail the services they must perform and the estimated timeline.
We want you to know exactly how we will perform our comprehensive services after a disaster.
Whether you have a burst pipe or soot-covered carpets, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore will tell you the steps we will take to restore your home or commercial building to its original condition.
8. Check the testimonials
Before trusting a company, ensure you check out the reviews and testimonials. While published testimonials on the business’s website matter, these are often screened before getting posted.
Instead, check out third-party reviews. Look for a company with an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also, consider reviews from websites like Yelp, Facebook, and Birdeye.
Even better, ask around Chicago for recommendations from your friends and family. See if people find the services reasonably priced and high-quality.
Need Fire & Water Damage Restoration Services in Chicago, IL? We’re Here to Help!
We’re always ready and willing to help you with fire and water damage, no matter how minor or extreme.
At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we provide our comprehensive services to Chicagoland, including the North Shore, Evanston, Northbrook, Skokie, and more.
We will provide you with the support you need to get your home or business up and running again. Our team has handled tough jobs for decades, so you know you will work with experienced and qualified individuals.
The next time you need emergency fire damage restoration, reach out to ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. We offer some of the best fire and water damage restoration services in Chicago.
Feel free to contact us todayto learn more about our fire restoration services and to request a quote or call (312) 707 - 8597
We are available on a 24/7 basis, so reach out at any time and a team member will respond shortly.
