For many homeowners, the toughest part of any restoration or home remodeling project doesn’t lie in the work getting done, but in finding a reliable and competent mold removal contractor to handle it. Tiling the bathroom, knocking down a wall, or installing kitchen cabinets is straightforward compared to the process of locating a good contractor who can perform a quality service from start to end.
Everyone has heard nightmare stories of horrendous water removal contractors who tore apart basements and kitchens and never came back to finish the job. Such restoration projects end up costing more than three times the original estimate.
It is essential to note that, even with good contractors, the home renovation process can still prove to be unpleasant, expensive, and stressful. It’s not uncommon to come across rotted subfloors that are only revealed when the tiles are removed, leaking pipes located behind the walls, or dangerous electrical wiring.
In many cases, finding the right contractor makes all the difference between a home project ending up a disaster and it being completed successfully.
1. Understand what you want before you start looking for estimates. It is always best to start with some ideas and a plan. You should not start by talking to local contractors. The best way to ensure that you end up with an accurate estimate is by being specific about what you want done. This means mentioning the materials that you prefer the contractors use in the home renovation project as well.
2. Request references from co-workers, relatives, and friends. Do you know anyone who has undertaken a restoration project in the past? Is there anyone in your neighborhood who has tackled such a project recently? These are your best sources of information. If you have contacts in the building industry, reach out to them as well. People working at hardware stores can also help with local referrals.
3. Interview at least three local contractors. For each interview, ask lots of questions and make sure to get a written bid at the end of each interview. When the time comes to start comparing bids, be sure to confirm that the materials used and the tasks quoted in all the bids are similar.
It’s best to get a minimum of three bids, even if you have already come across a contractor that you would like to work with, as each interview presents a learning opportunity. In addition, do not be afraid to negotiate. Even though most of the negotiations will occur before you sign the renovation contract, you can always haggle a bit during the interviews.
4. Do not expect the contractor to start immediately. The best home renovation contractors are always busy. You should, therefore, not expect the contractor to start working on your house immediately. It will take some time before they can complete the ongoing projects, allowing them to turn their attention to the work that you would like done on your house.
5. Discuss what the company employees will do and what the subs will handle. Industry experts recommend that you ask for an employee list from the contractor to confirm that they actually have people on their payroll. This is the only way to be sure that the company is not using people it hires from the streets.
6. Select the right company for each project. Each project should be handled by an expert in that industry. For instance, just because a certain company did a spectacular job tiling your neighbors’ residence doesn’t mean that they’ll be the best firm to add an extra room to your home. You will need to find a company that specializes in this particular area. Do not let a company use your house as a guinea pig, as you may not like the end product.
7. Check litigation history, complaints, and licenses. Your general contractor and the subs working for his company should be licensed, although this is something that varies by state and municipality of operation. Be sure to check local court records, the Better Business Bureau, and the disciplinary boards for any existing problems.
Request that contractor supply you with a copy of their licenses. They should also do the same for all the subcontractors that will be working on your home renovation project. It’s important to confirm that they are also licensed before they can begin working on the property.
What You Need to Know Before a Remodel Project
If you have an untreated water damage issue in your home, it is likely to start degenerating into a mold and mildew problem. The leading reason for this is that mold growth occurring inside a residence is often linked to the presence of a moist, damp, and humid environment. Mold and water damage in a residence may be as a result of:
- basement water damage or ventilation and drainage issues.
- indoor plumbing problems, flooding, poor building maintenance, and leaky roofs.
- insufficient de-humidification of the walls, floors, and air in the house.
- insufficient drying of the house.
A single intense episode of flooding can cause mildew and mold to start growing inside your walls, building structure, and even in the underlying foundation. If this is followed by a sustained period of high humidity, the mold may suddenly be an intense and widespread problem for the occupants of that house.
Additionally, if your house has the right nurturing conditions, mildew and mold may become an overnight problem. But this need not be the case, as Aloha Restoration can help with mold and water removal services, helping ensure that the integrity of your home will not be comprised. This is often done in two main stages:
- The first step involves treating the underlying issues, which involves taking care of any existing water damage and moisture to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- The second step is more comprehensive, as it involves undertaking an intensive mold remediation and mitigation process. This is where the experts get involved in eliminating the existing fungus and mold, as well as decontaminating any materials that may have become contaminated. The process includes contaminate removal, HVAC/duct cleaning, deodorization, structural drying, restoration of contents, and structural repair and restoration.
Aloha Restoration
Founded in 2015, Aloha Restoration is a home renovation and remodeling company based out of Lake Zurich, Illinois. It provides services including emergency mold removal, water removal, fire damage cleanup, smoke restoration, carpet cleaning, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and basement finishing. The company has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Its team of professionals is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.