Frequently asked questions

A pre-loss agreement. The restoration company collects your building's contacts, shutoff locations and access details ahead of time, so a crew can start sooner when something fails. Ask for the written list of what the program includes and what it costs.

Often, yes. Contractors schedule noisy or disruptive work for evenings and weekends when the building rules allow it, so occupied floors keep running.

The restoration company should record each space on its own, with photos, moisture readings and estimates by suite. That lets the owner and every tenant's carrier see their share of the loss.

Sometimes. It depends on the water category, how long the tile stayed wet, and the backing and adhesive. Tile that is contaminated or delaminating gets replaced.

Often, if drying starts quickly. Crews dry hardwood in place with floor mats or panel systems and track wood and subfloor readings against a dry reference. Sanding or refinishing waits until the readings match.

Old brick, plaster and heavy timber need slower, monitored drying. Exterior work in a designated district may need preservation review. Ask a contractor which historic buildings they have dried before.

Some restoration companies handle reconstruction as the general contractor. Others hand the job to a separate builder. Find out which before you sign.

Ask for one named contact and a fixed update schedule for the building manager and each affected tenant.

Often. Contractors move loud or disruptive work outside business hours where the building rules allow.

It should be. Separate records for each suite keep the owner's claim and every tenant's claim clean.

Brick, timber and plaster need careful drying, and exterior changes in the historic district may need review. Ask how the contractor will protect the original materials.

Often, yes. Ask contractors about pre-loss planning that records contacts, shutoffs and access details, and get the price in writing.