If you’ve experienced water damage in your Chicago property, you need a skilled team to restore your space. Unfortunately, finding that team can be easier said than done.
With so many options available, how do you know which is right for you?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top three Chicago water damage restoration companies.
We’ll compare their features, services, and offerings, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in.
3 Best Water Damage Restoration Companies in Chicago [2024]
These are the top three water damage restoration companies in Chicago:
1. ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba
This is our blog, so we’re putting ourselves at the top of the list! It’s not just our opinion, though – our services and track record speak for themselves.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba is run by owner and founder Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, and we’re proud to be a woman- and a minority-owned company.
Our highly-trained, IICRC-Certified techs are backed by the famous, national “ServiceMaster” name and trained to use state-of-the-art water damage equipment.
When we respond to the scene of water damage or flooding, you can trust our teams to thoroughly clean, sanitize, and restore the space.
Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba?
Company Headquarters: The company has offices in Chicago, IL, and Skokie, IL
Locally-Owned & Operated? ✓
Services Chicago? ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba services most of Chicago, including the suburbs. We do not service South Chicago.
Years In Business? Since 2008
Provides 24/7 Emergency Services? ✓
Emergency Dispatch: Within 90 minutes
Areas of Specialty: Water mitigation, remediation and restoration, flood damage cleanup, basement flood cleanup, sewage backups, mold remediation, recovery services, rebuilding, and reconstruction.
Full-Service Restoration Contractor? ✓
Offers commercial water damage restoration? ✓
Free Inspections? No. We charge a $275 inspection fee that applies towards the final cost of your water damage restoration services.
BBB Rating? ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has a 5-star rating on BBB.
IICRC Certified? ✓
2. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is another ServiceMaster-backed team serving the Chicago area.
With headquarters just west of Millennium Park, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore provides 24/7 emergency response service for all jobs – large and small.
Services offered include board-up and tarping, water damage inspection and documentation, content pack-out and storage, and hazardous sewage cleanup.
Why Choose ServiceMaster of Lake Shore?
Locally-Owned & Operated? ✓
Services Chicago? Yes, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore services Chicago and the suburbs, including Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Gold Coast, Lake View, Magnificent Mile, and Little Village. The team does not service South Chicago.
Years In Business? Since 1996
Provides 24/7 Emergency Services? ✓
Emergency Dispatch: Within 90 minutes
Areas of Specialty: Water removal/extraction, commercial water damage restoration, sewage backups, storm damage restoration, burst pipe water damage cleanup
Full-Service Restoration Contractor? ✓
Offers commercial water damage restoration? ✓
Free Inspections? No. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore charges an Inspection fee that will be credited toward the final cost of your water damage remediation services.
BBB Rating? ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has an A+ rating on BBB.
IICRC Certified? ✓
3. 1-800 Water Damage of South Side Chicago
1-800 Water Damage is a water damage restoration company that’s made a name for itself in the industry.
As a nationwide franchise, 1-800 Water Damage has locations throughout IL, including in the South Side of Chicago. Their specialty is entirely on water damage restoration.
1-800 Water Damage of South Side Chicago’s service area is a bit limited, which may make their restoration services difficult for some Chicago residents to access.
Why Choose 1-800 Water Damage of South Side Chicago?
Locally-Owned & Operated? ✓
Services Chicago? Yes, 1-800 Water Damage serves the South Side of Chicago, including Alsip, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, and the surrounding areas.
Years In Business? N/A
Provides 24/7 Emergency Services? ✓
Emergency Dispatch: Asap
Areas of Specialty: Water removal and extraction, flood damage restoration, mold remediation, burst pipe repair, dehumidification, and pack-out services.
Full-Service Restoration Contractor? ✓
Offers commercial water damage restoration? ✓
Free Inspections? ✓
BBB Rating? 1-800 Water Damage of South Side Chicago is not BBB accredited.
IICRC Certified? ✓
How to Select a Water Damage Restoration Contractor in Chicago, IL
There are many water damage restoration companies in Chicago, and finding the right one can be difficult.
Here are a few things to look for as you search for the perfect company for your needs:
1. Experience
The first quality you should look for in a water damage restoration contractor is experience.
Water damage remediation is a complex process, and you need a team with the expertise to do it well.
We recommend hiring a company that’s been in business for many years with customer reviews and a BBB rating to prove a successful track record.
2. Available 24/7
Water damage doesn’t care about convenience.
Flooding can (and often does) happen at night, on weekends, or on holidays.
Because of this, you need a water damage restoration team that offers 24/7 availability and can offer prompt water damage response – even at 3 am or on Christmas Eve.
3. Quick dispatch
The longer water is left to sit, the worse the damage will be.
Because of this, it’s critical to find a team that offers quick dispatch times – 90 minutes or less is ideal.
4. Licensed, bonded, and insured team members
If an accident happens, you don’t want to be liable for it.
To protect yourself and your property, you should ONLY work with water damage restoration contractors that are fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
This allows you to rest assured that your contractor will cover any accidents, injuries, or damage that occur during the restoration process.
5. Extensive training and professional certifications
The team you hire should be highly trained in the latest water damage remediation techniques and use state-of-the-art water damage repair equipment.
Are they familiar with FEMA, EPA best practices, and OSHA techniques for water damage restoration? Do they know what the City of Chicago provides when residents experience water in the basement? This knowledge is essential.
Additionally, you should find a team that is IICRC-Certified.
6. Great Reputation
Water damage restoration is a very sensitive business.
Providing the wrong services (or executing the right services the wrong way) can result in extensive damage.
Fortunately, a reputable water damage restoration company in Chicago will have reviews and references that prove a track record of success and quality service.
As you browse companies, check websites, Google listings, and social media pages for customer testimonials.
You can also visit third-party sites like BBB to view star ratings and read past customer reviews.
Contact the company directly and ask for references if you want more information.
They should be able to provide you with case studies, testimonials, and contacts that illustrate their history of quality service.
7. Help with insurance claims
After water damage, you’ll need to file an insurance claim.
Unfortunately, this process can be difficult, confusing, and time-consuming.
Luckily, reputable water damage restoration companies can help you with the process.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, for example, will walk you through the insurance claim process and help you gather the documentation you need to secure full reimbursement.
8. Full service
A full-service water damage restoration company offers mitigation, cleanup, and reconstruction services, so you don’t have to seek out third-party contractors for any aspect of your repair work.
9. Offers cleaning services
For your convenience, the best water damage restoration contractors provide additional services, including rug cleaning, furniture cleaning, and more.
These services allow you to take a “one-stop shop” approach to your water damage restoration and work with a single company that handles it all.
10. Dedicated project manager
Water damage restoration and repair can be a complex process, and you want to know there’s someone on your side.
Because of this, we recommend looking for a water damage restoration company that offers a dedicated project manager.
This project manager will work with you one-on-one to ensure your repair services are progressing smoothly and that all your questions and concerns are answered or addressed.
11. Advanced water damage equipment
For comprehensive, thorough drying and restoration, look for a team that uses advanced, state-of-the-art water damage equipment.
12. Prompt, open communication
You should never be in the dark about what’s happening with your water damage restoration job.
Look for a team that prioritizes communication, returns your calls promptly, and strives to keep you in the loop.
The staff should be friendly, courteous, and ready to help whenever you need it.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: The Best Overall Water Damage Restoration Company in Chicago
When it comes to water damage restoration services, you can’t afford to compromise.
Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, our team will work with you to identify and prioritize your needs and provide comprehensive, professional water damage restoration services that return your property to normal.
Ready to learn more about our offerings, our team, or how we can help you? Contact us today!
Chicago Water Damage Restoration FAQs
Water damage restoration contractors wear many hats. After flooding or water damage, a water damage restoration company will provide all necessary repair and restoration services.
In urgent or emergency situations, a water damage restoration contractor will respond rapidly, often arriving on the scene in 90 minutes or less. Once they arrive, they’ll get to work stopping the leak, removing standing water, drying and dehumidifying the area, eliminating mold or mildew, and repairing drywall, flooring, and finishes to restore your property to pre-flood conditions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how much water damage restoration tends to cost. That’s because the final price will be impacted by various factors, including the size of the space, the extent of the damage, and the water damage remediation services required. Fortunately, getting an accurate estimate from the company you intend to work with is easy. Call for a quote, and the team will arrive at your property quickly, evaluate the water damage, and provide a comprehensive cost breakdown and plan for service. While some water damage restoration contractors charge for this estimate, the cost will be deducted from your final repair bill.
Many things can cause water damage. Some of the most common include the following:
Toilet overflow
Burst or broken pipes
Discharged fire suppression/sprinkler systems
Sink overflow
Washing machine hose overflow
Drain back-up
Roof leaks
A slow or gradual leak or water exposure
Water damage is divided into three categories for restoration and remediation purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of each:
Category 1 (Clean Water): Clean water doesn’t pose a threat to human health. Water damage involving category 1 water is often caused by broken appliances or overflowing sinks or bathtubs.
Category 2 (Gray Water): Gray water is contaminated and contains microorganisms that can cause sickness if ingested. Gray water damage is usually caused by broken or overflowed toilets, broken sump pumps, and similar disasters.
Category 3 (Black Water): Water damage involving black water is the most dangerous type. Black water contains pathogens and bacteria that cause illness and infection. Possible causes of Black Water damage include a sewage backup and contaminated standing water resulting from flooding or natural disasters.
When you work with ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we follow a distinct water damage restoration process. As soon as we get your call, we’ll rush to your property to assess the water damage’s source and severity. We’ll stop the leak if water is still flowing and provide a prompt, thorough quote for repair costs. Next, we’ll get to work removing standing water, repairing the damage, getting rid of mold, packing out damaged items, and restoring your property to its pre-flood condition. When our technicians finish the job, your home or business will be clean, sanitary, dry, and comfortable.