Restoration companies: questions and answers
Direct answers about what restoration companies are and how they work.
Call 24/7: (416) 938-455211 questions people search for, each answered in a few sentences. Where there is more to say, the answer links to the full guide.
What is a restoration company?
A contractor that responds to property damage from water, fire, sewage, mold or storms. It stops the damage spreading, cleans and dries what can be saved, removes what cannot and rebuilds.
What is a water restoration or fire restoration company?
The same kind of business, described by the type of loss. Most handle both, along with mold and storm damage.
What does a mold remediation company do?
It finds and fixes the moisture, isolates the affected area, removes moldy materials, cleans remaining surfaces with HEPA equipment and dries the structure.
What is the difference between a restoration company and a general contractor?
A restoration company is equipped for the emergency: drying to a measured standard, contaminated water, soot, mold and insurance documentation. A general contractor builds and renovates. Many restoration companies also do the rebuild.
Do restoration companies replace drywall?
Most do. They remove damaged drywall during the emergency work, and those that offer reconstruction install, tape and paint the replacement. Ask whether the rebuild is included.
Do restoration companies rip you off?
Most do not, and shared insurer price lists keep rates in a narrow range. Where bills are inflated it is usually through too much equipment, too many days or unnecessary demolition. Ask for the drying log and the estimate.
What is a restoration company charging my insurer for?
Labour, equipment by the day, removal and disposal, cleaning, contents handling and the rebuild, each as a line item at an agreed unit price. You are entitled to see the estimate.
Do I have to use the restoration company my insurer sends?
Generally no. You are usually entitled to choose your own contractor. The insurer still has to agree the scope and a reasonable price.
How do I choose a restoration company near me?
Check for trained technicians, liability insurance and WSIB coverage, a written scope before non-emergency work, and documentation such as moisture readings. Be wary of pressure to sign more than an emergency authorisation.
Is restoration work regulated in Ontario?
There is no single restoration licence. Asbestos work falls under Regulation 278/05, electrical and gas work must be done by licensed trades, and employers must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The IICRC sets industry standards and certifies firms and technicians.
How quickly should a restoration company arrive?
As soon as it can, because damage grows by the hour and mold can begin within about 48 hours. Arrival depends on distance and demand, so ask for a realistic time when you call, and take the safe first steps yourself meanwhile.
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