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 inflate your bill by 40-300%.
Read Article →Xactimate Codes: A Homeowner's Guide to What Your Contractor Is Actually Charging
Restoration contractors use Xactimate pricing software. Understanding the codes they use is the difference between a fair bill and getting overcharged by $3,000-$15,000.
Read Article →Your Insurance Claim Was Denied: 7 Steps to Fight Back and Win
Insurance companies deny 1 in 8 restoration claims. Most denials are wrongful. Here's the step-by-step process to appeal your denial with the evidence that actually works.
Read Article →5 Mold Remediation Scams That Cost Homeowners Billions Each Year
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) can cost 3x 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?
PDF Download
Get Free Tool →Claims Filing Cheat Sheet
Don't Let Your Insurance Company Deny Your Legitimate Claim
PDF Download
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?
Interactive HTML Tool
Get Free Tool →