Water Damage Restoration

The cost depends on the water category, affected square footage, and whether reconstruction is needed. A small clean-water extraction might start at a few hundred dollars. A full Category 3 mitigation with drywall replacement can run several thousand. Every job starts with a free written estimate so you know the cost before we begin.

Most residential water damage jobs take 3 to 7 days for drying, plus additional time for any reconstruction. A single-room extraction might dry in 3 days. A multi-floor flood with drywall removal can take 5 to 7 days for drying and another 1 to 3 weeks for rebuild, depending on scope.

Most standard homeowner policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or appliance failure. Flood damage from external sources typically requires a separate flood policy. We work directly with your insurance adjuster, submit all documentation, and bill your carrier directly so you are not paying out of pocket for covered losses.

Immediately. Mold can begin growing on wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. The longer water sits, the more it wicks into wall cavities, subfloors, and insulation. Materials that could be dried in the first day may need to be removed entirely after 72 hours. Call as soon as you notice the problem.

Yes. We document the damage with moisture readings, thermal imaging, and photographs. We prepare a detailed scope of work using Xactimate, the same software your insurance company uses. We submit directly to your adjuster and handle supplement requests if the initial estimate does not cover the full scope.

Mitigation is the emergency phase: stopping the water source, extracting standing water, removing wet materials, and drying the structure. Restoration is the rebuild phase: replacing drywall, flooring, trim, and paint to return the property to pre-loss condition. Redefined Restoration handles both in-house.

Yes. Redefined Restoration holds Illinois License #70156933. Our technicians are IICRC-certified in Water Restoration (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), and Applied Microbial Remediation (AMR). We carry general liability and workers' compensation on every job.

Yes. Mold spores are always present in the air. They need moisture and an organic food source (like drywall paper or wood) to grow. In Chicago's humid climate, mold colonies can establish on wet surfaces in as little as 24 hours. Proper water extraction, structural drying, and antimicrobial treatment are the only reliable way to prevent mold after a water event.

We use truck-mounted extractors for high-volume water removal, submersible pumps for standing water in basements, commercial-grade dehumidifiers rated for structural drying, air movers to circulate airflow across wet surfaces, and thermal imaging cameras plus penetrating moisture meters to find hidden moisture in wall cavities and under flooring.

In most cases, no. If the damage is limited to one area of the home, you can stay while we work. If the water is Category 3 (sewage or contaminated), or if we need to remove flooring and drywall across multiple rooms, we may recommend temporary relocation for your comfort and safety. Your insurance policy may cover additional living expenses if relocation is necessary.