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One of the attractions of disaster restoration work is it is considered recession free. Much of the work is paid for by insurance companies.
But is it easy to get started? Not necessarily. There is the technical component to consider, and training seminars that technicians doing the work must attend. Then there is the business component. There are management and marketing programs that must be implemented for a restoration company to grow.
Many carpet cleaning business owners naturally look at restoration as a diversification opportunity. It’s a natural fit.
Cleanfax has compiled five tips for anyone considering how to diversify into restoration. Consider these as you look at new business opportunities.
How to diversify into restoration tip #1:
It is important for anyone involved in a technical field, like water or fire damage restoration, to have a proper education.
Investigate what the IICRC has to offer (www.IICRC.org) in the way of technical training.
In addition to learning how to do the work, networking with peers is important.
How to diversify into restoration tip #2:
Start your network. Now is the time to investigate local insurance companies, both agents and adjusters, and plan on how you will reach them so they can refer you and 
get you jobs.
Most of your attempts will fail, as agents and adjusters are constantly approached by other restoration contractors, but all it takes is getting work from one insurance agent or adjuster and you are on your way to more jobs.
How to diversify into restoration tip #3:
Take advantage of your current customer base. As a carpet cleaner, you no doubt have hundreds of customers who you can market to and use as referrals.
What many neglect to do is simply inform their customers of all the services offered. Make sure everyone knows you are expanding into restoration.
How to diversify into restoration tip #4:
You need to be found by potential customers who are the victims of water damage or fire/smoke damage. How will they find you? A strong online marketing program is absolutely necessary. You need a website that is optimized for the search engines.
And while the Yellow Pages are rapidly losing ground in usage, restoration contractors should have a small ad or listing.
How to diversify into restoration tip #5:
Protect yourself. All it takes is one lawsuit or claim against you to ruin months of profits. Make sure you have necessary business insurance coverage. Consider consulting with a local attorney as laws and requirements are not always the same in each city, county or state.
Keep on learning
Be sure to subscribe to Cleanfax and keep up-to-date on industry events, news and how-to technical topics. The restoration industry is constantly evolving, and this is one way you can stay on top of your restoration game. And don't forget management and marketing seminars from Totally Booked University.
