As an experienced water damage restoration specialist, you know better than anyone that this business moves fast. When a homeowner experiences water damage as the result of a flood, they have one thing on their mind: they want their home cleaned up as quickly and affordably as possible. For business owners, a flood can disrupt business and they are depending on you to work quickly so they can get back to business as usual.
Because of this, in the water damage industry, we have to move quickly through every stage of the process. If we don’t, we would get left behind. This is especially true when it comes to getting an estimate to the customer’s insurance company. If you drag your feet, you could lose the business to another contractor in your area.
The Goal: Get the Water Damage Estimate to the Insurance Company Within 48 Hours
So how quick is fast enough? In order to remain competitive in our industry, we suggest you aim to get your estimate out the door within 48 hours of receiving the call. This means, once you receive the call your team must have a plan in place for moving quickly.
The Plan: A Flow Chart is Key
Without a plan, you will find it impossible to move quickly enough to get your estimate to the insurance company within 48 hours. At More Floods, we believe a flow chart is key to offering consistent and quality service from start to finish. When creating a flow chart, include each step of the process from the very first phone call to the last interaction. Some items on your chart might include:
- All scope sheets complete for each room
- A check off list for taking pictures on site
- A communications form for the customer on that to do and what not to do
How More Floods Can Help
At More Floods, we have spent years working on perfecting the operational side of the water damage restoration business. We know exactly what works, and what doesn’t. Over time, we have created a library of forms which are including in the operation manual we give to each one of our More Floods members. Included in this manual are two forms which are crucial to your success during the estimate process. First, the flow chart is used for each individual customer and guides you from first phone call to your final interaction with a client. Second, we provide all of our members with what we believe to be the very best handwritten estimate sheet in the business.
Whether you are new to the industry or you have been a water damage restoration specialist for years, there is always room to tighten up operations, learn more about lead generation, and make more valuable connections with professionals in your industry. To learn more about the resources available to all More Floods members, click here or call 1.866.667.3356.