Restoration help, in plain English
Clear, sourced answers for property owners dealing with water, fire, mold or sewage damage: what to do first, what restoration costs, how to choose a licensed company and avoid scams, and what insurance covers.
Right after the damage
What to Do After Water Damage: The First 24-48 Hours
What to do after water damage, step by step: stay safe, stop the water, take photos for insurance, start drying within 24-48 hours and know what to throw away.
Burst Pipe: What to Do Right Now (and What Comes Next)
Burst pipe in your house? Shut off the main water valve, make electricity safe, document damage, dry fast, and learn how insurance and frozen pipes work.
What to Do After a House Fire: Safety, Cleanup and Smoke Damage
What to do after a house fire, step by step: when it's safe to go back in, securing the home, calling your insurer, soot and smoke risks, and what to save.
Sewage Backup Cleanup: Health Risks, Insurance and Next Steps
Sewage backup in your basement? Learn the health risks, why it's Category 3 water, what not to clean yourself, if insurance covers it, and how to prevent it.
Hiring a restoration company
How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company: Checklist
How to choose a water damage restoration company: check local roots, licenses, insurance and written estimates, know your right to pick, and questions to ask.
Does a Restoration Company Need a License? State Rules Explained
Does a restoration company need a license? It depends on your state. See mold license rules in TX, FL, NY and LA, and how to check a contractor license.
Restoration Contractor Scams: Storm Chaser Red Flags
Spot storm chaser scams and contractor fraud after a disaster: door knockers, big deposits, pressure to sign, risky claim paperwork, how to verify and report.
Costs and the process
Water Damage Restoration Cost: Price Ranges and What Drives Them
How much does water damage repair cost? See published national cost ranges, what drives the price (water category, class, area, mold) and how insurance helps.
Mold Remediation Cost: What Drives the Price and What to Expect
How much does mold remediation cost? See national ranges from published cost guides, what drives the price, inspection costs, DIY limits and insurance basics.
How Long Does Water Damage Take to Dry? Walls, Floors and Mold
How long water damage takes to dry depends on materials, how wet they got and equipment. Learn IICRC classes, moisture readings and the 24-48 hour mold window.
Insurance
Does Insurance Cover Water Damage Restoration?
Does homeowners insurance pay for water damage restoration? What's covered, why flood and sewer backup differ, who pays the restoration company, what to save.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?
Does homeowners insurance cover mold? Usually only if it comes from a covered event like a burst pipe. Learn about mold limits, exclusions and denied claims.