Restoration Resource Center
Guides, tips, and pricing data to help homeowners navigate restoration estimates, insurance claims, and contractor negotiations.
How to Read a Restoration Estimate (and Spot Ghost Fees)
Your restoration estimate is a legal document worth thousands of dollars. Here's how to read it line by line and identify the ghost fees that can inflate your bill.
Read Article →Xactimate Codes: A Homeowner's Guide to What Your Contractor Is Actually Charging
Restoration contractors and insurers often use estimating software such as Xactimate. Understanding the line items and codes helps you ask the right questions about a bill.
Read Article →Your Insurance Claim Was Denied: 7 Steps to Fight Back and Win
Here is a step-by-step process for appealing a denied restoration claim, and the documentation that helps.
Read Article →5 Mold Remediation Scams to Watch For
Mold remediation is one of the most overcharged restoration services. Learn the five most common scams - and how to avoid them.
Read Article →Sewage Backup in Your Home: What to Do in the First 24 Hours
A sewage backup is a health emergency. This guide covers what to do immediately, what NOT to do, how to document for insurance, and how to avoid being overcharged for cleanup.
Read Article →Water Damage Categories 1, 2, and 3 Explained (and Why It Matters for Your Bill)
Contractors use damage categories to justify pricing. Category 3 (black water) usually costs more than Category 1. Here's what each category means and whether your classification is accurate.
Read Article →Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration: What a Real Timeline Looks Like
Fire restoration companies often drag out timelines to maximize equipment rental charges. This is what a legitimate restoration timeline looks like - and when to push back.
Read Article →Storm Chasers: How to Identify Predatory Contractors After a Disaster
After every major storm, out-of-state contractors flood the area with inflated prices and fly-by-night operations. Here's how to identify them and protect yourself.
Read Article →Assignment of Benefits: Why Signing This Document Could Cost You Thousands
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal document that transfers your insurance rights to a contractor. In the wrong hands, it's a blank check. Here's what you're actually signing.
Read Article →The Complete Guide to Auditing Your Restoration Estimate Before You Pay
A comprehensive walkthrough for homeowners reviewing restoration estimates. Covers Xactimate line items, ghost fees, scope gaps, and how to negotiate fairly.
Read Article →Free Tools for Homeowners
Protect yourself from overcharging with our free resources - no email required to use.
Estimate BS Detector
Is Your Restoration Estimate Hiding Ghost Fees?
Interactive HTML Tool
Get Free Tool →Health Risk Scorecard
Is Your Home Making You Sick After Water or Mold Damage?
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Get Free Tool →Claims Filing Cheat Sheet
Don't Let Your Insurance Company Deny Your Legitimate Claim
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Get Free Tool →Sewage Decontamination Log
Track Every Step of Your Sewage Cleanup for Insurance and Safety
Printable PDF
Get Free Tool →Restoration Price Map
What Should Restoration Actually Cost in Your City?
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Get Free Tool →Stay Updated
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