
I’ve Got a Flooded Basement; So What? Water Damage in Chicago, IL

Sam Simon
May 22, 2014ServiceMaster by Simons | Flooded Basements and Water Damage in Chicago, IL and surrounding areas
We’re not sure about you, but we are beyond ready for more sunny days and less stormy clouds looming over our heads here in Chicago! While the rain is nice for our plants and greenery, everything is starting to become a bit of a soggy mess. You might have even noticed that some of that water is starting to seep into your basement. You’re thinking, “It’s just a little water...no big deal.” In a sense you're right...it may be "no
big
deal" - it can be a huge deal! Proper
water removal
and
water damage restoration
in Chicago, IL, is extremely important to maintaining the health of your building.
There is a lot of precipitation in the springtime. Between melting snow, frost lines, and increased April and May showers, water and moisture are coming into your home from every angle.
Water damage restoration
is about more than just removing water from your basement or building. It also includes repairing
water damage
to your home, including compromised structural materials.
There are quite a few problems that can arise from water finding its way into your home or office, but mold and dry rot are among the most predominant.
Mold.
The most common problem that occurs after
water damage
is mold. Even the smallest leak can cause a huge mold infestation. Any amount of moisture creates a buffet for mold to feast and grow. Mold growth affects both your building and your family. Mold spores can travel through air ducts and throughout the home, causing respiratory issues for you and your family.
Dry Rot.
Dry rot is another side effect of both
water damage
and mold. Without proper water damage restoration or mold remediation, the safety of your building’s structural materials can be compromised. Moisture and mold can break down the fibers that keep the wood in your building strong and unyielding, resulting in dry rot.
Both mold and dry rot can cause severe problems in your home or business. Proper
mold remediation
and
water damage restoration
in Chicago, IL, is essential to maintaining the health of your family and the health of your building. For mold and water removal,
call the experts: ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
. We can clean up the mess, remove the mold, repair the damage, and help you take the correct steps to prevent future
water damage
and mold problems.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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