Having a property suffer damage from a storm or fire is stressful enough as it is. Now, imagine what comes next: talking with your insurance company and finding a local restoration company. All of this will make most people feel anxious.
After all, how do you know which contractor truly has your best interests at heart? With door-to-door offers and "too good to be true" prices, how can you separate trustworthy professionals from opportunistic storm chasers?
In this guide, you will learn how to identify the five unmistakable signs of a legitimate restoration company and the three red flags that signal it's time to walk away. By the end, you will have your very own vetting checklist, empowering you to hire confidently and protect your investment.
The "Storm Chaser" Problem: A Warning for Homeowners
When a regional disaster strikes (like a particularly nasty storm), you and your neighbors may be in a vulnerable position. This is precisely what some unscrupulous people are waiting for.
These "storm chasers" are contractors who follow storms to perform fraudulent or subpar restoration work, and they are a common problem in the restoration industry. Especially after big, impactful weather events. They are often temporary out-of-town individuals who take advantage of homeowners' urgency to complete jobs quickly before disappearing. While they are rare here in South Arkansas, you should still be aware of them. Be suspicious of anyone who knocks on your door after a disaster and offers low prices and "quick" fixes.
To prevent unsafe repairs, mold growth, insurance complications, and costly future rework, we recommend working with a local restoration company that has an established shop. To help you identify the best company fit for your needs, follow our checklist.
Signs of a Good Restoration Company
1. They Are Certified by the IICRC
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a nonprofit organization that sets industry standards and certifies individuals and firms in the fields of cleaning, inspection, and restoration.
This organization also develops standards for professional practices, such as water damage restoration and mold remediation, and its certifications ensure technicians are trained in the latest methods. This certification serves as a benchmark of expertise and professionalism for consumers seeking services such as water, fire, and smoke restoration.
You can verify whether a restoration company is a "Certified Firm" by searching for it on the IICRC website using the IICRC Global Locator tool.
2. They Have a Local, Physical Office and Verifiable History
Storm chasers use unmarked white vans, out-of-state license plates, and a P.O. box, making it very difficult to contact them should problems arise once the work is (poorly) done. Instead, you should look for a local restoration company with a physical address you can visit, branded vehicles, and a long-standing history in your community.
You can check their LLC or corporate registration with your state to see how long they have been in business. You can also search for them on Google and take a close look at their reviews to get a feel of their established reputation.
3. They Don’t Demand Large Upfront Cash Payments
This is a massive red flag. Scammers "need your money to buy materials" or will simply take your deposit and disappear.
A professional restoration company has accounts with suppliers and the financial stability to start your job. Typically, after the mitigation job (to prevent the damage from spreading further) is completed, you will be presented with a first written estimate, along with a contract. This is not to be confused with the final estimate, which comes up once the project has been completed.
For further clarification, ask the restoration company to outline the payment schedule, preferred payment methods, and any other questions you may have. Any trusted restoration company should have no problem explaining this in full detail.
4. They Don’t Use High-Pressure Tactics
One of the main differences between a true restoration professional and a fraudulent contractor is that they are educators first. A disaster can cause emotional turmoil, and that's what dishonest individuals may look for. You should never feel "pressured" to sign a contract before you have all the information you need.
A good restoration professional should be patient and address all your questions, taking the time to educate you on the process. They will encourage you to self-educate (just as we do with our blog!).
The 3 Red Flags to Watch Out For
As mentioned before, after a disaster, scammers are on the prowl. If you hear any of these, end the conversation immediately and look for a local restoration company. Also, don't forget to get in touch with your insurance adjuster.
1. "We can cover your deductible"
This sounds like a friendly discount. It is not. It is insurance fraud, plain and simple. The way these individuals "waive" your deductible is by sending an inflated, fraudulent invoice to your insurance company to "hide" the cost. But as if possibly getting in hot water with the law wasn’t bad enough, the problems don't stop here.
Anyone willing to commit a felony with you is also willing to commit fraud against you. Unethical people will have no issue cutting corners, using subpar materials, and leaving you with shoddy work that you will have to fix later.
2. Unrealistically Low Prices or "Leftover Materials"
This is a classic "storm chaser" tactic. "We were just at your neighbor's house and have leftover materials we can use for cheap". Legitimate restoration projects don't use "leftover materials." This is a scam that always leads to subpar materials and craftsmanship, and a job you will have to pay to fix later.
Additionally, when working with your insurance company, you are required to present proof of purchase for materials equivalent to those that were damaged. Submitting a statement with false information or concealing or providing misleading information to your insurer is considered insurance fraud. This can lead to criminal charges, which may result in penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment.
3. No License or Downplaying Certifications
A contractor who says something along the lines of "you don't need all that IICRC paperwork, it's just a way for them to charge more", is likely being dishonest.
This is a "huge red flag". Downplaying the importance of industry-standard certifications is a clear indication that they are unqualified and are attempting to conceal it.
Always work with restoration companies that are certified by the IICRC. This proves they are trained to follow up-to-date standard practices.
Protecting More Than Your Property
Hiring a restoration company is about more than fixing water damage or drywall. You are trusting someone with your home's health, air quality, and safety. By having read this article, you now know how to identify a legitimate restoration professional and the warning signs of a scam. Before signing any contract, use this checklist and verify credentials, insurance coverage, and certifications.
Has your home suffered damage from water, fire, or smoke? If so, consider calling Restore-It. We are an IICRC-certified firm with over a decade of experience serving thousands of neighbors in South Arkansas. We believe in protecting homeowners through education and transparency, not pressure. Our local team is here to restore your home to its pre-loss condition, along with your peace of mind.
