The restoration industry is a space where old best practices are meeting new opportunity for improvement and advancement. As technology continues to advance in cleaning, restoration and construction, the industry’s recession-resistant reputation is solidified further for those who are embracing what’s new and integrating it into tried-and-true best practices.
The priority on any restoration project remains bringing properties back to pre-loss state while maintaining a safe site and efficient, deadline-focused, budget-minded goals. With supporting advancements in technology and systems, conditions on every project continue to improve, and the potential for surpassing the property owner’s expectations improves.
“So much has changed, and continues to change, in the restoration industry,” said a representative from BluSky Restoration Contractors, a national leader in restoration and disaster response. “Through all the advancement, there are core values that must stay the same—always doing quality work and offering good service. Staying competitive in today’s market requires embracing the latest tools, techniques and technologies available to best serve each client with a quality job.”
Recent improvements and advancements include the following:
More attention to environmental impact. Awareness of the chemical agents used on site is of primary concern, especially as new cleaning and mitigation solutions are put forth. Safety goes beyond checking the OSHA/MSDS paperwork and takes into consideration long-term risk to people and property. Products which pose less or no threat to the environment have made their way onto the market and offer an alternative for property owners looking for sustainable restoration solutions.
More focus on the business operations and systems. Continued advancements to billing and scheduling software, cloud-based client management platforms, and field communications are gamechangers when implemented successfully. As communication is enhanced, tracking referrals and capturing testimonials becomes part of the workflow, and client satisfaction efforts are enhanced by streamlined processes.
Enhanced inventory control. Maintaining inventory includes much more than tracking your equipment. With quality inventory systems and software, restoration companies can track the functionality and performance of equipment. Cloud-based communications allow for remote operation of machines like dryers and gauge performance levels. Further tracking can help with future order points and maintaining supplies without overordering, a vital piece for those supplies that regularly deplete and must be replenished such as cleaning chemicals.
Expanded service offerings. With new technology comes new opportunity. Ask yourself, what can your team offer that differentiates you from your competitors? New tech and equipment may allow you to expand into services such as catastrophic response or crime scene and biohazard cleanup. As the COVID-19 pandemic proved, the ability to pivot and expand services can mean the difference between sustained revenue and succumbing to the economy. The restoration industry as a whole is uniquely positioned to meet multiple needs and diversify service offerings.
Offer consulting services. Position yourself as an expert and provide your local community with more than a response to disaster—become the organization they call to consult before a disaster ever strikes. By establishing your company as a proactive resource and advisor, you can use new customer database management as a tool to reach, teach, inform, and nurture your list and discover additional income streams along the way.
As the restoration industry continues to grow and evolve, there are countless tools to integrate into your business and cement your future success. From software automations and customer management databases, to the cloud-based technology to monitor your equipment and track performance, building your best business requires a better knowledge of the resources you have and a plan to implement them. Get friendly with industry partners and key players to learn more about their best practices and the way they utilize new tech. Trade publications and professional organizations often offer insight and education on the latest tech available within the industry.
Your business success demands that you secure your place in your local community and the industry as a whole. Through proper systems and the latest technology implemented smartly, you remain relevant and visible as you position yourself for proactive steps toward growing your business within restoration and remediation.
