Homeowner Attempting DIY Water Damage Cleanup After Pipe Leak — Example of Why Professional Restoration Matters

3 Mistakes to Avoid When You Need Disaster Restoration in Chicago

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 24, 2025

When 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:

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 and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.