Why IICRC Certification Matters When Hiring a Restoration Contractor
What Is the IICRC?
When your home or business has been damaged by water, storm, or mold, the contractor you hire matters more than most homeowners realize. One of the most important qualifications to look for is IICRC certification — and at Roman & Company, we are proud to hold this industry-recognized credential.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a globally recognized, non-profit organization that sets the standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Founded on the principle that property owners deserve properly trained and accountable professionals, the IICRC develops internationally recognized standards through a rigorous ANSI-accredited process.
In short: IICRC certification means your contractor has been trained, tested, and held accountable to the highest standards in the restoration industry.
Why IICRC Certification Matters for Your Home or Business
Not every contractor who shows up after a water loss or storm damage event is trained to handle the work correctly. Improper restoration can lead to hidden mold growth, structural damage, and long-term problems that cost far more to fix down the road.
IICRC-certified firms and technicians are required to:
- Complete formal training programs and pass rigorous examinations
- Follow globally recognized best practices and restoration standards
- Maintain continuing education to stay current with evolving industry methods
- Adhere to a strict code of ethics that protects the consumer
- Meet technical benchmarks for water damage restoration, mold remediation, and structural dry-out
When you hire an IICRC-certified contractor, you are not just hiring someone with a truck and tools — you are hiring a trained professional who follows a proven, science-based process to properly restore your property.
The IICRC Standards That Guide Our Work
The IICRC publishes a set of globally recognized, consensus-based standards that define how restoration work should be performed. These documents are developed by industry professionals, public stakeholders, and technical specialists to ensure credibility and consistency across every job.
At Roman & Company, our team follows these standards on every project, including:
S500 — Water Damage Restoration Standard
The S500 is the industry’s primary guide for water damage restoration and structural dry-out. It outlines proper drying procedures, moisture monitoring, and documentation protocols to ensure your property is fully restored — not just surface-dried.
S520 — Mold Remediation Standard
The S520 defines best practices for safely identifying, containing, and removing mold contamination. Improper mold handling can spread spores and worsen air quality. IICRC-trained technicians follow this standard to protect your health and your property.
S700 — Storm and Flood Recovery Standard
This standard guides restoration professionals through the correct process for responding to storm damage, flooding, and structural repairs, ensuring your home is rebuilt safely and completely.
The Risk of Hiring a Non-Certified Contractor
After a storm or water loss, you may receive calls from multiple contractors offering fast, cheap repairs. Without IICRC certification, there is no guarantee that those contractors:
- Have been properly trained in moisture detection or drying science
- Will follow industry-standard protocols to prevent mold growth
- Understand how to document work correctly for insurance claims
- Have the knowledge to identify hidden structural damage
Choosing an uncertified contractor can result in improperly dried structures, undetected mold, denied insurance claims, and costly repairs months or years later.
What IICRC Certification Means for Insurance Claims
One of the most significant benefits of working with an IICRC-certified restoration contractor is the direct impact on your insurance claim. Insurance carriers recognize and often prefer IICRC-certified firms because:
- Work is documented according to industry-accepted standards
- Drying logs and moisture readings provide defensible evidence
- The restoration process follows protocols insurers understand and approve
- It reduces disputes and speeds up the claim settlement process
At Roman & Company, we work directly with insurance providers on storm damage repair, water damage restoration, and insurance restoration claims, using IICRC-standard documentation to support every project.
Learn more about our Storm & Insurance Restoration services.
Roman & Company: Your IICRC-Certified Restoration Contractor in Birmingham, AL
Serving Birmingham and communities throughout Central Alabama, Roman & Company is an IICRC-certified firm committed to delivering restoration services that meet the highest global standards. Whether your property has been affected by water damage, storm damage, or mold, our team has the training, tools, and certification to restore it correctly — the first time.
Our IICRC-certified services include:
- Water Damage Restoration & Structural Dry-Out — Following IICRC S500 standards for complete moisture removal and drying
- Mold Remediation & Mitigation — Safe, proper mold removal in accordance with IICRC S520
- Storm & Insurance Restoration — Full property recovery guided by IICRC restoration standards
- Home Renovation & Remodeling — Rebuild and restore after damage with quality craftsmanship
Learn more about our Water Remediation & Structural Dry-Out and Storm & Insurance Restoration services.
Frequently Asked Questions About IICRC Certification
What does IICRC stand for?
IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is a globally recognized non-profit organization that develops standards and certifications for restoration, cleaning, and inspection professionals.
How do I know if a contractor is IICRC certified?
You can verify any IICRC-certified firm or technician by searching the IICRC’s global locator at iicrc.org.
Is IICRC certification required by insurance companies?
While not always legally required, many insurance carriers prefer or recommend IICRC-certified contractors because their work aligns with recognized standards that support proper claims documentation and settlement.
What is an IICRC-certified firm vs. a certified technician?
An IICRC-certified firm is a company that employs certified technicians and meets ongoing requirements for training and ethics. An IICRC-certified technician is an individual who has completed specific coursework and passed examinations in their area of specialization.
Why should I hire an IICRC-certified contractor for water damage?
Water damage requires precise drying science, moisture monitoring, and structural evaluation. Without proper training and standards, moisture can remain hidden behind walls and under floors, leading to mold growth and structural deterioration. An IICRC-certified contractor follows a documented, science-based process to fully restore your property.
Contact Roman & Company
If your home or business has been affected by water damage, storm damage, or mold — or if you are ready to begin a renovation or remodeling project — Roman & Company is here to help.
As an IICRC-certified firm serving Birmingham, Hoover, Pelham, Trussville, Helena, Alabaster, and communities throughout Central Alabama, we are committed to delivering restoration and renovation services built on integrity, training, and proven standards.
