Water damage in the home proves highly likely in the long-term. Residential causes like broken pipes or a leaking roof can cause water damage. Plus, more houses than previously projected remain at risk from flooding through natural events.

That means that more homeowners than ever will find themselves dealing with water damage. While some of those homeowners will need some level of restoration service, far too many people will fall prey to restoration scams.

Before you accept any work from a restoration contractor, keep reading for tips on avoiding restoration scams.

Won’t Provide a Written Estimate

Scammers will always balk at providing you an estimate. Since they probably don’t know how to fix your problems, the estimate will reflect that ignorance. Instead, they’ll make excuses.

It’s a basic practice for customers to get multiple estimates from contractors before getting any work done. The estimates help ensure you don’t overpay for standard work. They also help ensure that your potential contractors know what they’re doing.

They’ll Pressure You

Scammers want you locked into their deception from the earliest possible moment. They’ll use pressure and fear tactics as a standard operating procedure. For example, they’ll make veiled threats about how your insurance company might not pay if you hold off on repairs.

Water damage restoration should happen sooner than later. No insurance company will deny a claim because you held off long enough for a second opinion or for actual estimates.

Scammers may also make implied threats about your health. Yes, mold and mildew growth do pose some health risks following a major flood in your home. In general, though, those risks won’t increase much in the few days it will take for you to get more estimates.

They Lack Water Damage Expertise

Water damage restoration isn’t something you pick up on the side. Your average general contractor lacks the expertise for it. A restoration company or contractor with restoration expertise will note that on their website.

Scammers often throw up a website at the last second. If they mention water damage services, it will prove vague. The likely won’t show up anywhere on review sites or the Better Business Bureau for water damage repairs.

If you find a company like that, it’s a good bet you’ve got a scammer on your hands. Tell them, “Thanks but no thanks.” Then, look for a company with some verifiable expertise.

You can Avoid Restoration Scams

Restoration scams almost always depend on people’s fear to lead them into a bad decision. Don’t let a scammer prey on your fears. Treat water damage repairs like any other work for which you’d use a contractor.

Get multiple estimates. Check on the contractors’ expertise in water damage in online reviews or via the Better Business Bureau. Tell anyone who tries to convince you that waiting for more estimates will make your insurance company reject the claim to hit the road.

RFD Services offer specialized water damage and flood damage restoration. For more information or questions, contact RFD Services today.