Having minor to major water damage to occur in your home from plumbing issues or from a natural disaster may not be something that a home owner has ever dealt with before. It may be overwhelming to see all that is going to have to be done to get the house repaired and back to normal. The first call that you should make is to your insurance company to find out the extent of your coverage.

Hopefully, you have previously made sure that you will be covered in the event of flooding. Plumbing breaks are normally covered in a home owner policy, but natural disaster flooding can be an entirely different matter. In almost all cases you are not covered for this type of flooding unless you have purchased coverage specifically for natural disaster floods. It is a shame that so many people waited until it happened to them before they considered they might ever have a need for it.

If you are covered for the flooding, some insurance companies will handle hiring a water damage restoration company for you. Some insurance companies might leave that decision up to you. When you have never had to hire someone to repair a flooded home before, there are things you need to check into before you decide who to give your job to.

If you want more choices than your local telephone directory gives you, find a computer and get on the internet. If your home computer is not accessible at the time, you might use the computer of a friend or even try a library. The internet offers many companies to choose from. These are the qualifications you need to look for:

1. They must be licensed and insured. Almost any company you find on the internet will be, but it never hurts to make sure.
2. How long will it take them to respond? A truly expert company will be able to get someone to your home within hours, not days.
3. How long have they been in business? An older company will normally have more experience. While you can not always count out a newer company, you might prefer a company that has been tried and true.
4. Do they have references available if you want them? Talking with other satisfied clients can help to set your mind at ease.
5. Will they help get your belongings out and back in the home?
6. Is their equipment up to date? They should have the latest professional equipment and supplies.
7. Are all their workers trained and have had background checks performed on them?
8. Will they give you an approximate estimate for the cost and a time line for completion of the work?

These are the most important questions that you will want answered. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau just to make sure that they have not had any prior complaints lodged against them.