Restoration & Rebuild Financing in Chicago: Start Mitigation and Reconstruction Now for Fire, Water, Mold, and Storm Damage

Short version: When property damage happens, hours matter. You need board-up, extraction, drying, smoke/soot cleanup, or mold containment now, followed by rebuild/reconstruction to bring your space back. Promotional financing may be available through the GreenSky® Program (subject to credit approval) so you can begin professional mitigation—and continue through reconstruction—while insurance reviews your claim.

Why trust us

We’re a Chicago-owned IICRC-Certified Firm serving the city, North Shore, Lake County, and Oak Park/River Forest for 40+ years. ServiceMaster’s roots go back to Chicago, 1929. Our team holds advanced credentials (including IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer). We’re a 2025 Inc. 5000 honoree. For deeper homeowner education, see our book RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—the same step-by-step mindset we use on every job.

When financing helps most (by loss type)—and how rebuild fits

Fire & Smoke

• Mitigation: emergency board-up, safety, smoke/soot removal, odor deodorization, HVAC isolation, contents triage.
• Rebuild: drywall/trim replacement, painting and finishes, cabinet/counter replacement, electrical and fixture resets.
• Why timing matters: acidic soot etches finishes within hours; quick mitigation preserves materials and speeds reconstruction.

Water (pipe breaks, appliance leaks, sewer backups)

• Mitigation: extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, antimicrobial where appropriate, demo of unsalvageable materials.
• Rebuild: insulation/drywall/trim reinstallation, flooring (hardwood/LVP/tile/carpet), cabinetry repairs, paint.
• Why timing matters: the faster you dry, the smaller the tear-out—and the faster the rebuild.

Mold

• Mitigation: containment, negative air/HEPA, removal of affected materials, cleaning, clearance strategy.
• Rebuild: controlled re-insulation, drywall/paint, finish carpentry after clearance.
• Why timing matters: proper sequencing (clearance first, rebuild second) prevents rework and surprises.

Storm (wind, hail, tree impact, weather-driven flooding)

• Mitigation: board-up/tarping, water removal, debris handling, temporary power, safety hazards addressed.
• Rebuild: roofing/siding/windows, framing repairs, interior finishes, paint, exterior elements (soffit/fascia/gutters).
• Why timing matters: securing the envelope reduces further damage and keeps reconstruction straightforward.

Financing available: Need to start fire, water, mold, or storm mitigation now and keep momentum through rebuild? Financing may be available through the GreenSky® Program (subject to credit approval). Ask us about options during your on-site assessment.

Our full process: from emergency to finished reconstruction

1. Assessment & scope
   We document damages, explain immediate safety needs, and outline mitigation and rebuild paths.
2. Financing conversation (optional)
   If helpful, you can explore options so mitigation and reconstruction don’t stall while a claim is reviewed.
3. Mitigation
   • Fire/smoke: board-up, HEPA air filtration, soot removal, odor deodorization, selective demo.
   • Water: extraction, meter-verified structural drying, antimicrobial where appropriate, controlled demo.
   • Mold: containment, negative air, source removal, HEPA cleaning, clearance strategy.
   • Storm: water extraction, debris removal, temporary power, drying.
4. Estimate & reconciliation
   We produce line-item scopes (mitigation and reconstruction), photos, moisture readings, and documentation that support your claim.
5. Reconstruction
   • Structural: framing, subfloor, drywall/insulation, doors/trim.
   • Mechanical/finishes: electrical, plumbing fixture resets, cabinets/counters, flooring, paint, punch list.
   • Commercial fit-back (as needed): POS, millwork, fixture resets, code-driven upgrades.
6. Final walkthrough & warranty
   We walk the space with you, address any punch items, and close with documentation.

How GreenSky® fits restoration & rebuild (simple, transparent)

1. Prequalification (typically a soft inquiry).
2. Application & selection (some plans may involve a hard inquiry).
3. Funding allows mitigation to start immediately and rebuild to continue without gaps.
4. Claim proceeds can later be used to pay down/out if you choose.

We keep it plain-English—no calculators, no “as low as” claims. You’ll see the standard Program Disclosure and the Equal Housing Lender logo right on the page.

What we do in the first 24–48 hours vs. the rebuild phase

• Mitigation (first 24–48 hours):
  Emergency board-up or tarping · Extraction and structural drying · HEPA air filtration · Residue-appropriate cleaning (dry sponge, alkaline solutions, protein smoke methods) · Odor counteractants/thermal fogging/hydroxyl as appropriate · Selective demolition · HVAC isolation · Contents Packout and Cleaning - Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services, and more.
• Rebuild (after mitigation/clearance):
  Framing and insulation · Drywall hang/tape/sand · Doors/trim and millwork · Flooring (hardwood refinish/LVP/tile/carpet) · Cabinetry/counters · Paint · Fixture resets (lighting/plumbing) · Final clean and punch list.

FAQs

Can I finance both mitigation and reconstruction?
Yes. Many customers finance stabilization first and keep the same option for rebuild to avoid downtime between phases.

Do you manage permits and inspections?
Yes. For reconstruction we pull applicable permits (e.g., electrical/plumbing) and coordinate inspections with the municipality.

Will you work with my designer or help match finishes?
Absolutely. We can match existing finishes or help you choose comparable materials within allowance. Upgrades can be itemized.

How long does reconstruction take after mitigation?
It depends on scope, materials lead times, and permits. Small rebuilds can be days; larger projects may take weeks. We’ll give you a schedule and milestone updates.

What if my insurance only pays part of the rebuild?
We’ll explain coverage vs. non-covered upgrades. Financing can bridge gaps so you can still complete the project the way you want.

Do you provide a single point of contact?
Yes—a project manager who coordinates trades, schedule, inspections, and daily/weekly updates.

Can businesses finance reconstruction to reopen faster?
Ask us. Some plans support commercial projects so you can protect cash flow and resume operations sooner.

What’s the difference between mitigation and rebuild?
Mitigation stops ongoing damage and makes the building safe and clean. Rebuild puts it back together—structure, finishes, and fit-back.

Will prequalification affect my credit?
Prequalification is typically a soft inquiry and generally doesn’t impact your score. A submitted application may involve a hard inquiry.

Do you warranty reconstruction?
Yes. We review warranty terms at closeout and provide documentation.

Ready when you are—local help, truly local

• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration → /restoration-services/commercial/fire
• Residential Fire Damage Restoration → /restoration-services/residential/fire
• Water Damage Restoration → /restoration-services/residential/water
• Mold Remediation → /restoration-services/residential/mold
• Storm Damage Services → /restoration-services/residential/specialty (or your storm page)
• Reconstruction Services → /restoration-services/commercial/construction (and/or your residential rebuild page)
• Areas We Serve—Chicago → /locations/chicago
  Call 773-376-1110 or schedule an on-site assessment → https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/

GreenSky® Program consumer loans are made by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, NMLS #408043, without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or familial status. GreenSky Servicing, LLC (“GSS”, NMLS #1416362, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is a financial technology company that manages the GreenSky® Program by supporting originations and servicing the loans on behalf of banks and other financial institutions that make or hold program loans. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC and is licensed to banks and other financial institutions for their use in connection with the GreenSky® Program. GreenSky LLC and GSS are not lenders. All credit decisions and loan terms are determined by program lenders.