Frequently Asked Questions

Resto Experts responds within 60 minutes to emergencies throughout the Memphis metro area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our emergency crews are always on standby with fully equipped trucks.

For water damage: turn off the water source if possible and move valuables to dry areas. For fire: stay out until the fire marshal clears the structure. For mold: don't disturb it. For sewage: evacuate the area. In all cases, document damage with photos for insurance.

Yes. We operate 24/7/365. Water damage, fire, mold, and sewage emergencies don't follow business hours — and neither do we. The same response time applies on Christmas Day as on a Tuesday afternoon.

Yes, we work with all major insurance carriers. We document every step of the restoration process, communicate directly with your adjuster, and handle the claims paperwork so you don't have to. Our documentation has been accepted by every insurer we've worked with.

You always have the right to choose your own restoration company — this is your legal right as a policyholder. Your insurance company may recommend their preferred vendors, but you are not required to use them. Choosing your own contractor often means faster response and more personalized service.

Water damage restoration in Memphis typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,500 for residential properties, depending on the affected area, water category, and extent of damage. Sewage-involved water damage costs more due to biohazard protocols. We provide free estimates and work with your insurance.

Mold remediation costs range from $500 for small areas (under 10 sq ft) to $9,000+ for large affected areas. Crawlspace and attic mold typically costs $3,000-$10,000. We offer free mold inspections to assess the scope before providing a detailed estimate.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for restoration work. We understand that emergency restoration is an unexpected expense, and we don't want cost to prevent you from getting the help you need. Ask about our financing plans when you call.

Call a restoration company first. The faster water is extracted or damage is mitigated, the less your total claim will be. Insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. We can start work immediately and help you file the claim afterward.

Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure in Memphis's humid climate. This is why immediate water extraction and professional drying are critical. Our thermal imaging detects moisture behind walls and under floors that household equipment misses.

For very minor water damage (a few square feet), you may be able to dry it with fans. However, professional water damage restoration uses commercial-grade equipment that's 10-50x more powerful than household fans. More importantly, moisture meters and thermal imaging detect hidden water that causes mold and structural damage weeks later.

Category 1 is clean water (broken supply lines). Category 2 is gray water (washing machine overflow, dishwasher). Category 3 is black water (sewage, floodwater) — the most dangerous, requiring biohazard protocols. Category determines cleanup procedures, safety equipment, and cost.

Yes. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) produces mycotoxins that can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, headaches, and neurological symptoms. Children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk. Never attempt to remove black mold yourself — professional remediation with proper containment is essential.

The EPA recommends professional remediation for mold areas larger than 10 square feet. DIY removal releases millions of spores, potentially making the problem much worse. Professional containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment are necessary for safe, effective remediation.

Signs include musty odors, unexplained allergic symptoms, water stains, peeling paint, and warped walls or floors. Mold often hides behind walls, under flooring, in HVAC systems, and in crawlspaces. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging during our free inspections to detect hidden mold.

Not if done correctly. Professional remediation eliminates the mold AND addresses the moisture source that caused it. We identify and fix the water intrusion point, remediate the mold, apply antimicrobial treatment, and verify with post-remediation clearance testing. If the moisture source is eliminated, mold won't return.

Yes, with professional equipment. Thermal fogging, ozone generators, and hydroxyl generators eliminate smoke odor at the molecular level. Surface soot and residue are removed using material-specific techniques. DIY methods only mask the smell temporarily.

A small kitchen fire may take 1-2 weeks for full restoration. Major structural fires can take 3-6 months including demolition, rebuild, and final finishing. We provide a detailed timeline after our initial assessment and keep you informed throughout the process.

We serve the entire Memphis metro area including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Millington, Arlington, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, Covington. Our 60-minute response time applies to all locations within our service area.

Yes. All Resto Experts technicians hold IICRC certifications in their specialties including Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), and Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT). We are also EPA Lead-Safe certified and fully licensed and insured in Tennessee.

We handle everything from emergency response through complete reconstruction. This includes water extraction, drying, mold remediation, smoke/soot cleanup, structural repair, painting, flooring, and final finishing. One company, one point of contact, from start to finish.