If you are interested in becoming a water damage restoration expert, there are a few steps that you need to qualify for this field. These steps include training and IICRC certification. You will also need liability insurance and work in a reputable business. These steps will help you become a certified water damage restoration expert and make your career rewarding.
IICRC certification
If your home has experienced water damage, IICRC-certified technicians can provide the peace of mind you need to restore your home. These professionals are trained in water cleanup and restoration and are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These professionals can restore and extend the life of your property, contents, flooring, and furniture. They also have the training to ensure that the health of people in your home remains safe.
The IICRC has developed several courses and training programs to help water damage restoration experts improve their services. They teach restoration techniques and problem-solving strategies. There are two levels of certification: Journeyman Water Restorer and Master Water Restorer. The Journeyman level covers the basics, while the Master certification covers the more advanced aspects of water damage restoration.
Water damage restoration experts must follow the IICRC standard to provide quality services to their clients. This standard defines the criteria, methods, and procedures of restoration. While the standards do not apply to every situation, they are a minimum standard for water damage restoration. In some instances, a deviation from the norm may be appropriate, such as if there are extenuating circumstances. However, carelessness is never acceptable.
Training
There are many different training options available to water damage restoration experts. Some are hands-on, while others are primarily online. Regardless of the training route, getting some hands-on training is essential. This will ensure that you know how to handle water damage. You should also find out whether you need a trade license.
Many certifications are available from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Certification helps ensure that your employees are trained to provide the best service. IICRC training is available online or at a local campus. Visit the IICRC website to find out more.
You can take a water damage restoration course to earn your IICRC certification. Learn to Restore also offers online classes. These online courses are live-streamed using Zoom, which allows you to interact with your instructor and ask questions. There are several monthly classes, and the online registration process is easy.
Liability insurance
If you have a water damage restoration company, you should consider obtaining liability insurance. The reason is simple: water damage is one of the most common threats to a home, and repairs can be costly. Luckily, liability insurance can cover these expenses. Contact a broker to discuss your options if you don’t have coverage.
Water damage restoration is a time-consuming process that can take several weeks to complete. The initial days are spent drying the home and cleaning the water. Next, you’ll need to remove damaged materials and salvage furniture. Once that’s finished, you can begin reconstruction, typically taking one or two weeks.
Liability insurance for water damage restoration experts is essential because it protects you from being sued for negligent or reckless actions. The most common reason homeowners file water damage claims is the failure of a plumbing supply system. These incidents result in 48% more shares than other incidents. Afterward, the average loss is $5,092 per incident. Another common cause of water damage claims is a leaking or frozen pipe. If you fail to maintain your supply system, you could cause a burst pipe and leak water.
Job Outlook
The water damage restoration industry is relatively new, with most growth occurring over the last few decades. Moreover, it is an industry with unique challenges. Therefore, setting yourself apart from the competition is crucial to establishing a solid online presence. This article will give tips for increasing your chances of success in this field.
The water restoration industry is growing with an increasing focus on preventative measures. This is because customers are becoming more aware of the damage caused by water and are seeking professionals that can prevent it. This creates new job opportunities for water restoration technicians. Water restoration professionals must also keep updated on new technologies and products. The use of these new methods makes their work more accessible and more efficient.
Most established restoration companies pay fair hourly wages to their workers. Therefore, they consider IICRC certification an essential qualification. Experienced technicians earn upwards of $20 an hour and can expect overtime pay. In addition, customers often tip technicians for going above and beyond their expectations. Moreover, water damage restoration technicians can also improve their earnings by upgrading their skills and industry knowledge and progressing to managerial positions.