How a Disaster May Add Value to Your Chicagoland Property

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 9, 2025

A disaster may feel like the end of the world, but with the right coverage and professional restoration, it could lead to increased property value—especially in older Chicago homes.

A Disaster Can Devastate—Or Increase Your Property Value

Property damage from water, fire, mold, or storms can be traumatic. But with the right insurance coverage and professional restoration from a trusted company like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, it may actually enhance your property value—especially in older Chicagoland homes.

The Importance of Professional Restoration

When your home experiences damage, professional restoration is critical. Improper or DIY repairs can lead to more expensive problems in the future. But expert restoration by certified professionals can restore your property to its "pre-loss condition" — or even improve it.

That’s because insurance companies often pay for like-quality materials. And when a property is decades old, this can result in replacements that are better and newer than what was there originally.

Key Insurance Terms: Pre-Loss Condition & Comparable Materials

Pre-loss condition: Your insurance policy will pay to return your home to the state it was in just before the damage occurred.
Comparable materials and quality: If original materials are unavailable, your insurer must replace them with those of similar value and function.

Example: If your vintage laminate kitchen floor is destroyed, your insurer must replace it with similar laminate—possibly newer, better-looking, and more durable than the original.

When to Make an Upgrade

Homeowners may not realize they can opt to upgrade materials during restoration.

Even though the insurance payout only covers the original quality, you can pay the difference to install higher-end materials. This turns an unfortunate event into a remodeling opportunity.

"Insurance companies often prefer this—they’re now insuring a higher quality property."

Real-World Scenario:

Your laminate countertops are destroyed by water damage. Insurance will replace them with comparable laminate. But you've always wanted quartz. Pay the difference out-of-pocket and enjoy a luxury upgrade at a discount.

Key Home Areas That Benefit Most:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Basements

These spaces have high ROI when upgraded—making disasters a surprising path to increased resale value.

Ethical Reminder:

Never intentionally damage your property to collect insurance money. This is fraud, and your insurer will not cover it.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons neither condones nor supports fraudulent claims or purposeful damage of property or contents with the intent to defraud insurance.

Why ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

40+ years of trusted service in Chicagoland
IICRC Certified Firm: Verify Our Certification
RIA Member: Restoration Industry Association
BBB Torch Award Recipient for ethics and service
Full-service team: Water, fire, mold, and specialty cleaning

We handle everything:

Direct communication with insurance adjusters
Full restoration to pre-loss condition (or better!)
Flexible upgrade options for homeowners

Our Service Areas:

Chicago: West Loop, Bronzeville, Lakeview, Wicker Park
North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park
Oak Park & River Forest
Lake County & DuPage County

Our Services Include:

For 24/7 emergency service, call (773) 376-1110 or visit ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can property value increase after a disaster? Yes. Especially in older homes, replacing outdated or damaged materials with modern upgrades can increase market value—sometimes significantly.

Can I upgrade my home during insurance restoration? Yes. Insurance covers like-for-like replacements. You can pay out-of-pocket to upgrade materials, fixtures, or layouts.

What does "pre-loss condition" mean in an insurance claim? It refers to restoring your property to the exact condition it was in before the damage occurred.

What’s the benefit of hiring a professional restoration company? Professionals like ServiceMaster ensure your home is restored safely, thoroughly, and to code—preventing future problems.

Does ServiceMaster work with insurance adjusters? Yes. We coordinate directly with insurers, provide documentation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the claims process.

Will all upgrades improve property value? Not equally. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and energy efficiency—these areas offer the best ROI.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest professional restoration company with over 80 years of national experience. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a proud part of this legacy, is a family-operated, MBE/WBE-certified firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, Oak Park, and surrounding suburbs. With 40+ years of local service, we are led by Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, and Nasutsa Mabwa, our CEO.

Our team provides expert disaster restoration and specialty cleaning services backed by national recognition, local trust, and deep community roots.

Book Mention: Don’t forget to check out our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

Need help now? Contact us anytime at (773) 376-1110 or online at servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com.

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.

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