Restoration FAQ
Water, fire, and mold questions — plus how getting matched with a local crew actually works. If you don't see your question, calling the number is the fastest way to an answer.
● (800) 555-0134About the service questions
Is RestorationResponder a restoration company?
No. RestorationResponder is a referral service that connects you with independent, vetted local restoration contractors. We don't perform the work ourselves, employ the crews, or set their pricing — the agreement for any work is between you and the contractor you hire.
How much does restoration cost?
It depends on the type of damage, the size of the affected area, how long it sat, and what has to be rebuilt versus cleaned. Contractors quote you directly after an on-site assessment. For national planning ranges and what drives the price, see our cost guides — no pricing is shown on the pages carrying the phone number.
Will my insurance cover the damage?
That's determined by your policy and your insurer, not by us or the contractor. Sudden, accidental losses like a burst pipe or a fire are commonly covered; gradual damage and some mold are often limited. Crews document the loss with photos and readings, which creates a clear record — but coverage decisions rest with your carrier. This is general information, not insurance advice.
Do I have to hire the contractor RestorationResponder matches me with?
No. Getting matched is free and carries no obligation. You're always welcome to compare the contractor's estimate against others before deciding — we encourage it.
What areas do you cover?
The network reaches all 50 states and roughly 25,929 cities. When you call, you're routed to a contractor whose service area covers your ZIP code, so you reach someone local rather than a distant call center.
Getting matched questions
Is RestorationResponder a restoration company?
No. RestorationResponder is a routing and matching service. It connects property owners who have water, fire, or mold damage with independent local restoration contractors. The contractors perform the actual cleanup and repairs as their own licensed, insured businesses. RestorationResponder does not employ crews, own equipment, or perform restoration work itself.
How much does it cost to use RestorationResponder?
Reaching out to RestorationResponder and getting matched to a local crew is free, and requesting an estimate carries no obligation. Any charge for the actual restoration work is set by the independent contractor you choose to hire, quoted directly to you, and agreed between the two of you before work begins.
How are contractors vetted?
Before contractors receive requests, RestorationResponder screens them for the fundamentals a property owner expects: that they operate as a licensed and insured restoration business in good standing and work to recognized industry standards. Vetting is a screening step rather than a guarantee, and you are always encouraged to confirm a crew’s current credentials yourself.
Am I obligated to hire the crew you match me with?
Not at all. Getting matched and receiving an estimate does not commit you to anything. If the contractor, the scope, or the timing is not right for you, you can decline, get another opinion, or do nothing. You proceed only if you decide to hire the crew on terms you accept.
What does "IICRC-standard" mean here?
IICRC standards are widely used industry guidelines for how water, fire, and mold restoration should be performed. When we say we look for IICRC-standard practice, we mean we favor contractors who work to those recognized methods. It describes how reputable crews operate; it is not a certification held by RestorationResponder, which does not perform restoration.
What happens to the information I share?
Your details are used to route your request to a suitable local contractor and to follow up on your restoration need. We share what a matched crew requires in order to contact you and understand the damage. If you have questions about how your information is used, you are welcome to ask before providing it.
Water damage questions
How quickly should water damage be addressed?
Within the first 24 to 48 hours. Water wicks into framing and subfloor within hours, and standing moisture grows mold in 24 to 48 hours — so fast extraction and drying is the single biggest factor in limiting the loss.
Can water damage be dried in place?
Clean (Category 1) water can often be dried in place. Gray and black water usually require removing porous materials like carpet, pad, and saturated drywall, plus decontamination, before drying.
Is water damage covered by insurance?
Sudden and accidental water damage — a burst pipe, an appliance failure — is typically covered, while gradual leaks left unaddressed are often excluded. This is general information, not insurance advice; your policy controls.
Fire & smoke questions
Why does smoke damage spread beyond the fire?
Smoke travels through the structure and settles as soot on surfaces far from the flames, and its odor penetrates porous materials. That is why professional cleaning and deodorizing often covers the whole home, not just the burned rooms.
Can smoke odor be fully removed?
In most cases, yes — with the right combination of source removal, HEPA filtration, thermal fogging, and sealing. Odor that lingers usually means a soot source was missed, which a thorough crew tracks down.
Should I re-enter a fire-damaged home?
Not until the fire department clears the structure as safe. Soot is an irritant and structural elements may be compromised — wait for the all-clear before going back in.
Mold questions
Is mold dangerous?
The EPA and CDC note indoor mold can cause allergy-type symptoms in some people and should be removed, and that the moisture feeding it must be fixed or it returns. This is general information, not medical advice — for health concerns, consult a physician.
Can I just clean mold with bleach?
Surface cleaning may handle a very small spot, but larger areas, hidden growth, and HVAC contamination call for professional containment and HEPA methods so spores are not spread through the home during removal.
Will mold come back after removal?
Not if the moisture source is corrected. Professional remediation always includes finding and fixing the water problem feeding the mold — otherwise it regrows.