Frequently Asked Questions About Restoration Services in East Texas

Great question. The simple answer is, not always. While we cannot tell you whether to file a claim or not, our team of certified and experienced project directors and adjusters can help evaluate how a claim may affect your premiums before moving forward. In some cases, we may be able to help you avoid filing a claim altogether.

Yes. If our team at 1st Call Restoration begins temporary repairs or water extraction measures, our project managers will document your property loss and ensure that all information is made available to your insurance adjuster. Depending on your insurance company, your claim may take longer due to current claim volumes. However, you can rest assured that we will never expect you to pay out of pocket for covered services beyond your deductible.

At 1st Call Restoration, we work for you and with your insurance company or adjuster. If insurance is involved, we will work directly with them and handle billing. You are only responsible for your deductible. We also offer flexible payment options and will clearly communicate with you throughout the process so you understand what to expect. If insurance is not used, we accept cash, checks, and credit cards upon completion of services.

This depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the affected home or commercial property. Factors such as the type of water, duration of exposure, presence of mold, and overall level of damage all impact the total cost. Fire, smoke, biohazard, and board-up services are also based on the extent of damage and materials affected. We provide free estimates and will clearly outline what to expect from the start.

Every situation is different, and we cannot guarantee an exact timeline for restoration services. Several factors can affect the duration, including the type and extent of damage, the size of the property, the number of affected items, and any infrastructure issues such as power outages after a storm. Cleanup can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks or longer, depending on the scope of the damage and the services required to fully restore the property.

First, we remove any standing water from your property. Next, we assess the extent of the damage to determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be removed. Our team then dries and dehumidifies the affected areas to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of mold growth. At 1st Call Restoration, we focus on restoring your property whenever possible before replacing materials.

Some signs of water damage can be difficult to detect. Look for peeling paint or wallpaper, visible mold, moisture or condensation in unusual areas, musty odors, increased pest activity, and dampness in carpets or flooring.

Once the affected areas are fully dried and the damage has been mitigated, repairs are often needed. Water can reach hidden areas and cause structural damage over time. At 1st Call Restoration, we provide full-service restoration, including repairs, to return your home or business to its pre-damage condition.

Yes. 1st Call Restoration follows the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our certified technicians are trained to perform water damage mitigation and restoration services according to these industry guidelines, ensuring a high level of quality and professionalism on every project.

The cost of water damage repair depends on the type of property and the extent of the damage. At 1st Call Restoration, we offer a free consultation to assess the situation and provide a clear plan outlining what to expect throughout the restoration process.

We strongly advise against re-entering your home or business after a fire until it has been inspected and deemed safe. Smoke inhalation and weakened structures can pose serious risks. Our IICRC-certified technicians are trained to handle these situations safely and will ensure your property is secure before re-entry is recommended.

After a fire, your property may be vulnerable to theft and further damage. At 1st Call Restoration, we provide emergency board-up services to secure windows and doors, along with roof tarping to protect against weather exposure. These measures help protect your belongings and prevent additional damage while restoration is underway.

Yes. After removing soot and smoke residue from surfaces such as walls, carpets, furniture, and other contents, we use professional deodorization methods to eliminate smoke odors. Our team uses advanced equipment and follows industry standards to restore clean, odor-free air in your home or business.

The timeline for fire damage restoration depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the property. Residential properties may take less time than larger commercial buildings, which can require additional inspections and approvals. Our project managers will keep you informed throughout the process as we work to restore your property as quickly and safely as possible.

You should take important personal items and valuables with you, including family heirlooms, artwork, financial documents, medications, and pets. These items may be difficult or impossible to replace and should be kept safe during the restoration process.

In most fire restoration cases, our contents team handles the process of salvaging and restoring your personal belongings. We provide packing, inventory, storage, and cleaning services while repairs are being completed. Your items are carefully documented and transported to a climate-controlled facility for restoration before being returned to your property.

In many cases, storm damage is covered by insurance, depending on your specific policy. Once we assess and secure your property, our team can work directly with your insurance adjuster to help manage the claims process and keep everything moving forward.

1st Call Restoration provides full-service support after a storm, including emergency board-up and roof tarping to help prevent further damage. If your property has been affected by fallen trees, high winds, or hail, it’s important to contact a restoration company as soon as possible so the damage can be secured and mitigated quickly.

While it is not possible to completely prevent damage during a severe storm, there are steps you can take to reduce risk. Secure outdoor items such as furniture, grills, and equipment, and store vehicles in a garage or covered area if possible. It’s also important to maintain your property by trimming tree branches away from your roof and keeping your yard clear of potential hazards.

The timeline for storm damage restoration varies depending on the severity of the damage, the size of the property, and the services required. Once we assess your home or business, we will provide a clear plan and keep you informed throughout the process. If water damage is present, we begin extraction immediately, followed by drying and dehumidification to restore proper moisture levels.

In many cases, your insurance company may recommend contacting a certified restoration company first to secure your property and begin mitigation. Since water can cause additional damage the longer it sits, it’s important to act quickly. Our IICRC-certified team can begin cleanup and help prevent further damage, including mold growth.

Yes, mold can begin to grow quickly after a flood. In many cases, mold can start developing within 24 to 48 hours if moisture is not properly removed. It is important to take immediate action to dry and restore the affected areas to prevent further damage.

Mold can appear in a variety of colors, including gray, green, or black. It often shows up as spots or blotches on surfaces and may have a slightly raised or textured appearance. Mold is commonly accompanied by a musty or mildew-like odor.

Mold remediation is the process of removing mold, eliminating odors, and cleaning affected areas to restore a safe and healthy indoor environment.

The time required to remove mold depends on the severity of the infestation, the location, and how long it has been present. While mold can be effectively removed and the area restored to a healthy condition, trace amounts may still exist since mold is a naturally occurring organism. Our team works to fully remediate affected areas and restore your property to a safe environment.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. While these properties made it useful in construction materials, exposure to asbestos fibers can be highly toxic and harmful to your health.

Asbestos has been widely used in building materials such as insulation, cement, flooring, and roofing products. When these materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and dangerous if inhaled or ingested, potentially leading to serious health conditions over time.

Some indicators that your property may contain asbestos include buildings constructed before the early 1980s, the presence of older insulation materials such as vermiculite, vinyl flooring installed between certain years, corrugated roofing, or cement-based materials. Because asbestos cannot always be identified visually, it is important to have a professional inspection if you suspect it may be present.

The next steps depend on the type of asbestos, its location, and whether it is friable, meaning it can easily break apart and become airborne. Some materials may be safe if left undisturbed, while others require professional removal. It is important to hire a certified professional to assess and handle the situation. If removal is necessary, you may need to leave the property until it has been properly cleaned and tested to ensure it is safe to return.