

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about water damage, fire damage, mold, and the restoration process in Northeast Ohio.
General
Are you available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Yes. Disasters don't keep business hours, and neither do we. Our emergency line is answered 24/7, 365 days a year — including holidays. When you call, you reach a real person, not a voicemail.
How fast can you respond to an emergency?
We guarantee on-scene arrival within 60 minutes for emergencies throughout Trumbull and Mahoning County. The faster we arrive, the less damage your property sustains — especially with water damage, where every hour counts.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Trumbull County (Warren, Niles, Cortland, Howland, Newton Falls), Mahoning County (Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, Canfield, Poland), and Ashtabula County (Ashtabula, Geneva, Conneaut). Call us if you're unsure — we'll let you know if we can reach you.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. RestoWorks is fully licensed in the state of Ohio and carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We're also IICRC certified — the gold standard in the restoration industry.
Are you locally owned or a franchise?
We are 100% locally owned and operated — not a franchise. Our owners live and work in the Warren area. When you call RestoWorks, you're dealing directly with your neighbors, not a call center.
What certifications do you hold?
Our technicians are certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) — the industry's leading standard-setting body. We hold certifications in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and mold remediation. We also maintain BBB A+ status.
Do you work with homeowners insurance?
Yes. We work with all major insurance carriers and can bill your insurer directly in most cases. We use Xactimate software — the same platform adjusters use — to prepare estimates, which speeds up approvals and eliminates pricing disputes. Learn more on our Insurance Claims page.
Water Damage
How quickly should water damage be addressed?
Water damage should be addressed within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Mold can begin colonizing wet materials in as little as 24 hours under the right conditions. The sooner water is extracted and drying begins, the less damage your property will sustain.
Does homeowner's insurance cover water damage?
Most standard homeowner's policies cover sudden and accidental water damage — like a burst pipe or appliance failure. Gradual leaks, flood damage, and sewer backups are often excluded unless you have specific endorsements. We help you document damage and work through the claims process regardless of coverage.
Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor water damage in one room is generally fine to live around. Extensive damage affecting structural elements, HVAC systems, or large portions of the home may require temporary displacement for safety. We'll give you an honest assessment when we arrive.
How long does water damage restoration take?
Emergency water extraction takes hours. The drying process typically takes 3-5 days using industrial dehumidifiers and air movers. Full structural repairs and reconstruction depend on the damage scope — anywhere from a few days to several weeks for major damage.
Fire & Smoke Damage
What should I do immediately after a fire?
First, ensure everyone is safe and the fire marshal has cleared the building for re-entry. Then call us. Do not turn on HVAC systems (this spreads soot), avoid touching soot-damaged surfaces, and do not attempt cleanup yourself. Document everything with photos for insurance before any cleanup begins.
Can smoke damage be completely removed?
Yes, with proper professional treatment. Our technicians use specialized cleaning agents, ozone generators, and thermal fogging to eliminate smoke odors and residue from all surfaces, materials, and the HVAC system. Attempting to clean smoke damage without the right equipment often makes it worse.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Board-up and securing the property happens immediately. Soot and smoke cleaning typically takes several days to a week. Full structural restoration, including repairs and repainting, can take weeks to months depending on the severity. We'll give you a detailed scope and timeline before work begins.
Does insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Fire damage from accidental or weather-related fires is covered by most standard homeowner's policies. Coverage includes structural repairs, contents replacement, and additional living expenses if you're displaced. We work directly with your insurer and adjuster to ensure all damage is properly documented.
Mold Remediation
How do I know if I have mold?
Signs of mold include visible growth (often black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or under sinks), musty or earthy odors, water stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, and respiratory symptoms like sneezing or coughing that improve when you leave the building. If you suspect mold, professional testing can confirm it.
Is mold dangerous to my health?
Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems — especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or compromised immune systems. Some mold types produce mycotoxins that are more serious. Don't ignore visible mold or persistent musty odors.
Can I remove mold myself?
Small surface mold on non-porous materials (like tile grout) can sometimes be cleaned with appropriate products. However, mold inside walls, in HVAC systems, or covering more than 10 square feet requires professional remediation. DIY attempts often spread spores rather than eliminating them, making the problem worse.
How long does mold remediation take?
Most residential mold remediation jobs take 1-5 days depending on the affected area. This includes containment setup, HEPA filtration, physical removal of mold-infested materials, antimicrobial treatment, and air clearance testing. We provide post-remediation testing to confirm the job is complete.
Insurance & Claims
Do you bill the insurance company directly?
Yes, in most cases. We work with your insurer directly so you're not out-of-pocket waiting for reimbursement. You're typically responsible for your deductible. We'll explain the payment process before work begins so there are no surprises.
What is Xactimate and why does it matter?
Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by insurance adjusters nationwide. We prepare all our estimates in Xactimate, which means the pricing and line items match exactly what your adjuster expects. This eliminates pricing disputes and gets your claim approved faster.
What if my insurer denies or underpays my claim?
Don't accept a lowball offer without pushback. We'll provide documentation to support your claim and communicate directly with your adjuster. If there's a significant dispute, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a licensed public adjuster who works on your behalf.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is available 24/7. Call us or send a message and we’ll get back to you right away.