Top 5 things: to start a water damage restoration business

[@IsraelQuinteo]

Thank Shane! Thank you for pointing me to right Direction. 👍🏼

[@travisallen8158]

What should my business plan include?

[@exquisiteremodeling1]

Shane, your video is very informative! I’m a GC now and I realized how much money we were Missing out on not doing water damage and mold. We are doing our first major job and I’m very excited. A restoration company already did the dry-out and pack-out, so we’re testing the mold!

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Glad you like the videos I came to water damage as a GC myself, so I know how you are feeling Frozen pipes are occurring right now too When you get ready to launch let us know. We have a 30 day program that would help you You can text us at 615-685-2128

[@angelordonez9737]

Don’t forget to certification Because that is going to save you from problem or really know what you really need to do once u find first job

[@TheRestorationContractor]

We see lots of guys trying to get in the business without certifications. We actually stopped helping them until they get certified. Step 1 certs Step 2 get water jobs

[@derekdrigotas1816]

Thanks for the insight. Been a professional painter for 20 yrs want to expand my horizon.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

That's amazing! It's never too late to explore new opportunities and expand your skills.

[@lt_thebrand]

Shane I want to handle the content inventory for fire, water, smoke damage. What do I call this or market this

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Hey Latonya - based on what said you are telling me that you want to get into the contents industry. I am not sure what you meant by content inventory though. The most common way contents works is like this: Phase 1 Event happens (fire or possibly water loss) Restoration company begins mitigation Phase 2 Contents are either affected (need to be cleaned) or they are in the way (need to be stored) Phase 3 Return contents at the end of the restoration project Many restoration companies will handle contents internally (they will clean and store themselves). These companies won't be a good partner for you because they already offer your service. You will want to find those that don't offer content cleaning or storage and partner with them. You can also get some work directly from adjusters but finding the adjusters and building the relationships will be difficult because adjuster contact information isn't readily available and they aren't as easy to build relationships with. If you are going to do contents you will need to determine how are you going to get jobs. Find your angle and hone it on it. For instance, we did water jobs... so we focused on internet marketing and plumbers. We knew that we could get water jobs from those sources so we mastered getting leads from those sources. You will need to do the same but for your niche. Another option is to niche down further and do restoration cleaning and storage of electrical equipment or high end rugs. I am not suggesting you actually do this but if you are doing contents... these are examples of things that would separate you from the others. Does this help?

[@bbrillhart]

Where can I start learning water restoration? I’m a carpet cleaner and wanting to add this to my business. Great video, thanks

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Watch all the videos here on KZbin Then you can take out 30 day test drive where we give you our shortcuts on getting water jobs and getting paid To hear more about that, book a call - www.workwithShane.com

[@un-hingedreviews]

Shane thank youband God bless you brother. We have alot in common and i look forward to learning some more from you.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Thanks. Glad to have you! Where are you located?

[@thetradesocietyofficial]

Great video. I own a plumbing company and am looking to add water damage restoration to our services. I have two small restoration companies that I refer to and I am trying to ask questions, watch and learn as much as I can. I see the opportunity I have because my existing company automatically generates leads.....I just have a lot to learn.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Yes, you have an amazing opportunity If you want guidance along the way, text me. 615-685-2128. We can get on a call

[@felixdejesus4319]

Would you recommend having insurance before getting your first job or wait until you have a steady amount of work before getting insurance and llc

[@TheRestorationContractor]

My advice is going to be against what everyone else will say... which is this: NO - you don't need insurance or an llc to start getting jobs! The hardest thing to do is to GET LEADS The second thing is LANDING THE JOB (selling it) You can spend 3 weeks an 4k getting those things together only to find out that you suck a marketing and sales. You can try to get the jobs NOW and then partner with another restoration company to do the job. They can do the job and you get a referral fee or you get a percentage of the job... but the job is signed under their name (and insurance) Then once you land a couple, you can proceed with setting things up (and you will have money) We have a startup training package at www.workwithshane.com if you want to learn more about what we suggest as you launch your company. Hope this helps!

[@felixdejesus4319]

Thank you so much

[@matthewavitua4860]

Would you recommend cold calling or door to door to get your first clients?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Great question! Actually… there is a better way to get your first job other than those methods We built training modules just for start ups on what to do and how to lane your first jobs If you are interested, text me 615-685-2128

[@1popular_jay]

Do a video on what type of vehicle you need to start this business

[@saulmartinez1994]

Can you please make a video explaining how you charge for the work?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

We have a process and a pricing structure we use as part of our ClaimControl Method. We used Xactimate for years (you can if you want) Now we use Quickbooks Online. Are you already doing water mitigation work?

[@race_allen]

If you've been in the industry for years, have a strong oporater and sales person (partners) do you think the do not are the same?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Not sure what you mean there. Can you restate it again for me?

[@LongIslandMoldGuy]

do you feel its worth joining a local business networking group that meets every week? is it worth the time in your opinion?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

This is probably a longer answer than you'd like to hear but it is what I think... so here we go. Question - Is joining a local business networking group that meets each week worth the time? Answer - Maybe, probably... I think they are good to be a part of... here is why: - They teach you discipline by having you commit to doing something each week (good thing). - They typically force you to speak in front of others which is uncomfortable (good thing) - You will build relationships with people in the local community (good thing) Now here is this part... Is it "worth it" probably so... The better question is this: Is it the best thing you can be doing with your time? I teach about finding REFERRAL TREES This group will send you some work for sure That said, once you find out the ideal REFERRAL TREE, your time will be better spent building those referral tree relationships For instance, you can get water jobs from these networking groups... HOWEVER plumbers are a far better source to get those jobs than a networking group. Make sense? The groups are good for building skills and discipline That said, there are better referral vehicles than networking groups (for water damage anyway) There are some niches that referral networking groups can be 20-40% of your business... but that won't be the case for water mitigation Make sense? Hope this helps

[@bryanbarrow7721]

How do you go about generating serious interest from plumbers?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

There are multiple ways depending on the type of plumber Plumbers is my favorite BUT there are other ways to get water jobs that are faster and easier If you are relatively new you can learn more at www.workwithShane.com

[@HendricksPlumbing6519]

I am a plumber that does restoration. I am the only one in town out of 12 or so plumbers that does. If you approach them and tell them hey, you can charge the customer more and pay me to mitigate. Some plumbers will want you to deal with the customer yourself through them as a referral. Be upfront and just do it.

[@chueyavila1402]

Wow. I’m in Memphis Tennessee and I could really use a mentor

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Hey Chuey, good to hear from you! We have a special offer for mentorship that you may like. It is brand new too btw you can book a call with us and we can tell you about it. Go to www.workwithshane.com Talk soon!

[@ricomavis4377]

How can I get started doing packouts? Do I need anything special so that insurance companies will need from me. I hope I'm phrasing it right or even asking the right question. I have a small moving company for 2 years nd heard of restoration nd I wanna make the transition. I want this to be my niche. I appreciate any advice you can give and appreciate you taking the time to read. God bless and I respect everything I see you doing. T. C.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Hey Rico, good to hear from you. A few things to consider... I can get you started in packouts but there are some things that you will want to be aware of as you move forward. 1) Packouts are good... but contents might be better 2) Getting leads for contents will matter Here is what I mean: 1) Contents Packing up and moving the contents is good but in most cases those contents need to be stored somewhere. You want to be in on the STORAGE (that is where the money is) Moving the contents is step 1 and storing them is step 2. If you get into contents, make sure you get into STORING THEM --- leads --- There are few ways that you can get leads for contents. I will first say that this is outside of what I do everyday but we have done packouts and contents so I am familiar and can get you up to speed. There are a few ways you can get leads for contents. - Restoration companies that don't offer contents - Adjusters To get good content jobs you will want to have some key relationships with restoration companies and adjusters. It will be easier to start with restoration companies that don't perform contents since you can find their information on Google. Call them up, tell them who you are and what you do and see how you can serve them. You will likely want to find companies that do FIRE since fire jobs are more likely to need packouts more than water. Hope this helps

[@ricomavis4377]

@@TheRestorationContractor First off, I want to say thank you. That was insightful. My first question is about the storage part. Can I rent a climate controlled storage unit to hold their belongings? I'll definitely want to get into "Contents" now that I'm aware of it, but I'll probably be starting off small. I just helped a guy move before Christmas and he started his own insurance company and told me his adjuster I believe handles that side. He said she delegates what company's they send the work to. He also said whatever coverage they have, don't feel bad to max it out. He said some jobs go upwards to about 20k sometime.

[@ricomavis4377]

@@TheRestorationContractor also what is the timeframe each job takes from start to finish? I know it varies but is it like a day or two or is it weeks? I have another lead. A guy moved from California to Arizona I helped move before the holiday. He's been in restoration for 20 years and his job relocated him and he said let him get settled in cause he doesn't know anybody here yet but said he would put me in contact with someone from the insurance that he deals with to help me out. I'ma reach out to them asap.

[@tigrantiraturyan3295]

Do I need a certificate or license to start the restoration business?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Licenses: You will need a business license but there isn't a national agency that sanctions restoration. You will have to check with your LOCAL government at the city and state level. Some states mandate that you have a mold certification but that is at the state level, not the national level. I know Florida and Texas do something special for mold. As for certifications: IICRC is the most well known certification for restoration. To be honest I am not a huge fan of the IICRC but I do think it is important to know what you are doing and from that perspective the IICRC has the most comprehensive guide for restoration. I suggest you take the IICRC certification for WRT and then attend a flood house like Reets Drying Academy (they are near Atlanta, Ga)

[@asoria119]

Good Stuff Shane! Glad that a couple of those “don’ts” turned out alright for me…website 🤦🏽‍♂️ and equipment…

[@asoria119]

Looking forward to the next one!

[@TheRestorationContractor]

What was your gear setup when you started?

[@asoria119]

@@TheRestorationContractor 150 AMs and 2 DHs 😂😂😂 used every one of them in month 2 though (thx again Texas freeze) I was fortunate enough to have a friend who I helped get started return the favor by offloading gear at a ridiculous price to help me get going.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

@@asoria119 that freeze was AMAZING! Did you collect everything already from the event?

[@asoria119]

@@TheRestorationContractor all within 30 days!

[@WizkhalifaTGOE]

Hey great content. I’m a mom and pop restoration company in Southern California and been in the industry for about 6 years . I’m having issues finding new lead. My competition is ridiculous here! The going rate for referrals is about $750. I’ve gone to plumbers who say other companies are offering them Harley’s, fishing trips to Cancun in a yacht or kitchen remodels for them home. Its to a point where I want to move to another state! What would you recommend?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Good to hear from you. Don't leave sunny CA just yet! What would I do? I will answer some of this here in the comments section but I would suggest that we talk it out on a call where I can get more context about your situation. Go to www.WorkWithShane.com - fill out your information and it should let you book a call with me. With that said, I will attempt to answer the question for anyone else that may be reading the comments... I practice the ServantMarketing Method (stop selling, start serving) If you haven't seen that video, you can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJTQlWudi6uteJo In short, all you have to do is this: Find out what they want...and GIVE IT TO THEM The problem is that many of them don't want to take the time to build a real relationship. They've been lied to and let down by other restoration companies that promise the world but fail to deliver. When they've been burned the way they have they do the same thing that everyone else does in situations like this... defer to MONEY. Why shouldn't they... they've been let down over and over. If they get a referral fee... at least it is something tangible. However, know this.. it ain't about the money. They have real needs, wants and desires. Until you can crack that nut, you are going to get the default answer of MONEY I suggest doing this... Find out what they want.. what the CLAIM to want or what they THINK they want Give them that but don't settle for that. Seek to find out what really makes them tick. We help our clients do this. Build deep seated relationships with their referral partners. To be clear... some will always want money. However, once you build the right relationship, it won't be only about the money. Until you build the right relationship... it will ALWAYS BE ABOUT THE MONEY Does that help?

[@antoniodelvalle7759]

A lot more is already change it in the restoration game. But great information wand always valuable!

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Hey Antonio. Yes, things change (and quickly). I will be putting out a new video like this but given the environment in 2023. as you know, things change. I will get you the latest and greatest in that video!

[@antoniodelvalle7759]

@@TheRestorationContractor Keep the good work buddy! 😉👍

[@restoredrightsydney]

Great videos mate, keep them coming please 🙏 Watching from Australia and this is great for me so thank you

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Plumbers are everywhere! May you be flooded with water jobs !

[@thomasmagaha280]

The do not list is great as you’re starting a business, but you will absolutely have to have all of things once your business gets up and running

[@TheRestorationContractor]

sequence matters.

[@rickd6111]

Similar response from original post. Consumables, equipment, work truck. Internet. Phone. Water meter. Air scrubber. I know what to get and that's a short list. But the big obstacles are identifying your job in and out. Obtaining a stream to continuously obtain jobs

[@tylerm091995]

Knowing how to mitigate such as drying for instance (equipment placement) if drying isn’t set up in a proper way it would not dry in a timely manner, removing the minimal of materials to help with evaporation, but not everyone wants things removed. Watching a how to on structural drying could help someone starting out, having equipment and not knowing what to do with them, also taping down or tucking wires could help with not being a tripping hazard!

[@rushinrussian11]

LOL. Just started and already messed up at the Step 2, 4, and 5 of what not to do. $30,000 invested and now desperately looking for work. Any recommendations for best way to get work? I have already went to plumbers and insurance companies, but is there anything specific I should tell them to stand out? Thank you!

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Most of what I've learned is because I messed ALL OF THEM UP

[@DoYouWantTaBeFree]

I would agree with "#2 don't", but if you're going to buy a dehu and a couple fans, I would suggest buying new or very lightly used quality stuff. Last thing you need is to have a dehu leak or a fan catch fire at someone's house.

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Leaking dehus 🤮. Do you use the catch pans?

[@DoYouWantTaBeFree]

@@TheRestorationContractor I typically don't, but my broader point is buying cheaper equipment can be more expensive. My opinion is when it's time to buy some equipment, it's not a bad place to spend extra to get higher quality stuff. The ROI on equipment is really high if managed properly even when you buy brand new stuff, top of the line stuff. Besides its a huge pain to arrive at a job site with equipment and set it up only to find it doesn't work :-( not to mention the embarrassment you might feel to have that happen in front of a customer.

[@lukeoliver7514]

Hey Shane. I have 5 years restoration experience and I am planning to open a company in the next few months. Do you have any advice on how to get Restorarion work from insurance companies?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Great question. When you start out in restoration it is important to have an idea of what you want to do. Yes you do want to get work... But, you don't want to rely on the insurance companies to get it. I put together a series of training modules for startups like yourself. I think you should go through it. I put it together because I was getting so many people at the startup stage (like yourself). I didn't want to send you guys out into the wild without any direction. Do this, text me 615-685-2128 We can tell you more about it.

[@MsBrown-ey2sc]

My Fiancé and I are starting our company and all the "Do Not's". I just scribbled out half my page 😂😂😂, thank you for this information #NewSubbie

[@TheRestorationContractor]

👏👏👏

[@anibalmarin7599]

Hi Shane - I'm new to this. How does the mold remediation and water damage industry perform, during recessions?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Water damage restoration is recess proof I found restoration in the recession of 2008-2010 Even during Covid restoration was largely unaffected (except for the first 35 days of the March lockdown) No industry better

[@kenny8347]

I’m just having issues finding Insurence companies that will cover water restoration companies. Any ideas?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Are referring to commercial insurance to cover your company?

[@marcobautista5562]

@@TheRestorationContractor I need that question answered as well please how do you get jobs from home insurances?

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Can you guys think of any other do's & don'ts? Please drop them as a comment!

[@OsrsHoldens]

Have you ever worked in the field? Lmao

[@TheRestorationContractor]

No, i suddenly learned this overnight

[@majormagics5571]

This guy and his video are unwatchable. No real information here...sadly..

[@TheRestorationContractor]

Lol