Frequently Asked Questions
GOOD TO KNOW
Answers to Common Restoration Questions
Water and mold damage come with a lot of questions, and Taylor Restoration Services is always happy to answer them.
Below are the ones we hear most often, organized by service. Don’t see yours? Call us at 737-931-7815, day or night.
Water Damage Restoration
What's the difference between water mitigation and water restoration?
Mitigation is the first phase of water damage restoration. It covers removing standing water, taking out materials that can't be saved, and drying the structure to stop damage from spreading. Restoration is the entire process, including after water extraction when drywall, flooring, and cabinets are repaired or replaced. Taylor Restoration Services handles mitigation from start to finish and can manage the rebuild through contractors we know and trust.
Should I call my insurance company or call you first?
If water is still active, call us first so we can stop the damage, then notify your insurance company. Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and fast mitigation helps protect your claim. Taylor Restoration Services can work directly with your insurance company throughout the process.
Biohazard
What kinds of biohazard cleanup do you handle?
Taylor Restoration Services cleans up sewage backups, toilet overflows, and other contaminated water in homes. These situations call for protective equipment, removal of affected materials, and thorough sanitizing before your home is safe again. We do not provide trauma or crime scene cleanup.
Can I clean up a sewage backup myself?
We don't recommend it. Sewage carries bacteria and other contaminants that soak into carpet, padding, and drywall, and those materials usually need to be removed. Our team follows IICRC S500 guidelines for contaminated water, using protective gear and professional cleaning to make sure the affected area is fully sanitized.
Extraction
How fast can you get to my home?
Taylor Restoration Services answers calls 24/7. For emergency water extraction, we're often on-site within about 45 minutes of your call, and we aim to be there within 2 hours. Non-emergency visits are usually scheduled within a day or two.
What should I do while I wait for your team?
If you can safely reach it, shut off your home's main water valve. Move valuables, electronics, and small furniture off wet floors, and stay away from standing water near outlets or appliances. Taking a few photos of the damage before cleanup begins can also help with your insurance claim.
Storm Damage
What kinds of storm damage do you help with?
Taylor Restoration Services handles water damage caused by storms, including roof leaks, wind-driven rain, and flooding. We remove the water, dry the structure, and take out materials that can't be saved. For roof or exterior repairs, we're happy to recommend contractors we trust.
Why does storm water need to be removed so quickly?
Water spreads into drywall, insulation, and subfloors quickly, and mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours. Starting extraction and drying early limits how much material needs to be replaced, which usually means a shorter and less expensive repair.
Mold Remediation
How does your mold remediation process work?
An independent Mold Assessment Consultant inspects your home and writes a remediation protocol. Taylor Restoration Services follows that protocol exactly. Once the work is complete, the consultant returns for clearance testing. When your home passes, you receive a certificate confirming the remediation was completed.
Why does a separate company test for mold?
Texas requires mold assessment and remediation to be performed by separate licensed companies on the same project. This keeps the testing independent: the consultant who confirms the work is complete has no stake in the remediation itself.
Remodeling
Do you handle repairs after mitigation?
Yes. Taylor Restoration Services can manage your rebuild under the same scope through contractors we know and trust, so you have one point of contact from start to finish. If you'd prefer to hire your own contractors, we're glad to work that way too and can share recommendations.
Why is the rebuild done after mitigation?
The structure needs to be fully dried and the affected materials removed before repairs begin. Otherwise, trapped moisture can lead to mold or damage to new materials. Completing mitigation first also keeps the insurance process simpler, since that phase is documented and billed before reconstruction starts.
Residential
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Taylor Restoration Services offers free estimates and inspections for homeowners across Central Texas. Call 737-931-7815 or fill out our contact form to schedule a visit.
Do I have to file an insurance claim?
No. Some homeowners choose to pay directly, especially for smaller jobs, so they can move forward without waiting on a claim. Others prefer to go through insurance. Taylor Restoration Services works with either approach and can help you decide what makes sense for your situation.
Flood Damage
My house is flooding. What should I do first?
Stay out of standing water near outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, and only shut off power if you can reach the breaker from a dry spot. Then move valuables to higher ground and call Taylor Restoration Services 737-931-7815 or fill out our contact form to schedule a visit.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
It depends on where the water came from. Most homeowners policies cover sudden water damage from inside the home, like a burst pipe, but exclude flooding from rising surface water, which requires separate flood insurance. Check with your agent to confirm your coverage.