FAQS

Proudly Serving Durham/Raleigh

and Surrounding Areas

FAQs - Restoration 1 of Durham


It may seem like there are more questions than answers when 

you are dealing with water, mold or fire & smoke damage. 

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs

  • What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

    Immediately following a fire, you’ll want to first call emergency services. The fire department will arrive promptly, ready to help put out the blaze. While they’re doing that, you should be calling Restoration 1. We’ll arrive within an hour of your call to begin the fire damage restoration process.

  • How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?

    It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to completely and efficiently clean fire damage throughout the home. We take our time to ensure the whole property is safe and habitable for your family once more.

  • Can I inspect my home and belongings after a fire?

    We do not recommend anyone but our team entering the property after a fire. There is always a risk of smoke contamination, structural integrity concerns, and ensuing fire damage that may lead to injuries or worsening damage.

  • Should I try cleaning up myself?

    No – our team is highly trained and equipped to clean fire and smoke damage efficiently and properly. We can reduce the risk of injury and further property damage.

  • What will happen to the items left in the home during restoration after a fire?

    Any item left inside of your home during the fire damage restoration process will be thoroughly assessed, salvaged, restored, cleaned, and returned to you promptly. If the item is too far damaged or contaminated, we will dispose of it properly.

  • What are some safety concerns?

    There are numerous safety concerns associated with fire damage, including smoke contamination, weakened structural supports, and water damage from the fire department. As such, it’s best to let the restoration team handle the cleanup process.

  • What items do I keep in my possession?

    You likely won’t have time to grab any possessions while evacuating the house. During the restoration process, our team will salvage and restore as many items we can find during our cleanup. These items will be subsequently returned to you as soon as possible.

  • How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

    Our restoration team will create a comprehensive list of any items we find during the restoration process. We’ll also note their condition, including whether we could salvage the item or had to dispose of it.

  • What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

    If there are any special items you would like us to focus on, please let our team know. Give us last known whereabouts and a detailed description of the item and we’ll do our best to find these items on your behalf.

  • Who is responsible for paying for the service?

    You, the client, are responsible for payment. However, we do recommend filing an insurance claim for any damage you experience. Your insurance company, depending on your deductible, will likely pay for most of the restoration work.

  • Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

    It all depends on the extent of the damage. For minor damage, filing an insurance claim may raise your premium higher than you may be comfortable with. But if the damage is severe enough, the risk of paying more annually may be justified.

  • Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

    Yes, we will make ourselves available to the insurance adjuster throughout the entire process.

  • What if my house has asbestos or lead?

    If your home has notable amounts of asbestos or lead, our team is trained and equipped to handle the situation. If we stumble across any contamination we cannot handle ourselves, we will call in a specialist on your behalf.

  • What if I’d like to upgrade or remodel my house?

    Our team aims to please, so during the reconstruction process, we can complete minor upgrades or changes to your home. However, for significant renovations, we recommend speaking with a local contractor.

  • What are some common effects of water damage?

    Water damage is known to cause mold growth within 48 hours. It can also weaken and compromise the structure of your home by warping floors and destroying walls or ceilings. The material must be replaced immediately to ensure the property does not collapse at weak points.

  • What does the water damage restoration process involve?

    Our water damage restoration process involves very specific procedures and safety precautions to repair your property. We will bring in advanced restoration equipment to mitigate the water damage and begin drying the affected areas properly. We will then remove any damaged structural components, such as flooring and drywall. The damage may be hidden, so we need to look inside of the walls to really help.

  • How does the water damage restoration process work?

    It all begins with an initial assessment. We will determine the extent of the damage and how best to move forward. Then, the process is broken down into steps:


    Step 1 – We dry the affected areas using wet vacuums, pumps, and industrial-grade fans.

    Step 2 – We remove carpet and padding that cannot be salvaged.

    Step 3 – We’ll restore your personal belongings to the best of our abilities.

    Step 4 – The team will clean and dehumidify the area to prevent mold growth or worsening damage.

  • How much does it cost to fix water damage?

    The cost to fix water damage varies based on a few factors, such as the scope of the damage, the location, and the materials and labor requirements of the job.

  • What are the major causes of flood damage and water damage?

    Typically, flood and water damage is caused by a number of problems, including:



    • Leaking appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators.
    • Leaking or burst pipes
    • Clogged sinks or overflowing toilets
    • Hidden moisture underneath the floors or inside of the walls.
    •  Flash floods, storm damage, hurricanes, tropical storms.
  • Can water damage be hidden? If so, what are the signs?

    Yes – water damage can remain hidden for days on end. You won’t notice the damage until it worsens. The signs of water damage include an unpleasant, mildew-like odor, slight stains on the walls and ceilings, peeling paint, warped flooring, and mold growth.

  • What actions should I take when I first notice water damage?

    When you first notice water damage, you must do your best to air out the property. Turn on any fans, open the windows, and crank up the air conditioning system. You can mop up as much of the standing water as possible.



    Your best option is to call a local restoration company immediately. The sooner you call, the sooner we can respond to your water damage.

  • How do I hire a professional restoration company?

    It’s easy to hire a professional restoration company these days by looking online. Start by looking at online reviews – you want a company that is certified, licensed, and insured. It’s smart to choose a restoration company that can respond within an hour of your call. Here at Restoration 1, we meet all of these criteria!

  • How do I file an insurance claim for water damage?

    Filing a water damage insurance claim can be tricky. You’ll need to first review your policy to ensure your specific type of water damage is covered. Most insurance companies won’t cover flooding or gradual water damage.



    Then, make a detailed list of any water-damaged items. Write down everything. It’s also smart to take pictures of the damage as proof.



    Finally, when you file the claim, it may take a few days for the insurance adjuster to arrive to your home. In this time, do not complete any permanent repairs. You can mitigate the water damage, though.

  • How can I remove standing water easily?

    The best way to remove standing water is by calling in a professional restoration company. We use heavy-duty equipment, including water pumps and wet vacuums, to quickly remove standing water from your home.

Mold Remediation FAQs

  • What is the difference between mold and mildew?

    Generally, mold is green or black, considered to be dangerous to your health, and spreads quickly with humidity and moisture. As for mildew, it is relatively gray in color and easily removed with household cleaning products.

  • What does mold look like?

    Most mold produces a raised surface as it grows and is usually green or black in color. 

  • How much does mold remediation cost?

    The cost of mold remediation is determined by numerous factors. The amount of mold present, how early it was detected, the location, and what type of repairs are required all play a part in determining the total cost.

  • How long does it take for mold to grow or spread?

    Mold will begin to grow after 24 hours and continue growing for several weeks thereafter.

  • Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

    Yes, you certainly want to hire a mold expert to address any size growth in your home. The risk of spreading the infestation further into the house is too great.

  • How long does it take to remove mold?

    Every mold situation is unique, but mold typically requires anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fully remove.

  • What is mold remediation?

    Mold remediation is the process of removing any mold found within the home and sanitizing the entire area. Additional treatments and preventative measures are then taken to ensure the mold does not return to the area.

  • How is mold growth detected?

    We use highly specialized equipment to detect the areas in which mold growth has occurred. Furthermore, moisture found under the floors or within the walls is a sure sign of mold.

  • What health problems can mold cause?

    Mold is known to cause a number of health problems, including nasal congestion, skin and eye irritation, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and respiratory illness.

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Testimonials

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 Our promise is that we will use the best materials and above code quality craftsmanship to restore your damaged property.

 



Property Damage Experts Near Me

Property Restoration Experts in Durham, NC  and the Surrounding Areas


Call: 919-877-6886

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

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