Know the process before you pay for it
Written for homeowners mid-crisis: what happens, what it should cost, and where people get burned. Every cost figure links back to the data.
Water damage
Water Damage Categories and Classes Explained (IICRC S500)
How IICRC S500 water categories (clean, gray, black) and classes 1-4 decide what gets torn out, what dries in place, and what restoration costs.
Updated 2026-08-14Water Damage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours
A step-by-step first 24 hours plan for water damage: safety checks, stopping the source, documenting for insurance, and when to call a pro crew.
Updated 2026-08-14How Long Does Structural Drying Take? Equipment, Days, and What Pros Monitor
How long structural drying really takes after water damage: the typical 3-5 day timeline, what each machine does, and why equipment days drive the bill.
Updated 2026-08-14Insurance
How to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim (Step by Step)
How to document water damage, meet your duty to mitigate, decode ACV vs RCV, avoid common denial traps, and appeal a lowball or denied claim.
Updated 2026-08-14Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage? (Sudden vs Gradual, Flood, Sewer)
What homeowners insurance actually covers after water damage: the sudden-vs-gradual rule, flood and sewer backup gaps, mold caps, and deductibles.
Updated 2026-08-14Mold
Fire & smoke
Hiring a pro
Standing water gets more expensive by the hour — mold risk starts inside 24–72 hours. Estimate your cost, then get a local pro on site.