Common Scams In Water Damage Restoration - Chicago IL 708-255-2438

Common Scams In Water Damage Restoration - Chicago IL 708-255-2438


There are a lot of reasons water damage can happen to the home. It is not just the flood that can cause water damage. There are many possible causes for moisture and water problems in the home such as sewage backup, busted pipes, water streams under the basement, downspouts leading water to the home and other causes. Because there are so many causes of water damage, there are also many companies that offer water damage restoration.

Because people often get distressed when they experience a water problem in their home, they would want to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. And this is why some people get scammed by individuals and companies who would like to make easy money. Some people are just all too willing to spend any amount just to get their homes and their lives back to the way they were before they were affected by the water problem. Some companies take advantage of homeowners like these and charge them excessive amounts for services that were not performed or services that are actually cheaper than the amount being charged to the homeowner.

To avoid being scammed, make sure to ask for a written cost estimate from the contractor. The contractor will explain to you the details of the quotation so that you understand the work involved in the water damage restoration.

A so-called water damage restoration company who is out to scam clients only gives a rough estimate of cost and will not explain what kinds of services will be provided for that amount. Only after the water damage restoration has been completed will the company present all the costs involved and you will be shocked to learn just how far the estimate was to the cost now being presented. But because the water damage restoration services have already been performed, the homeowner will have a hard time challenging the billing.

There are also scammers who visit flooded towns and who offer free evaluation of the water damage in the home. The scammer will then provide cost estimation and ask for a down payment for the project supposedly so that work can be immediately carried out. The company will also convince the homeowner that water damage restoration needs to be done that very moment. After getting the down payment, the company will pretend that they need additional equipment from their office or will tell the homeowner that the real work will begin the following day. The scammer will then leave with your money as well as the money they gathered from other homeowners and then leave town. These companies usually use fake documents to convince homeowners that they have a legitimate business operation.