The American Restoration Restoration Process
Ten steps. That’s how we turn disaster back into normal life.
Emergency contact. Rapid response. Assessment. Insurance coordination. Mitigation. Cleanup. Drying. Sanitizing. Reconstruction. Final inspection.
If your property’s damaged right now, skip reading this and call 303-816-0068. We’ll walk you through the process while we’re dispatching a crew. Reading about it doesn’t stop damage from getting worse. Calling us does.
Your insurance company requires immediate action to prevent further damage. Our process starts the second you call, not when you finish researching. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. The process works. But only if we start it quickly.
Step 1: Emergency Contact — Call Us 24/7
This is where everything begins. You discover damage and call 303-816-0068.
Real person answers. Not voicemail. Not answering service. Not phone tree. Someone who knows restoration and can actually help you.
What happens during that call:
We ask about your situation. Type of damage. Location. How severe. Any immediate safety concerns. Your insurance information if you have it handy.
We assess urgency. Some situations require crews immediately. Others can be scheduled within a few hours. We make that determination based on what you’re describing.
We dispatch a crew. If it’s an emergency, we’re sending people while we’re still on the phone with you. Not “we’ll call you back to schedule.” Crew is heading out.
We give you immediate guidance. Things you can do while waiting for us. Things you should NOT do that might make damage worse. Basic safety precautions.
Why 24/7 matters:
Disasters don’t wait for business hours. Your pipe bursts at 2 AM Saturday. Your basement floods during Thanksgiving dinner. Fire happens on Christmas Eve.
We’re here. Always. Because damage that sits for 12 hours while you wait for “normal business hours” isn’t waiting politely. It’s getting exponentially worse every hour.
A common thing seen in the industry is companies advertising 24/7 service but their emergency line goes to voicemail after hours. That’s not 24/7 service. That’s just disappointing people during emergencies.
Step 2: Rapid Response — Arrive On-Site as Fast as Possible
We respond as fast as possible. Not “within 24 hours.” Not “next business day.” As fast as we can physically get there.
Response time depends on:
Where you’re located. We’re based in Pine, serving Lakewood and mountain communities. That proximity matters. We’re already in the area.
Current weather conditions. Blizzard on Highway 285? That affects travel time. We’re still coming, but physics applies.
Time of day. Middle of night response might be slightly slower than daytime because crew is coming from home. But we’re still talking 30-60 minutes usually, not hours.
Current job load. If every crew is deployed on active emergencies, response might be delayed. We’re honest about that on the phone.
What we bring:
Fully equipped trucks. Industrial water extractors. Commercial dehumidifiers. Air movers. Moisture meters. Thermal imaging cameras. Containment equipment. Personal protective gear. Everything needed to start mitigation immediately.
We don’t show up to “look at it” and then leave to get equipment. We arrive ready to work.
Step 3: Damage Assessment — Thorough Inspection and Documentation
First thing we do on-site is assess the full extent of damage. Not just what’s obvious. Everything.
Assessment includes:
Moisture mapping with professional meters. Thermal imaging to find hidden water. Checking adjacent areas that might be affected. Evaluating materials and structures. Identifying safety hazards. And documenting everything photographically.
Tim Carter from Ask the Builder emphasizes that thorough assessment prevents problems later. Miss hidden damage now, and you’re dealing with mold in three weeks.
What we’re looking for:
Category of water damage (clean, gray, or black water). Extent of water migration. Materials affected and their condition. Structural concerns. Electrical hazards. Contents that can be saved versus must be discarded. And honestly, anything that would affect restoration approach or timeline.
Documentation matters for insurance:
Photos from multiple angles. Moisture readings recorded. Notes on damage extent. Room-by-room inventory. This documentation becomes part of your insurance claim. Thorough documentation upfront prevents claim disputes later.
We explain what we’re finding as we go. Not talking in technical jargon. Plain language. “This wall is reading 40% moisture content, which means the insulation inside is soaked. We’ll need to open it up to dry properly.”
Step 4: Insurance Coordination — We Contact Your Insurer
While assessment continues, we start insurance coordination.
We contact your insurance company:
File your initial claim if you haven’t already. Provide damage documentation. Explain required mitigation procedures. And get authorization for emergency work that needs to start immediately.
Most policies allow emergency mitigation without pre-approval. But we coordinate with insurance anyway to keep them informed and prevent surprises later.
Why this matters:
Insurance companies want proper documentation from the start. They want to know who’s doing the work. They want estimates in their required format. We handle all of that because we know what insurance companies need.
What can happen is homeowners try managing insurance coordination themselves while stressed and overwhelmed. Information gets miscommunicated. Documentation is incomplete. Claims get delayed or disputed.
We speak insurance language. We know what adjusters need. We provide it properly. This speeds your claim and prevents headaches.
What if you haven’t called insurance yet?
We help you start that process. Explain what your policy likely covers. Guide you through making the initial claim. Answer questions about deductibles and coverage.
Your insurance company becomes aware immediately that professionals are on-site handling your damage properly. That sets a good tone for the entire claim.
Step 5: Water/Damage Mitigation — Stop Further Damage
Now the real work starts. Stop additional damage from occurring.
Mitigation means:
Extracting standing water. Removing wet materials that can’t be dried. Setting up drying equipment. Containing affected areas. And protecting unaffected areas from damage spread.
This phase happens fast. Equipment running within hours of our arrival. Water being removed as quickly as physically possible.
Emergency water extraction:
Truck-mounted extractors pull hundreds of gallons per minute from carpets, padding, and porous materials. Portable extractors handle areas the truck units can’t reach. We extract until we’re pulling almost nothing.
Every gallon removed is a gallon that’s not wicking into walls, migrating to adjacent rooms, or soaking into structural materials. Speed matters enormously here.
Emergency board-up and tarping:
If storm or fire damaged your structure, we secure it immediately. Board broken windows. Tarp damaged roof areas. Prevent weather, animals, or theft from causing additional damage.
Your insurance policy requires you to prevent further damage. Emergency board-up satisfies that requirement and protects your property.
Setting up drying equipment:
Commercial dehumidifiers. High-velocity air movers. HEPA air scrubbers if needed. All positioned strategically based on airflow science and moisture location.
This equipment runs 24/7 until everything’s dry. Not until it “looks dry.” Until scientific measurements confirm proper moisture levels.
Step 6: Removal & Cleanup — Remove Damaged Materials
Some materials can be dried. Others must be removed.
What typically gets removed:
Wet carpet padding (almost never salvageable). Saturated insulation. Water-damaged drywall. Contaminated materials from sewage or flooding. Fire-damaged materials beyond restoration. And anything that’s a health hazard.
Removal decisions based on:
Material type and porosity. Extent of contamination. Cost to restore versus replace. Insurance coverage. And honestly, whether restoring it is worth the health risk.
Lee Wallender from The Spruce explains that not all wet drywall needs removal. Bottom two feet soaked? Cut it out. Light moisture that’s drying properly? Might be fine. Experience guides these decisions.
Controlled demolition:
We don’t just rip everything out randomly. Controlled removal minimizes dust and debris spread. We contain work areas. We protect contents and unaffected areas. And we remove debris daily, not letting it pile up.
What I’ve seen in the industry is companies that create massive messes. Debris everywhere. Dust throughout the house. No containment. That’s unprofessional and creates additional work cleaning up after cleanup.
Step 7: Drying & Dehumidification — Eliminate Moisture
This phase takes the longest. Materials don’t dry instantly. Physics requires time.
Professional drying process:
Monitor moisture levels daily using meters. Track progress scientifically. Adjust equipment placement as needed. Add or remove equipment based on drying progress. Continue until everything meets IICRC drying standards.
Drying timelines vary:
Carpet and padding: 2-4 days typically. Hardwood floors: 5-7 days often. Structural lumber: 7-14 days commonly. Log structures: Even longer because logs hold massive moisture.
Colorado’s typically dry climate helps. But under wet materials and inside walls? That’s 100% humidity. And if it’s over 40° in your house, conditions are perfect for mold growth. We dry things completely to prevent that.
Why thorough drying matters:
Incomplete drying leads to mold. Mold leads to health problems and additional costs. Thorough drying prevents mold. It’s that simple.
We don’t guess about dryness. We measure. We verify. We confirm everything’s dry before removing equipment.
Step 8: Cleaning & Sanitizing — Deep Clean All Surfaces
Everything gets cleaned. Not just “looks clean.” Actually sanitized.
Cleaning depends on damage type:
Water damage: Remove dirt and contaminants water brought in. Clean and deodorize affected areas. Sanitize if water was contaminated.
Fire damage: Soot removal from all surfaces. Each material requires specific cleaning methods. Smoke odor elimination using ozone and thermal fogging. HEPA filtration during all cleaning.
Mold remediation: HEPA vacuuming. Antimicrobial treatment. Removal of contaminated materials. Air quality verification.
Sewage: Hospital-grade disinfection. ATP testing to verify bacterial reduction. Complete sanitization of affected areas.
Specialized cleaning solutions:
We don’t use generic cleaning products. EPA-registered antimicrobials for mold. Specialized soot cleaners for different residue types. Professional deodorizers that eliminate odors, not mask them. And appropriate disinfectants for each contamination level.
Air quality:
HEPA air scrubbers run during all cleaning processes. These capture particles 0.3 microns or larger—smaller than most mold spores. By the time we’re done, air quality is better than before damage occurred.
Step 9: Restoration & Reconstruction — Rebuild to Pre-Loss Condition
Now we put everything back together. This phase varies most between projects.
Minor restoration:
Replace carpet and padding. Repaint walls. Reinstall baseboards. Simple repairs that take days.
Major reconstruction:
New drywall. New insulation. New flooring. Cabinets if needed. Complete rebuilding that takes weeks or months.
Reconstruction process:
Framing repairs if needed. New insulation installation. Drywall hanging, taping, texturing. Primer and paint. Flooring installation. Trim and finish work. Final touches.
Each trade works in proper sequence. Electrical before drywall. Drywall before texture. Texture before paint. Paint before trim. Trim before flooring in most cases.
Material selections:
We work with you on selections. Colors, textures, styles. Matching existing when possible. Upgrading when you choose.
Insurance covers “like kind and quality” typically. If you want upgrades beyond that, you pay the difference. We explain options clearly so you understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Permits and inspections:
Reconstruction requiring permits gets permitted. We handle all building department coordination. Schedule inspections. Address any issues inspectors identify. Get final approval.
Norm Abram from This Old House demonstrates repeatedly: Proper sequencing and attention to building code produces quality results that last. Shortcuts cause problems.
Step 10: Final Inspection — Quality Assurance Check
Last step before we’re done. Thorough walkthrough to ensure everything’s right.
Final inspection includes:
Verification that all work is complete. Checking that everything matches approved scope. Confirming you’re satisfied with results. Addressing any concerns you have. And reviewing warranty information.
Your satisfaction matters:
If something’s not right, we fix it before calling the job complete. Color’s not quite matching? We’ll adjust. Texture slightly off? We’ll rework it. This is your property and you need to be satisfied.
Documentation for insurance:
Final photos showing completed work. Certificates of completion. Warranty information. Everything your insurance company needs for final claim settlement.
Equipment removal:
All our equipment comes out. Work areas get cleaned. Debris removed. Your property returned to you in move-in condition.
Answering remaining questions:
How to care for new materials. When you can move furniture back. What warranties cover. Who to contact if issues arise.
The Process Adapts to Your Situation
This ten-step process is our framework. But every situation is unique.
Process variations:
Emergency mitigation might be steps 1-7 only. Reconstruction happens later. Or everything happens at once. Process adapts to your needs and situation.
Commercial projects require coordination with business operations. We work around your schedule when possible.
Insurance disputes might pause reconstruction while coverage gets determined. We work through those situations professionally.
Flexibility within structure:
Process gives us framework. Experience guides adaptations. Your specific situation determines exact approach.
Communication Throughout the Process
You’re never wondering what’s happening.
Daily updates during active work:
In-person updates when we’re on-site. Phone calls when we’re not. Text updates if that’s your preference. However you want to be kept informed.
Timeline updates:
If scope changes, you know immediately. If timeline shifts, we explain why. If we discover additional damage, we discuss options before proceeding.
Insurance updates:
When we submit estimates. When insurance responds. If additional approvals are needed. You’re kept informed about claim progress.
Emergency Response vs. Scheduled Reconstruction
Steps 1-7 happen in emergency response mode. Fast. Immediate. Stop the damage.
Steps 8-10 can sometimes be scheduled around your life. Going on vacation? We can schedule reconstruction while you’re gone. Need to work from home? We coordinate around your schedule when possible.
But emergency mitigation cannot wait. That happens immediately or damage keeps getting worse.
Why Following Proper Process Matters
Skipping steps causes problems. Taking shortcuts creates failures. Following proper process produces results that last.
What happens without proper process:
Incomplete drying leads to mold. Inadequate cleaning leaves odors. Poor documentation causes insurance disputes. Rushed reconstruction creates failures. And homeowners deal with problems that shouldn’t exist.
What proper process produces:
Thoroughly dry structures. Clean, sanitized spaces. Smooth insurance claims. Quality reconstruction. And property restored properly to pre-loss condition.
The Insurance Company’s Process Requirements
Your insurance company expects this process or something similar. They want:
Immediate mitigation to stop additional damage. Thorough documentation of all damage. Proper estimates in their required format. Work performed to industry standards. And final documentation showing completed work.
We provide all of that because we know what insurance companies need. Following proper process protects your claim and prevents disputes.
What You Can Expect During Each Phase
Emergency phase (Days 1-2):
Lots of activity. Equipment everywhere. Noise from air movers. Daily visits to check equipment and moisture levels. Your property’s a construction zone.
Drying phase (Days 2-7 typically):
Continued equipment noise. Daily monitoring visits. Progress updates. Gradual moisture reduction until drying is complete.
Reconstruction phase (Days/weeks depending on scope):
Trades working on-site. Material deliveries. Construction activity. Dust containment and daily cleanup. Gradual transformation back to normal.
Final phase (Days 1-3):
Finishing touches. Equipment removal. Final cleaning. Walkthrough and completion.
The Bottom Line on Process
Ten steps. From disaster to restoration. We’ve refined this process over 30+ years. It works when done properly.
Call 303-816-0068 to start the process. Emergency response begins with that phone call. Everything else follows from there.
The process works. But only if we start it. Reading about it doesn’t stop damage from getting worse. Calling us does.
Start Your Restoration Process:
303-816-0068 — American Restoration — Process Proven Over 30 Years
