What Homeowners Don’t See: The Hidden Demands of Restoration Work

More Than Meets the Eye

When disaster strikes, it’s natural for homeowners or business owners to focus on the visible mess — the water on the floor, the soot on the walls, the mold creeping along the ceiling. What often goes unseen is the demanding, technical, and sometimes dangerous work restoration professionals do behind the scenes.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, our team has spent over 40 years helping Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and Oak Park/River Forest recover from water, fire, and mold damage. We’ve seen it all: flooded basements in Evanston, sewer backups in Wilmette, fire-damaged condos in Logan Square, and mold infestations in Glenview. In every case, the work looks simple from the outside — but what’s happening behind the scenes is far more complex.

The Nature of Restoration Work

Restoration isn’t cosmetic cleanup. It’s:

• Health protection: preventing exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and toxic smoke residues.
• Property protection: stabilizing structures, salvaging contents, and stopping secondary damage.
• Safety assurance: ensuring the environment is livable or safe for employees before re-entry.

Our teams are on call 24/7. That means responding at 2 AM during a thunderstorm in Winnetka, or spending holidays drying out a basement in Highland Park. Disasters don’t wait for business hours — and neither do we.

The Safety Risks We Take

Every restoration job carries risks most people never see:

• Category 3 “black water” from sewer backups, filled with pathogens.
• Mold spores that can spread invisibly through HVAC systems.
• Asbestos and lead paint often exposed during demolition in older homes across Evanston’s Ridge Historic District.
• Fire and smoke residues containing carcinogens.
• Structural instability in water-damaged basements or fire-weakened attics.

Our crews wear PPE, respirators, gloves, and sometimes full-body protective suits. We follow strict IICRC standards to protect both our workers and the people who live or work in the property.

The Technical Expertise Required

Restoration is a science, not just labor.

• Water damage classification: We analyze water intrusion using IICRC’s categories (1–3) and classes (1–4). A clean-water supply leak in Skokie is handled differently than a sewer backup in Deerfield.
• Advanced equipment: We deploy negative air machines, HEPA filters, dehumidifiers, and desiccants to dry structures safely.
• Moisture detection: Thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters locate hidden water behind walls or under flooring.
• Mold remediation protocols: Negative pressure containment, antimicrobial applications, and HEPA vacuuming are essential — bleach alone won’t solve the problem.
• Content restoration: Fire- or water-damaged belongings require specialized cleaning and deodorization.

All this requires training, continuing education, and certifications. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm and a member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

What Customers Don’t Realize About the Process

Even with expertise and technology, restoration isn’t instant. Common misunderstandings include:

• Multi-day timelines: Drying a basement in Glencoe or Glenview takes days, not hours. Pulling out equipment early can cause hidden mold growth.
• Insurance delays: Adjusters, documentation, and approvals can slow things down — but they protect your claim.
• Material removal: Contaminated carpet, drywall, and insulation must often be removed. It’s not “overkill” — it’s safety.
• Mold risk: Any water damage left untreated for 24–48 hours can lead to mold.

Our goal is always to minimize disruption. But thorough, safe restoration takes patience and trust.

How Homeowners & Business Owners Can Help Us Help Them

Want to speed up your recovery and get the best results? Here’s how you can support your restoration team:

1. Provide clear access to all affected rooms, basements, or storage areas.
2. Point out valuables early — we’ll prioritize protecting or cleaning them.
3. Follow safety protocols — don’t walk on wet floors or enter contaminated zones.
4. Limit HVAC use until cleared — systems can spread mold and contaminants.
5. Communicate openly about concerns and expectations.

By working together, you help us help you.

Case Snapshot: Going Above & Beyond

Last summer in Wilmette’s Kenilworth Gardens, our team responded to a storm sewer backup that flooded a family’s basement. The water was Category 3 black water, and the family had priceless storage boxes at risk.

Our crew worked through the night, documenting the loss for insurance, carefully salvaging photos, and setting up negative air containment. Within days, the basement was clean, disinfected, and dry — and the family could breathe easy again.

Behind the scenes, it took 12 hours of protective gear, truck-mounted extraction, antimicrobial treatments, and constant monitoring. To the homeowner, it just looked like “cleanup.” To us, it was a coordinated effort to protect both health and history.

Closing: Respect & Gratitude

The reality is that restoration is hard, technical, and sometimes dangerous work. Most homeowners and business owners we serve are grateful and supportive, and that makes the work rewarding. But even when it’s not easy, our mission remains the same: to restore your property and your peace of mind.

If you ever face water, fire, or mold damage in Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, or Oak Park/River Forest, our certified team is here to respond — 24/7.

FAQs

Q1: Why does restoration take several days?
Because water and contaminants spread into materials you can’t see. Proper drying and cleaning prevent hidden mold and long-term damage.

Q2: Is it safe to stay in my home during restoration?
Sometimes, yes — but in cases of sewer backup, heavy smoke damage, or mold, temporary relocation may be recommended for safety.

Q3: Why do crews wear so much protective gear?
It’s not just for us — PPE prevents cross-contamination and ensures your property is safe when we’re finished.

Q4: How much does restoration usually cost?
Costs vary by damage type. A clean water leak may be $2,000–$3,000, while a sewer backup could exceed $5,000. Insurance coverage often applies if you have the right endorsements.

Q5: How do I know my restoration company is qualified?
Look for an IICRC Certified Firm, membership in the RIA, and documented local experience. Always verify certifications: IICRC Certified Firm Verification.

Internal Links

• Water & Flood Damage Restoration
• Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning
• The 5 Hidden Signs of Water Damage Most Homeowners Miss
• The Complete Guide to Water Damage Insurance Claims in Illinois
• 2025 Chicago Water Damage Report

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has provided 40+ years of trusted service across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and Oak Park/River Forest.

Led by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer), our award-winning team has earned:

• 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree (#2507, 169% growth)
• 2024 Chicago Star Award
• 2021 SB100 Best of Small Business
• 2020 BBB Torch Award
• Stevie® Award for Business Excellence

We are proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and an IICRC Certified Firm.

Learn more in our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.