Water damage can come in all forms. In some cases, it might be severe, with major water damage to a home’s structure. In other situations, the damage might not be so bad. Since it can vary drastically, homeowners often don’t know whom to turn to for help. 

Some people think that a general contractor might be better suited for the job if they need to replace building materials. They may believe that a water damage contractor is only good for projects focused on cleaning. However, this isn’t always the case. In order to know when to call a water damage contractor, take a look at how the two professionals differ.

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a professional remodeler who typically specializes in overseeing residential or commercial building projects. They may subcontract work, but they will handle all of the labor, materials, and tools. Most importantly, they always serve as the main point of contact between the homeowner and the crew.

In most cases, these professionals work on new projects like new construction or additions. On these types of projects, they take care of everything from permits and design to building and cleanup.

How Do General Contractors Get Paid?

The majority of general contractors request to be paid a percentage of the entire cost upfront. The exact amount can vary from one project to another and from one contractor to another. 

For that reason, homeowners should always get an estimate before they agree to work with a contractor. They should also make sure that the crew is staying within the budget they agreed to because the homeowners are fully on the hook for these services. There usually is no help from insurance. 

When Do Homeowners Need a General Contractor?

It is recommended that a homeowner contact a general contractor when they need a major construction project like an architectural remodel, a room addition, a new deck, or another type of building project. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle these extensive jobs. They can also help with flooring, window, and roof replacements. 

What is a Water Damage Contractor?

When homeowners think of a water damage company, they think of a company that strictly works on cleaning up a disaster. In fact, a water damage contractor typically has experience with fires, mold, and other types of natural disasters. For these types of professionals, the main goal is to get a property back to its pre-loss condition after water damage occurs. 

As a result, their services can look different from one project to another. For some jobs, they may only need to extract water and dry the affected area. Others might require more extensive repairs and even complete reconstruction. No matter the case, these full-service professionals can handle the entire job from start to finish.

How Do Restoration Companies Get Paid?

A water damage contractor's prices can vary greatly depending on how extensive the damage was. However, most of the time, these costs can be covered partially, if not completely, by insurance. Since most people file a claim, the majority of restoration companies have experience with a variety of insurance companies.

In fact, the best water damage professionals can even assist or completely handle the claims process on behalf of their customers. They can advocate on their behalf to get the best coverage so that homeowners won’t have to pay as much out of pocket. Not only can this save a lot of money, but it can also alleviate a lot of stress!

When Do Homeowners Need a Water Damage Company?

Homeowners should contact a water damage contractor instead of a general contractor if they are dealing with damage to their property. These trained professionals don’t just specialize in cleaning up water damage. They also know to do many construction projects to replace flooring, drywall, and more.

It’s best that they call a company that offers 24/7 emergency services because time is the biggest enemy when dealing with water damage.

Fortunately, many water damage restoration companies are ready to assist right away, and they can help homeowners who need the following services: 

• 
  Water Extraction
• Drying & Dehumidifying
• Content Cleaning
• Repairs
• Reconstruction

Learn More About How a Water Damage Contractor Differs from a General Contractor

Homeowners who are interested in learning more about how a water damage contractor can help with rebuilding their house should reach out to The Homestar Group right away. They can provide more information over the phone, or customers can request an in-person inspection.  Since the crew is available 24/7, homeowners can get help any time of day or night!