Frequently Asked Questions

Active standing water, a burst pipe, visible fire or smoke damage, or a sewage backup are all immediate calls. A slow drip you've noticed under a sink or a musty smell without visible damage is worth calling about too, but with less urgency — either way, calling sooner rather than later limits how much the problem grows.

Often no. For most Category 1 or 2 water losses affecting one or two rooms, we contain the work area and you continue living in the rest of the home. Category 3 losses, active mold remediation, or fire damage affecting HVAC and electrical systems may require temporary relocation, which we'll tell you honestly during the inspection.

Your insurance policy information if you have it handy, access to the affected area (unlock doors, move pets to another room), and any photos you've already taken of the damage. None of this is required to start — we can work without it — but having it ready speeds up the insurance side.

Small, contained situations — a minor spill dried within hours, a tiny patch of surface mold on tile — can often be handled with basic cleaning. Anything involving standing water, smoke residue, contaminated water, or mold that keeps returning after cleaning is a sign the problem is bigger than DIY tools can fully address.

We document and bill claims for major carriers and work directly with adjusters regardless of which company you're insured through. If you're unsure whether your specific policy covers your situation, we can help you understand what documentation your carrier will likely need.

Yes, though the insurance and repair-authorization process is different. Property damage repairs are typically the landlord's responsibility and their insurance, while your renters insurance usually covers your personal belongings. We can work with either you or your landlord, and clarify which party needs to authorize the work.

You don't need to know before calling. Many losses overlap — fire suppression water damage, storm water that leads to mold — and our technicians assess the actual situation on site rather than requiring you to self-diagnose over the phone.

We'll tell you directly if a specific area needs to stay off-limits, such as during Category 3 sewage containment or active mold remediation with negative air pressure. For most standard water damage and drying work, the rest of your home remains fully accessible to your family.