3 Mistakes to Avoid When You Need Disaster Restoration in Chicago
Nasutsa Mabwa
June 24, 2025When disaster strikes, your first steps matter. Discover the top mistakes to avoid after fire, flood, or storm damage — and how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons helps Chicago-area property owners recover quickly and effectively.
Disasters can strike any property — whether from fire, flood, storm, or another unexpected event. When they do, your immediate decisions determine how quickly and effectively your property recovers. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and the North Shore avoid common pitfalls during disaster recovery.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your property, your investment, and your peace of mind.
1. Waiting Too Long to Call for Help
After disaster strikes, some property owners hesitate. They hope the damage won’t get worse or want to see how things develop before involving professionals. Unfortunately, this can lead to:
- Mold growth following water intrusion
- Further structural damage from fire or smoke
- Higher restoration costs
- More complicated insurance claims
The sooner you call for professional restoration, the better. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers 24/7 emergency response to help limit damage and start recovery immediately.
2. Choosing a Contractor Without Proper Research
In the urgency of the moment, it’s easy to select the first company that answers the phone. But restoration requires expertise, certifications, and proven experience. Hiring the wrong provider can result in:
- Incomplete or subpar work
- Hidden damage going unaddressed
- Insurance issues later
Always look for a company that:
- Provides a clear, written estimate
- Holds certifications like the IICRC
- Has strong local references
- Offers comprehensive services
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons brings over 40 years of trusted service to Chicago-area disaster restoration.
3. Starting Cleanup Without Documentation
It’s natural to want to clean up after a disaster, but starting work before damage is fully documented can make it harder to secure insurance coverage. The right restoration company will:
- Take photos and videos of all damage
- Create detailed reports for your insurer
- Guide you through the claims process
Our team ensures damage is documented properly so your claim proceeds smoothly.
How to Protect Your Recovery
To avoid costly mistakes:
- Act quickly and contact certified professionals
- Research and choose a reputable restoration company
- Allow experts to document damage before cleanup begins
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How soon should I contact a disaster restoration company after damage?
A: Immediately. Prompt action limits secondary damage and protects your insurance claim.
Q: What certifications should a disaster restoration company have?
A: Look for firms certified by the IICRC and members of professional groups like the Restoration Industry Association.
Q: Will my insurance cover disaster restoration?
A: Most property insurance policies cover restoration for sudden, accidental events like fires or floods. We help with documentation and work directly with your insurer.
Q: What areas does ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons serve?
A: We serve Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and nearby suburbs.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a locally owned, award-winning disaster restoration firm with more than 40 years of experience serving Chicago, the North Shore, and Lake County. As part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929, we deliver trusted expertise, rapid response, and compassionate care.
Our team includes IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers and members of the Restoration Industry Association. We provide:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Specialty Cleaning
- Commercial Restoration
For more expert guidance, see our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.
Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 847-316-9145 for trusted, professional disaster restoration.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies - 2025 recipient
- Top 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024) by KNOW Women & JPMorgan Chase
- Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40
- SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award
- 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award
She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.
Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).
She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.
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Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.
(773) 376-1110
(773) 376-1110
