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After the fire trucks are gone, after a water source is fixed or eliminated, sometimes much of the damage has only just begun. Without rapid response from trained restoration professionals, both the scope and cost of a loss increase dramatically. [Note: Ad links featured on this page are not affiliated with IICRC and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC.]
To return your home or business to the safe, attractive condition it was in before a disaster, the IICRC recommends that you do not attempt to treat water or fire, smoke and odor damage yourself. A far more realistic solution is to hire a certified restoration firm for professional advice and assistance. This can be challenging, since there are many issues to consider.
Why It's Complicated
Restoring a disaster-damaged home or business is a complex and intricate process that may involve multiple services, and several contractors and subcontractors. There isn't just one criterion for selecting a certified restoration firm to restore your property. Several combined factors are important and should be considered:
Education
- Formal education of technicians in specific restoration areas as well as health and safety training
- Certificate(s) of continuing education on new techniques and technology
- Technician certification through a recognized industry organization
Experience
This may include a wide range of restoration options including fire and smoke damage, water damage and structural drying, carpet and upholstery cleaning, textile color repair, and many more.
Insurance – both worker and liability.
IICRC Can Help
To assist consumers in finding qualified help, the IICRC offers professional-skills or technician certification in the following categories:
1. Carpet Cleaning Technician (residential emphasis)
2. Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician
3. Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
4. Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
5. Water Damage Restoration Technician
6. Applied Structural Drying Technician (primarily Category 1 water)
7. Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
8. Odor Control Technician
9. Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician
10. Color Repair Technician
11. Health and Safety Technician
12. Floor Care Technician
13. Leather Cleaning Technician
14. Rug Cleaning Technician
15. Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician
16. Introduction to Substrate and Subfloor Inspection
17. Senior Carpet Inspector
18. Marble and Stone Inspector
19. Ceramic Tile Inspector
20. Wood and Laminate Inspector
21. Resilient Flooring Inspector
Also, Journeyman Textile Cleaner, Journeyman Smoke Restorer, Journeyman Water Restorer, Master Textile Cleaner, Master Smoke Restorer, and Master Water Restorer status are advanced levels of recognition that are achieved by professionals having several certifications in select categories, and one to three years of experience in the cleaning/restoration industry.
What is the IICRC?
The IICRC was formed in 1972 to serve as an independent certification body to set and promote high standards and ethics and to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries. It became a non-profit organization in 1986/87. There are 21 certification categories, and two more categories on the horizon: Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) and Applied Sewage Remediation Technician (ASRT) (available late 2008).
Need help in finding the right restoration company? The IICRC maintains a Consumer Web Site (www.certifiedcleaners.org), a toll-free number (1-800-835-4624), and The IICRC Referral System as a service to consumers.
