The Importance of Hiring Certified Restorers: What Certifications to Look for in a Restoration Professional
Home improvement and remodeling are two of the healthiest industries in the United States, but when it comes to restoring homes, not all companies are the same or equipped. When disaster strikes in the form of water, fire, mold, or severe storms, the restoration company you hire to put things back together does matter to the overall cost and quality of the job. While many contractors offer cleanup and repair services after a natural event, not all professionals are just that, professional. Once more, restoration work takes a specific type of training, experience, and certification.
Hiring a certified restoration company will ensure that your property is restored correctly and, most importantly, safely in compliance with industry standards. Understanding what certifications are and what to look for when you shop around is the best way to make an informed choice about who you hire to secure one of your greatest assets.
Why Certification Matters in Restoration Services
Although it would seem pretty straightforward, things were ruined, so someone came to clean and fix them. When it comes to restoration, things are not that simple. There are a lot of complexities that need to be addressed. Restoration involves understanding building materials, moisture control, contamination risks, safety protocols, and structure integrity. Without proper training, even the best restoration efforts can unintentionally cause more damage long-term, such as mold growth and structural issues.
Certifications are a Must
Certifications demonstrate that a restoration professional has completed specialized training and understands industry-approved and necessary removal methods. Certified technicians are required to follow established standards that help to prioritize safety, efficacy, and thorough restoration. A certified professional is also required to have the proper equipment and aids to ensure that certain risks are reduced and costs minimized. Lastly, companies that invest in training and learning the standards are committed to quality service.
Key Certifications to Look For in a Restoration Professional
Not all certifications are the same, nor are they backed by credible organizations. Some are considered essential in the restoration industry, while others reflect specialized expertise. It is important to understand the difference between various certifications and what to look for before hiring.
- Common IICRC certifications include
- WRT (Water Restoration Technician)
- ASD (Applied Structural Drying)
- FSRT (Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician)
- AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
Companies that have multiple IICRC-certified technicians often demonstrate a high commitment to industry standards of safety and efficiency.
EPA Certification for Mold and Hazardous Materials
Mold spores are abundant in the ecosystem and all around us, but need the proper conditions to multiply and grow. When dealing with mold or any other type of environmental contaminants, certification through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extremely important. EPA-related training ensures technicians understand safety protocols for handling hazardous materials and properly containing them. Mold remediation requires careful attention to standard protocols to reduce contamination. EPA standards exist to protect not just the workers who handle mold issues, but the community at large.
OSHA Safety Certification
Safety is a major concern for restoration. When the structural integrity of any structure is compromised, safety concerns become real. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides training that helps workers focus on safety in the workplace, as well as hazard recognition and protective equipment usage requirements.
OSHA-certified technicians are trained to:
- Identify potential hazards
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Handle dangerous materials safely
- Prevent workplace accident
Hiring a company with OSHA-certified technicians helps to reduce safety risks during the restoration process and procedures.
State Licensing and Local Requirements
In many municipalities, restoration professionals are required to hold specific licenses to operate legally. Licensing requirements vary depending on location and the type of work being performed. Property owners should verify that all necessary licenses a company holds are current and valid. In doing so, they can protect themselves against legal complications and ensure they’re following necessary protocol.
Additional Specialized Certifications
Some restoration projects require specialized processes and procedures that go beyond the basic restoration knowledge. Certain certifications indicate advanced knowledge in specific areas, which may include:
- Certified Mold Inspector (CMI)
- Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE)
- Lead-Safe Certification
- Biohazard Cleanup Certification
Specialized credentials are specifically critical when you are dealing with hazardous or dangerous materials, older buildings, or complex contamination issues.
How Certification Improves Restoration Quality
Although the requirements differ from state to state about contracting licensure and certification, if you are dealing with a restoration situation, certifications are a must to protect yourself and your investment. Certification promotes accountability because it requires personnel to follow ethical guidelines and industry best practices. Most certifications also require ongoing education to ensure professionals stay up to date on the latest trends, research, and advances in the restoration field.
The Role of Certification in Insurance Claims
If you need one last reason to hire only certified professionals for your restoration issue, proper restoration helps with proper documentation and accurate restoration procedures as required by most homeowner’s insurance stipulations. Working with a certified professional can often speed up claim processing, reduce further damage, and help property owners return to their homes and regular routines at a much quicker pace.
Your home is one of your greatest assets, and when a disastrous event such as a fire, flood, or water incident happens, time is of the essence. The first step to hiring the right professional to return your home to normal should be to find a company with the right reputation, experience, and above all, certifications to handle the work and minimize your overall costs. Don’t take a chance hiring someone who isn’t qualified; verify they are by asking to see a copy of their licensure and certifications. Our team has the expertise, education, and training to get your home back up and running as soon as possible. Contact us today to get started.
