Restoration FAQ

It depends on your policy and the source of the water. Sudden, accidental damage — a burst pipe or an appliance overflow — is covered by most homeowner and commercial policies, while gradual leaks from long-term neglect and rising floodwater usually aren't (floodwater needs separate flood coverage). The best move is to call your agent, and we'll document everything with photos and moisture readings to support the claim either way.

If it's safe, stop the water at the source and shut off power to affected areas. Blot or mop up what you can, lift furniture off wet carpet or slip foil under the legs, and move valuables and documents somewhere dry. Don't use a household vacuum on standing water and don't touch electrical items that got wet — then call us to extract and dry it properly.

On average about 3 to 5 days, but it varies with how much water there was, what materials got wet, and how long they sat. We place commercial air movers and dehumidifiers, take daily moisture readings, and only pull the equipment once the structure meets a verified dry standard — not just when it looks dry.

Often, yes — it depends on the category of water and how long the materials were saturated. Clean water caught early lets us dry many materials in place; contaminated water or long exposure means some carpet pad, drywall and flooring have to be removed for safety. We assess each material and save what can be safely saved.

Once the fire department says the structure is safe, contact your insurance company and, if you need it, local disaster relief. Gather important documents and identification, and don't re-enter or start cleaning until you're cleared to — soot is corrosive and smoke residue can be hazardous. Call us to secure the property and begin restoration.

Soot and smoke residue are removed from structure and contents using the method that matches each type of residue and surface — the wrong method sets the stain permanently. We clean, deodorize at the source rather than masking it, recover salvageable contents, and rebuild what can't be saved.

It depends on how far the smoke and soot traveled, the size of the building and the volume of contents. After we assess the full scope, we give you an estimated timeline and keep you updated as the cleanup, deodorization and reconstruction progress.

Usually, yes. Mold spreads fast and often hides inside walls, under flooring and in HVAC systems where you can't see it, so surface cleaning alone rarely fixes the problem. Professionals find the moisture source, contain the area to prevent cross-contamination, and remediate to standard so it doesn't come back.

Often you can, depending on how widespread it is and where it's located. We build containment around the affected areas and use negative-air equipment to isolate them, which keeps spores from spreading to the rest of the property while we work.

For a small surface spot you might, but we don't recommend DIY for anything more. Disturbing mold releases spores that spread it further, and if you don't stop the underlying moisture it simply returns. If you do address a small area, turn off the HVAC first so spores aren't circulated through the building.

It comes down to how much water there is and how deeply it soaked in. We pump out standing water, then dry and dehumidify while monitoring moisture daily until the structure returns to normal levels — anywhere from a few days to longer for a major flood.

It depends on your policy — and on the property being reasonably maintained. Carriers can attribute damage to deferred maintenance rather than the storm, so upkeep matters. We document the storm damage thoroughly and work with your adjuster to support the claim.

Call us — our line is answered 24/7. The immediate priority is securing the property with emergency roof-tarping and board-up so wind and rain don't turn a damaged roof or broken window into a much bigger loss, then we move into full restoration.

Often, yes. We pre-treat spots before cleaning and choose the method based on the fabric and the type of stain — different fibers and soils call for different approaches, and matching them is what gets results a single all-purpose method can't.

Odor lives in the tar and nicotine film left on surfaces, so it starts with a thorough cleaning of hard and soft surfaces to remove that residue. We then deodorize with ozone or hydroxyl treatment to neutralize what's left in the air and materials — eliminating the smell rather than covering it.

Every three to six months is a good rule of thumb, since they trap dust, odor and allergens over time. If anyone in the home has significant allergies, cleaning them more often helps keep indoor air comfortable.

The three most common are chemical solvents worked with a stiff brush, pressure washing, and media blasting with a fine abrasive like dry ice or sand. We match the method to the surface — stucco, brick, glass or metal — so the graffiti comes off without damaging what's underneath.

Yes. Alongside fire, water and mold work we handle specialty situations that need containment, protective equipment, proper disposal and disinfection. If you're not sure whether your situation qualifies, call and describe it and we'll tell you how we'd approach it.

Yes — that's the whole point. We're a licensed general contractor (B-501801), so the same team that mitigates the damage also rebuilds the property. You get one point of contact and continuity from the first emergency call through the final repair, with no handoff to an outside builder.

It depends on the severity. Some losses need only cleaning and drying; others require removing and rebuilding damaged materials. We assess the damage, explain clearly what has to be reconstructed, and lay out the plan before any work begins.

No. We keep you informed with regular updates on the timeline and daily activity so you always know what's happening, without needing to be on site for it. We'll arrange access and communication in whatever way works for you.