When a hurricane tears through your Florida neighborhood, the decisions you make in the first 48 hours can determine how quickly your home returns to normal. Choosing the right hurricane damage restoration services is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your property, your health, and your finances.
ServiceMaster by Glenn's has guided homeowners through this exact process after 12 named storms across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. This guide walks you through seven clear steps to evaluate emergency restoration companies, avoid post-storm scams, and get your home restored with confidence.
Before you call anyone, take time to walk through your property and note every area affected by water intrusion or wind damage. Photograph and record video of each room, including ceilings, walls, flooring, and personal belongings.
This documentation serves two critical purposes. First, it gives your insurance company the evidence they need to process your claim. Second, it helps your chosen restoration company build an accurate scope of work.
Stay alert for hazards like standing water near electrical outlets, sagging ceilings, and structural cracks. If you see exposed wiring or smell gas, leave the property and call emergency services.
Time matters when filing a hurricane damage claim. Most Florida homeowners policies require prompt notification after a loss. Call your insurance carrier as soon as it is safe to do so and request a claim number.
Ask your adjuster what documentation they need, how long you have to submit it, and whether they have a preferred vendor list. Keep in mind that you are not required to use a carrier-recommended contractor in Florida.
Save every receipt related to temporary repairs, hotel stays, and emergency supplies. These costs are often reimbursable under your policy's additional living expense coverage.
Florida law requires restoration contractors to hold an active license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify any contractor's license status at myfloridalicense.com.
Beyond state licensing, look for industry certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These credentials confirm that technicians are trained in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and structural drying.
ServiceMaster by Glenn's employs licensed and IICRC-certified technicians with over 40 years of restoration experience across Florida's Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.
Hurricane damage does not wait for business hours. Water intrusion can cause mold growth in as little as 24 to 48 hours, so the speed of your restoration company's response directly affects the extent of secondary damage.
When evaluating companies, ask specific questions: How quickly can you arrive on site? Do you have crews available during active storm seasons? Is your emergency line staffed by a real person?
ServiceMaster by Glenn's guarantees on-site emergency response and has dispatched crews to 12 named storms, arriving at properties to begin mitigation immediately after conditions are safe.
Hurricane damage rarely involves just one type of repair. A single storm can leave you dealing with water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, controlled demolition, roof repairs, contents packout, and full reconstruction.
Hiring separate contractors for each stage creates coordination headaches and delays. Look for a company that handles the entire restoration and rebuild process from start to finish.
A single-source restoration partner also simplifies insurance documentation. One company produces one consistent set of estimates, photos, and progress reports for your adjuster.
After every major hurricane in Florida, unlicensed contractors and scam operators target homeowners who are eager to start repairs. According to the Federal Trade Commission, common scam tactics include demanding full payment up front, pressuring you to sign contracts immediately, and claiming no license is needed.
Never sign a blank contract or hand over your insurance check to a contractor. Arrange with your bank for a Certificate of Completion so funds are released only after you approve each phase of the work.
A reputable restoration company will always show you proof of licensing and insurance, offer a written contract with clear terms, and never pressure you into a rushed decision.
Before any work begins, request a written estimate that includes a full description of the work, the materials to be used, a projected timeline, and a payment schedule. Compare estimates from at least two or three companies.
The lowest bid is not always the safest choice. If one estimate is significantly lower than the others, ask what is being excluded. Missing line items for mold remediation or structural drying can result in costly change orders later.
Your estimate should also include the contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number. Keep this document with your insurance paperwork for reference throughout the project.
The first day after a hurricane is critical for protecting your property from additional damage. Standing water accelerates structural deterioration and creates ideal conditions for mold to take hold.
Start by shutting off the main water supply to prevent further intrusion from broken pipes. If you can safely access your electrical panel, turn off power to affected areas.
Contact a restoration company with 24/7 availability to begin emergency mitigation. Early intervention, including water extraction and industrial dehumidification, can save thousands in additional repair costs.
Trust starts with transparency. A reliable restoration partner will walk you through the entire process before any work begins, answer your questions openly, and keep you updated at every stage.
Check online reviews from verified customers and look for a track record of completed hurricane restoration projects. Ask for references from past clients who experienced similar damage.
Look for companies that coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster. A dedicated claims concierge team can streamline documentation, invoicing, and communication so you can focus on your family.
ServiceMaster by Glenn's has served Florida homeowners for over 44 years, restoring properties after 12 named storms across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. When a hurricane hits, our certified restoration technicians respond around the clock to begin mitigation as soon as conditions allow.
Our team handles every phase of the recovery process: water extraction, structural drying with advanced moisture detection equipment, mold remediation, controlled demolition, contents inventory and packout to a climate-controlled facility, and full reconstruction to pre-loss condition.
We also coordinate directly with your insurance company through our claims concierge and invoicing team, managing documentation, estimates, and progress updates so you can concentrate on getting back to your normal routine. Schedule an inspection or call us at 561-701-9595 to start restoring your home today.
You should contact a restoration company as soon as it is safe to assess your property. Mold can begin growing in 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion, so fast action is essential. ServiceMaster by Glenn's offers 24/7 emergency response to begin mitigation immediately.
Most Florida homeowners policies cover wind damage and certain water damage caused by hurricanes. Flood damage typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. Contact your carrier to confirm your coverage details before starting restoration work.
Look for IICRC certification, which confirms training in water damage restoration, applied structural drying, and mold remediation. ServiceMaster by Glenn's technicians hold these certifications along with active Florida contractor licenses.
It depends on the extent of the damage. If structural integrity is not compromised and air quality is safe, you may be able to stay. Your restoration team will advise you on whether temporary relocation is recommended.
Verify the contractor's license through the Florida DBPR, request proof of insurance, and never pay the full amount up front. ServiceMaster by Glenn's welcomes license and insurance verification and offers transparent, written contracts for every project.
Mitigation is the immediate response to stop further damage, such as water extraction, board-up, and roof tarping. Restoration is the longer-term process of repairing and rebuilding your property to its pre-loss condition. Both stages are critical after a hurricane.