RESTORATION / A SERVICE-PLANNING GUIDE

Water damage & restoration

Organize the incident before comparing restoration proposals: what happened, which spaces are affected and what work is intended to stabilize versus rebuild. Only document from a location that is safe to enter.

What to document before the visit

• Record the discovery time and affected rooms.
• Keep safe-distance photos and communications together.
• Ask the responder whether entry or use of affected areas is safe.

Understand the proposed scope

Separate source repair, water removal or drying, cleaning, material removal and reconstruction. Ask how conditions will be documented and how the provider decides each stage is complete. Insurance coverage and payment responsibility require confirmation; a restoration estimate is not an insurer’s approval.

Questions worth asking

• Who fixes the source of the water?
• What records and progress reports will I receive?
• Which reconstruction items require a separate contract?

Use the guide locally

Choose your city for the relevant local starting point. A guide’s availability does not mean a contractor or referral offer covers your address.

Buffalo · Rochester · Syracuse · Albany

Continue planning

• Ceiling water damage
• Fire & smoke restoration
• Mold inspection & moisture assessment