The Problem and Our Solution

We responded to water damage caused by a hot water tank leak in an upstairs unit of a residential property on February 19. Water seeped into the apartment below and damaged ceilings, walls, and flooring in several rooms. When we assessed the damage, we found that water had gotten into the utility room, dining room, living room, bathroom, and hallway.

We classified the water damage as Class 2 due to the extent of moisture absorption and Category 2 due to potential contaminants in the water. Here’s what we found throughout the property and how we addressed each issue:

Utility Room

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water damaged the ceiling, approximately 72 square feet of wall, baseboards, and trim. We opened the damaged ceiling and wall sections to reach moisture trapped behind them.
• Damaged laminate flooring. Water also reached the laminate flooring, which we removed. We then vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized that area.

Dining Room

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water reached the ceiling, a full-height wall, baseboards, and trim. We removed damaged sections to reach the wet materials behind them.
• Damaged hardwood flooring. As work progressed, we determined that we had to remove all the hardwood flooring. We also removed the perimeter baseboards and then cleaned and sanitized the surfaces.

Living Room

• Water-damaged ceiling. Water spread into the ceiling, and we had to remove approximately 20% of it.
• Damaged carpeting. We removed approximately 30% of the carpeting, padding, and tack strips, then cleaned the exposed flooring.

Bathroom

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water damaged the entire ceiling, a full-height wallpapered wall, baseboards, and ceramic tile around the bathtub. We removed the damaged ceiling and opened the wall where necessary to reach trapped moisture.

Hallway

• Water-damaged carpeting. There was damage around the carpeting, padding, and tack strips. We removed the damaged materials and cleaned the exposed flooring.

The Timeline

February 19 – Hot Water Tank Leak

The problem started with a hot water tank leaking in the apartment above. This caused water to seep into the lower unit, affecting several rooms and building materials. We classified the loss as Class 2, Category 2, and initially estimated a drying time of four days.

February 19 – Initial Mitigation and Drying Equipment Setup

• Set up six air movers and two dehumidifiers in the bathroom, dining room, living room, and utility room.
• Identified damaged ceilings, walls, flooring, and insulation that we need to remove or treat.

February 20 – Removing Damaged Ceiling Materials, Cleaning, and Structural Drying

• Opened ceiling areas using power tools to reach water-damaged materials.
• Used plastic containment to protect surrounding areas from dust and debris.
• Vacuumed affected surfaces to remove debris.
• Used 15 air movers and one dehumidifier across the dining room, utility room, living room, and bathroom.
• Monitored indoor drying conditions, recording 37.2% relative humidity and a temperature of 76.1°F.

February 21 – Continued Cleaning and Mitigation

• Continued vacuuming and cleaning affected areas.
• Removed laminate flooring from the utility room, carpeting and padding from the hallway, and all hardwood flooring and perimeter baseboards from the dining room.
• Continued cleaning and sanitizing work on affected surfaces.

February 22 – Moisture Monitoring and Drying Progress

• Continued monitoring moisture levels throughout the property.
• Kept air movers working in the affected areas.
• We checked several areas with a moisture meter and confirmed that the materials had dried.

The post How We Restored a Buffalo Grove Apartment After an Upstairs Hot Water Tank Leak appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem and Our Solution

We responded to a residential fire that started at an electrical outlet in the home’s foyer. Smoke and soot spread throughout the first and second floors, leaving heavy residue and odors, while smoke odors also reached the basement and garage. Firefighters also used water to put out the flames, soaking the ceilings, walls, and floors. We had to clean up the water damage as well.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Foyer and Entry Areas

• Heavy fire damage. This is where the fire started and where it caused the most damage. We removed damaged walls, ceilings, and flooring, including the damaged floor and ceiling in the foyer closet.
• Damaged hallway and dining room flooring. We removed the hallway flooring because it connected to other damaged areas. In the dining room, we had to remove the flooring up to the dividing wall.

First-Floor Living Spaces

• Fire and water damage in the living room. We tore out two full walls, the ceiling, flooring, and damaged insulation. We also removed damaged trim, cleaned the wall cavities, and treated the surfaces with a deodorising solution.
• Smoke and soot residue. We vacuumed and cleaned walls, ceilings, windows, and other structural surfaces throughout the first floor.
• Smoke-damaged furniture and belongings. The homeowners had moved most of their kitchen belongings into the living room during remodeling, so we had to move and clean everything before we could work on the room.

Second Floor

• Smoke and soot throughout the rooms. Smoke and soot spread into the hallway, four bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets. We cleaned the walls, ceilings, windows, furniture, and personal belongings to remove residue.

Basement

• Water-damaged walls and ceilings. Firefighting water damaged ceiling tiles and approximately 25 linear feet of paneled wall.
• Lingering smoke odors. Smoke odors also reached the basement, so we cleaned the surfaces and treated them with deodorizing solution.

Garage

• Lingering smoke odor. Firefighters opened the garage to let smoke out of the house, but some of that smoke entered the garage and left an odor.

Structural Drying and Air Cleaning

• Water damage and hidden moisture. We used a thermal imaging camera to identify temperature differences that could indicate hidden moisture and needed closer inspection.
• Drying and air filtration. During the initial setup, we placed 11 air movers, two dehumidifiers, five air scrubbers, and three specialty equipment units throughout the home.

The Timeline

April 17, 2025 – Initial Assessment and Equipment Setup

We began by identifying the areas affected by fire, smoke, soot, and water.

• Labeled affected rooms to organize the restoration work.
• Used thermal imaging to check concealed ceiling areas for temperature differences.
• Tested smoke and soot residue using cleaning sponge samples.
• Began cleaning and vacuuming affected walls, ceilings, and windows.
• Set up 11 air movers, two dehumidifiers, five air scrubbers, and three specialty equipment units.

April 18–21, 2025 – Structural and Surface Cleaning

We continued cleaning throughout the affected rooms, focusing on removing smoke and soot residue from building surfaces.

• Vacuumed and cleaned walls, ceilings, and windows.
• Mopped floors and continued working through rooms that needed extra attention.
• Kept the air filtration and drying equipment running while cleaning.

April 22–23, 2025 – Material Removal and Wall Cavity Treatment

• Removed sections of baseboard and other affected materials.
• Took out insulation where needed.
• Cleaned and vacuumed exposed wall cavities.
• Applied a liquid treatment to exposed wall surfaces.
• Continued cleaning surrounding areas to remove remaining residue and debris.

April 28–30, 2025 – Continued Cleaning and Structural Drying

• Moved air movers into position to direct airflow toward exposed wood framing.
• Kept drying equipment working around open wall cavities.
• Cleaned accessible areas around the home’s central cooling system.
• Removed remaining debris and addressed residue in the areas where we were working.

May 1-5, 2025 – Furniture and Content Cleaning

We continued cleaning furniture and personal belongings damaged by smoke and soot.

• Cleaned soot and smoke residue from furniture.
• Thoroughly cleaned belongings with heavier smoke and soot buildup.
• Continued cleaning walls, surfaces, and belongings throughout the home.

May 23-28, 2025 – Follow-Up Restoration Work

• Completed the remaining restoration work throughout the home.
• Thoroughly cleaned belongings with heavy smoke and soot buildup.
• Finished all the restoration work in our project records by May 28.

The post How We Restored a Multi-Story Buffalo Grove Home After an Electrical Fire appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem and Our Solution

On November 11, 2025, a fire broke out in a multi-story property in Skokie, Illinois. Our team arrived at the property within an hour and first inspected the damage throughout the building, checking all three floors to see how far fire, smoke, and water reached. We also examined the roof and exterior walls to determine the scope of our work.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Second Floor

• Damaged walls and ceilings. Fire, smoke, and water from firefighting damaged the kitchen, dining room, hallway, bathroom, second bedroom, laundry room, and utility room. We demolished damaged sections, removing drywall and insulation to reach the framing.
• Damaged flooring and ceilings in other rooms. We took out damaged hardwood and floating flooring, and opened ceiling sections where necessary.
• Smoke residue and debris. We used HEPA vacuums and dry-cleaning soot sponges to remove smoke residue from exposed wooden framing and other surfaces after demolition.

First Floor

• Water- and smoke-damaged rooms. Water and smoke damaged the offices, hallway, and bathroom. We removed damaged walls, ceilings, and hardwood flooring.
• Smoke residue in the kitchen. We used HEPA vacuums and soot-cleaning products to remove smoke residue and debris from kitchen surfaces.

Basement

• Extensive damage in several rooms. There was damage in most of the storage rooms, utility room, and sump pump room, so we had to demolish big sections of these rooms.
• Damaged bedroom walls and ceiling. We partially removed the walls and ceiling to reach damaged materials.

Common Areas and Roof

• Smoke in stairways and landings. Smoke spread into these areas, so we used HEPA vacuums and dry-cleaning soot sponges to remove the residue.
• Opening in the roof. We placed a temporary waterproof tarp over the opening and secured it with plywood boards to prevent rainwater from entering and help keep the property secure.
• Fire-damaged exterior materials. We inspected the exterior walls and exposed framing to determine the extent of the damage.

The Timeline

November 11–12 – Fire Damage Inspection and Initial Mitigation

A fire that broke out in the building spread across several floors. Over the first two days, we:

• Inspected to see how much damage the fire and firefighting water caused.
• Covered the opening on the roof with a temporary waterproof tarp and secured it with plywood boards to prevent water and possible intruders from getting in.
• Set up air movers and other drying equipment.

November 13–22 – Water Cleanup and Structural Drying

• Vacuumed water from the floors and continued drying the property.
• Monitored how the area dries during follow-up visits.
• On November 22, removed some drying equipment.

December 3–5 – Interior Demolition and Material Removal

• Removed damaged ceiling drywall and wall sections to reach the framing.
• Cut and removed damaged hardwood flooring and leftover staples.
• Placed plastic sheeting and collected demolition debris to throw away.
• Started cleaning the affected surfaces in the demolished area.

December 11–January 31 – Continued Demolition and Smoke Damage Cleaning

• Removed some more drywall, insulation, and other materials from walls and ceilings.
• Continued cleaning exposed framing, brickwork, and windows.
• Vacuumed dust, cleared out debris, and continued cleanup through January 31.

March 9 – Final Cleaning and Project Completion

We returned to do final cleaning and completed our work at the property.

The post How We Restored a Multi-Story Skokie Property After Extensive Fire and Smoke Damage appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem and Our Solution

A homeowner in Skokie, Illinois, called us on April 1 after a pipe burst underneath their kitchen sink, causing extensive water damage to the kitchen and adjoining dining room. Our team arrived within 50 minutes, inspected the damage, and began removing affected materials to prepare both rooms for drying.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Kitchen

• Damaged drywall and baseboards. Water affected approximately 10 linear feet of drywall and baseboards. We removed the damaged drywall up to 4 feet high and took out the affected baseboards to expose wet materials behind them.
• Water-damaged flooring and kitchen fixtures. Moisture had spread beneath the laminate flooring and around the kitchen fixtures. We removed the laminate flooring, countertop, sink, and garbage disposal. We also moved the stove and refrigerator to access affected areas behind them.
• Moisture in exposed materials. After demolition, we vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the exposed wall framing, flooring, and other affected surfaces. We then installed four air movers and one dehumidifier to dry the remaining materials, along with a small air scrubber to filter airborne particles.

Dining Room

• Water-damaged wall and baseboards. Water had spread from the kitchen into the adjoining dining room. We removed a 2-foot-high section of drywall across approximately 3.3 linear feet of the shared wall and identified another 2–3 feet of affected baseboards and additional drywall that needed removal.
• Moisture beneath laminate flooring. After removing the laminate flooring, we discovered an older layer of vinyl tile underneath. The homeowner wanted to preserve this second layer, so we left it in place.
• Moisture in exposed surfaces. We vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the affected areas, then placed two air movers in the dining room to help dry the remaining materials.

Throughout the project, we used a moisture meter to check moisture levels and a FLIR thermal imaging camera to identify temperature differences that could indicate hidden moisture. We also moved belongings and installed plastic sheeting and containment barriers to prevent dust and debris from spreading during the work.

The Timeline

April 1 – Burst Pipe Under Kitchen Sink

A pipe burst underneath the kitchen sink, and water spread into the kitchen and dining room next to it. The water soaked drywall, baseboards, and flooring. We classified the loss as Class 2, Category 3.

April 19 – Water Damage Mitigation and Drying Setup

• Arrived at the property and checked how far the water had spread with a moisture meter.
• Protected the surrounding areas with plastic sheeting before starting the cleanup.
• Opened damaged walls and took out wet materials.
• Discovered an older layer of vinyl tile flooring in the dining room, which the homeowner wanted to keep.
• Cleaned and sanitized both rooms, then placed drying equipment.

April 24 – Follow-Up Inspection and Project Completion

• Returned to inspect the rooms with a FLIR thermal imaging camera.
• Checked temperatures in different spots to see if everything is dry.
• Completed this water damage mitigation job.

The post How We Restored a Skokie Home After a Burst Pipe Flooded the Kitchen and Dining Room appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem & Solutions

On September 4, 2024, a homeowner called us about a failed sump pump in the basement of a residential property in Niles, Illinois. Water seeped into several rooms, soaking into the bottom part of the walls, insulation, and materials around them.

We classified this water damage as Category 2 because the water was contaminated, and Class 2 because water got into the drywall, insulation, and other porous materials throughout the basement.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Kitchen

• Water-damaged walls and insulation. Water reached the lower walls and insulation, including areas behind the kitchen cabinets. We cut out wet drywall up to 4 feet high, removed damaged insulation, baseboards, and sections of ceramic tiles.
• Moisture behind cabinets and appliances. We detached the countertop, lower cabinets, sink, and plumbing to get to the wet areas behind them.
• Moisture in wall cavities and floors. After taking out damaged materials, we vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the wall framing and floors.

Eat-in and Workout Areas

• Wet drywall, insulation, and baseboards. The lower walls in both rooms got wet. We removed the baseboards, cut out wet drywall, and took out damaged insulation.

Hallway and Under-Stair Area

• Water-damaged walls and baseboards. Water spread through the wall materials and insulation in both connecting spaces. We opened the walls up to 4 feet high and removed damaged materials.

Utility Room and Linen Closet

• Wet walls, insulation, and trim. Both spaces had soaked lower walls. We removed the baseboards, door trim where needed, and damaged drywall and insulation.

Cedar Room

• Water damage along the lower walls. Moisture got into the lower wall sections, so we had to remove damaged materials and inspect what’s going on behind the cedar finish.

Bathroom

• Water-damaged walls and tile. Water spread across the lower walls, including behind ceramic tile and bathroom fixtures. The work called for removing damaged tile and opening the walls up to 4 feet high.

Bar Area

• Wet drywall, insulation, and trim. Moisture reached the lower walls and ceramic tile trim around the bar. We removed damaged baseboards, tile trim, and drywall up to 4 feet.

The Timeline

September 6 – Initial Assessment and Preparation

• The first step we took was to take moisture readings to see the extent of water damage throughout the basement.
• Our team packed and moved belongings to make room for our restoration team to begin their work.

September 7 – Drying Equipment Setup

• We placed 43 air movers, three dehumidifiers, and two air scrubbers throughout the basement.

September 9–10 – Material Removal and Cleaning

• We covered nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and debris.
• Our team took out the damaged drywall, baseboards, and insulation to reach wall cavities.
• We cleaned, sanitized, and dried the surfaces.

September 11 – Final Cleaning and Mitigation Completion

• We vacuumed the areas from which we removed the materials and sanitized them where needed.
• We completed the scheduled work.

The post How We Restored a Flooded Basement in Niles, IL, After a Sump Pump Failure appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem and Our Solution

A fire broke out in the crawlspace beneath a two-story home on August 13, 2026. Smoke and soot quickly spread throughout multiple rooms on both floors.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Crawlspace

• Charred debris and fire residue. There was charred debris and blackened material covering most of the crawlspace floor. We cleaned the area and used a pump sprayer to clean surfaces where the fire had started.
• Lingering smoke odors. The crawlspace needed deodorization after the fire. We used one HEPA air scrubber to filter airborne particles and one hydroxyl generator to help remove smoke odors.

First Floor

• Smoke and soot residue throughout the rooms. We used HEPA vacuums and dry-cleaning soot sponges to clean walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in the living room, hallway, bathroom, two closets, nursery, kitchen, dining room, family room, and utility/laundry room.
• Residue on furniture and other surfaces. We used HEPA vacuums to clean furniture and interior surfaces in the rooms on the first floor, removing dust and fire-related residue.

Stairway and Second Floor

• Smoke and soot residue. The stairway, second-floor hallway, master bedroom, second bedroom, and bathroom were covered in soot. We used HEPA vacuums and dry-cleaning soot sponges to remove residue from walls, ceilings, windows, closets, and other surfaces, then vacuumed furniture and cleaned any remaining soot.
• Damaged drywall and insulation. The second-floor bedroom had more damage than other rooms. We took out approximately 50 square feet of damaged drywall and 50 square feet of insulation. We also bagged the debris and cleaned the area.

Exterior

• Damaged soffits and debris. The fire damaged sections of the exterior soffit, leaving some wooden framing exposed. We also had to clean debris from outside the home.

The Timeline

August 13–14 – Fire Damage and Initial Response

• The fire started in the crawlspace beneath the home on August 13.
• Our team arrived the following day to inspect the damage and create a work plan.
• The inspection helped us identify which rooms needed cleaning and where we had to remove damaged materials.

August 16 – Second-Floor Cleaning and Debris Removal

• We cleaned windows, walls, ceilings, and closet areas in the rooms affected by fire.
• We took out damaged drywall from the second-floor bedroom and collected debris in bags.
• Setting up air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators helped clean the air and reduce smoke odors.

August 20 – First-Floor Structural Cleaning

• Cleaning continued in the stairway, family room, kitchen, living room, and dining room.
• We also worked in the first-floor bedroom and the linen closet off the hallway.

August 21 – Utility Room and Crawlspace Treatment

• We continued cleaning the first-floor utility/laundry room.
• In the crawlspace, our team used a sprayer to treat surfaces where the fire started.

August 23 – Detailed Surface and Furniture Cleaning

• We vacuumed surfaces and furniture in the second-floor master bedroom, second bedroom, and hallway.
• Cleaning continued in the stairway and family room.
• Our team also cleaned surfaces and furniture in the living room and dining room.
• Completed the work.

The post How We Restored a Two-Story Home in Niles After a Crawlspace Fire appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Getting multiple quotes is usually the smart consumer move, but it works best for planned renovations.

Unfortunately, most water damage is an emergency that requires quick, decisive action.

In this blog, we’ll help you decide whether you have time to shop around or you need to act fast.

The Pros of Getting Multiple Quotes

1. You’ll get to compare pricing

Water damage repair services can vary significantly in labor, materials, and equipment costs.

Getting multiple quotes gives you a clearer picture of what water damage restoration should cost for your specific situation.

2. You’ll get to vet the contractors you’re considering

Getting multiple quotes is a great way to compare insurance and credentials, and make sure the contractor you choose is licensed.

This will also give you the chance to identify potential red flags like vague estimates or contractors who propose way more work than anyone else you’ve spoken to.

3. You can avoid unnecessary work

Different companies may propose different approaches to your water damage emergency.

When you get multiple quotes, you can avoid unnecessary work and identify important differences in scope, including but not limited to demolition, mold prevention, drying, reconstruction, and cleanup.

4. It may make the insurance filing process easier

In some cases, getting multiple quotes can provide useful documentation for your insurance company and actually make filing a claim more streamlined.

When Getting Multiple Quotes Actually Makes Sense

While it’s not always the right approach, there are some legitimate reasons to do your due diligence:

• The situation isn’t an emergency. Anytime you’re planning for preventative maintenance, like waterproofing, or fixing relatively minor issues like seepage, you can take your time to shop for the best price.
• You’re looking at a large reconstruction project. Even if there was a water emergency, you can start shopping around for quotes after mitigation is complete and the rebuild phase has begun.
• The damage is stable. If the damage you’re facing is contained and not actively getting worse, or if you’ve already started the mitigation process, you can afford to shop around for multiple quotes.

The Cons of Getting Multiple Quotes for Water Damage

Even though we all want a great deal, price shopping sometimes isn’t the best choice when it comes to water damage.

Here’s why:

1. Chicago’s climate can take damage from bad to worse

Water damage gets worse really quickly. What starts as a relatively manageable cleanup project can require total mold remediation if you leave it alone for even 24-48 hours.

The reason? Chicago’s wet, chilly climate.

Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles and aging plumbing make water damage especially unpredictable, while high humidity means damp areas stay damp unless they’re professionally dried.

This means that every hour spent scheduling and waiting for multiple estimates is an hour that mold spores spend growing, proliferating, and filling your home.

Say a homeowner in Des Plaines waits two days to phone around for three quotes after a pipe bursts. By the time they choose, mold has spread from the basement into the HVAC systems, which adds roughly $1,060–$3,355 in mold remediation costs.

2. Hidden damage usually isn’t visible in initial quotes

To get an accurate water damage estimate, you’ll need professional equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging. Sometimes, a team of professionals will even need to open walls to assess damage.

Unfortunately, the older homes throughout Chicago are pretty good at hiding water damage, thanks to thick walls, ceilings, and floors that don’t display the damage during a quick walk-through.

This means that companies providing “free estimates” often significantly underestimate costs and are forced to revise their initial quotes once they get into the work.

Here’s an example of how this could work:

Company A quotes $3,000 based on visible damage in a Rogers Park bungalow. Company B quotes $5,000 after moisture detection reveals a saturated subfloor and hidden pipe leaks. The “cheaper” quote wasn’t cheaper – it was just incomplete.

3. The “Low Quote” trap is a real risk

In emergency water damage situations, some companies offer low quotes to win jobs, then inflate the job cost once a customer is committed.

These “supplemental charges” could include equipment rental fees, disposal costs, and unexpected labor fees, which only appear after the job is in progress.

Here’s an example of how this could occur:

A Chicago homeowner chose a company quoting $2,500 less than competitors after a basement flood in Irving Park. They get a final bill that’s $4,000 higher than the original “expensive” quotes due to equipment fees and “discovered” damage.

4. There are storm chasers and opportunists everywhere

After major weather events, like Chicago’s harsh summer storms or winter freezes, out-of-town contractors usually come in and flood the market with low quotes.

Unfortunately, these companies usually lack local licensing, proper insurance, or even a physical Chicago address, and many disappear before warranty issues have a chance to crop up.

Here’s an example:

After a major flood event in Chicago, a homeowner in Berwyn hires a “too good to be true” contractor who vanishes after the payment has been made, leaving an unfinished job and a customer with no recourse for compensation.

5. Delayed mitigation may void your insurance coverage

Your homeowners insurance policy may require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property.

The Illinois Department of Insurance recommends making necessary temporary repairs as soon as possible, so don’t delay emergency water mitigation while you collect multiple estimates.

Waiting too long could allow the damage to spread and make your loss more extensive.

When You Shouldn’t Get Multiple Quotes

In some cases, shopping around will backfire.

Here’s when you should avoid it:

• You have active water intrusion. If water is still actively flowing into the home, every minute counts and you can’t afford to look for a great deal.
• There’s a sewage backup. Category 3 water (water with a high concentration of dangerous contaminants) poses significant and immediate health risks and requires a same-day response.
• There’s been a major storm event. When an entire neighborhood is affected, the best companies fill their books quickly. This means that the longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.
• There’s an insurance claim in progress. If an adjuster is already involved in the restoration, adding multiple vendors will only lead to confusion and delays.

How to Choose a Water Damage Company in Chicago

1. Check the company’s credentials

To make sure you’re working with a reputable vendor, look for someone with IICRC certification, Illinois licensing, and BBB accreditation.

2. Ask about insurance coordination

Companies that have experience filing insurance claims in Illinois and working with major providers can help make the claims process easier and more streamlined.

3. Verify a local presence

Make sure the company you’re considering working with has a Chicago-area address and local phone number. This keeps you from falling victim to storm chasers and other predatory companies.

4. Read reviews from actual customers

Search Google, Facebook, and BBB for recent reviews and look for feedback about the company’s communication, timeliness, and billing.

5. Find a company that offers emergency response and comprehensive service

Water damage gets worse the longer you wait, so it’s important to move quickly.

Look for a company that will prioritize your needs, such as ServiceMaster by Zaba. We offer 24/7 emergency response and a local Chicago presence, so you can always count on our teams to get your job done quickly.

We also offer full-service capability, from mitigation to reconstruction, with expertise in Chicago-specific issues like basement flooding, frozen pipes, and sewer backup.

Trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba With Your Chicagoland Water Damage Needs

While it’s smart to get multiple quotes for planned projects, most water damage situations are an emergency – especially in Chicago.

In most cases, delays only cause increased damage, higher costs, and potential insurance problems.

With this in mind, don’t wait – trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for reliable water damage restoration services and ethical pricing.

Contact us today to learn more about our team, our locations, and how we can help you reclaim your space: (773) 647-1985.

The post Should You Get Multiple Quotes to Restore Your Property After Water Damage in Chicago? appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

What you do in the next 24 hours determines how much you get from insurance, whether you can save your floors and cabinets, and how long it will take for things to get back to normal – a week or three months.

Here’s what water mitigation looks like, why it has to be done fast, especially in Chicago, and how much it’ll cost.

The post Water Damage Mitigation in Chicago: What Happens in the First 24 Hours appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

We received the emergency call at 9 PM and mobilized immediately.

Our team arrived on-site to stop further damage, begin extraction, and stabilize the property so banking operations could resume as soon as possible.

What Caused the Damage

The incident occurred after business hours when a pipe burst in the ceiling.

With freezing temperatures common in Chicago during late December, the plumbing system failed and released water into several connected areas of the bank.

Because the issue wasn’t discovered immediately, water traveled through carpeted areas, behind baseboards, and into wall cavities before it was reported.

We responded quickly to prevent further structural damage, protect sensitive areas like the vault, and minimize business interruption.

How We Restored the Bank

Due to the size of the building and the number of affected rooms, each area required a targeted mitigation plan.

We worked methodically to remove wet materials, extract water, sanitize surfaces, and dry the structure using commercial-grade equipment.

Vault Room

• Removed baseboards around the entire perimeter.
• Performed a 2-foot flood cut around the perimeter to access wet drywall.
• One wall contained double-layer drywall with insulation, which we removed to eliminate trapped moisture.
• Completed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.

We monitored moisture levels carefully to ensure structural materials inside this high-security area were fully dried.

North Common Hallway

• Performed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized flooring and lower wall surfaces.

Because hallways connect multiple rooms, we paid close attention to prevent moisture from migrating into unaffected areas.

North Lobby

• We installed containment barriers to protect customer-facing finishes and fixtures.
• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Completed a 2-foot flood cut around the affected walls.
• Performed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the space.

Main Lobby

• Completed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all affected flooring.
• Installed containment barriers to separate damaged areas from unaffected sections of the bank.

South Lobby

• Removed baseboards on one affected wall.
• Performed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the area.

Teller Area

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Performed 2-foot flood cuts on two walls.
• Tore out one full-height wall due to saturation.
• Detached lower cabinets and countertops to access trapped moisture behind and beneath them.
• Completed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.

We coordinated closely with management to ensure sensitive equipment and financial systems were protected throughout the process.

Bathroom

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Completed a 2-foot flood cut around affected walls.
• Detached vanity and countertop to access moisture behind fixtures.
• Performed water extraction.
• Cleaned and sanitized all surfaces thoroughly.

Bathrooms are high-risk areas for mold growth, so we applied antimicrobial treatments after drying.

Rear Hallway

• Carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.

We placed air movers strategically to ensure proper airflow through this narrow space.

Break Room

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Performed 2-foot flood cuts on three walls.
• Completed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.

Because cabinetry and appliances were present, we carefully inspected surrounding wall cavities and subflooring for hidden moisture.

The Outcome

Our team completed water extraction, structural drying, and full sanitization across every affected room.

We confirmed that moisture levels had returned to normal before leaving the site.

Our after-hours response on a holiday weekend kept the damage from spreading further and helped the bank minimize downtime.

The facility was left clean, dry, and ready for reconstruction and reopening.

If You’re Dealing With a Burst Pipe in a Commercial Property

Pipes burst all the time during Chicago winters, especially when buildings sit empty over the holidays.

If your business experiences a similar issue:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately.
• Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away. The longer water remains in the building, the more damage it causes, and the more costly repairs become.
• Don’t assume carpet will dry on its own. Moisture seeps into padding and subfloors, creating mold risks.
• Inspect wall cavities. Water often hides behind drywall and baseboards.
• Act quickly after holidays or long closures. Freezing temperatures and vacant buildings increase the risk of burst pipes.

If you’re dealing with water damage in your bank, office, or commercial building in Norwood Park or anywhere in Chicago, we are ready to respond 24/7. 

Call us at: (773) 647-1985

The post Recent Project: Norwood Park Bank Restored After Burst Pipe Leak appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Management contacted ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away.

We arrived promptly and worked around the clock to stabilize the property and protect the residents.

What Caused the Damage

The fire began inside one residential unit when a lit cigarette ignited nearby materials.

Although the sprinkler system suppressed the flames, it released significant water into the unit and the surrounding areas.

How We Restored the Senior Center

Due to the size of the loss and the vulnerable population inside the building, we developed a coordinated mitigation plan.

We arrived on site within the hour and worked straight for seven days, ensuring seniors didn’t have to relocate to other facilities.

We worked in phases, isolating affected areas while maintaining clean, safe zones for occupants.

Fire Origin Unit

• Removed fire-damaged materials and debris.
• Performed selective demolition of smoke-saturated drywall and insulation.
• Extracted standing sprinkler water.
• Removed baseboards and completed necessary flood cuts.
• Cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all structural surfaces.
• Set up commercial air movers and dehumidifiers for structural drying.
• Deployed HEPA air scrubbers to remove airborne soot and odor particles.

Neighboring Units (Above, Below, Adjacent)

• Performed detailed smoke damage assessments in each unit.
• Cleaned soot residue from ceilings, walls, flooring, and fixtures.
• Used HEPA vacuuming and specialized smoke-cleaning solutions.
• Installed air scrubbers to improve indoor air quality.
• Addressed minor sprinkler-related water damage where present.
• Applied deodorization treatments to eliminate persistent smoke odor.

Common Areas

• Installed containment barriers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vacuumed and cleaned all flooring surfaces.
• Removed and replaced affected ceiling tiles.
• Cleaned light fixtures and HVAC registers.
• Ran commercial air scrubbers continuously during restoration.
• Sanitized high-touch surfaces to ensure resident safety.

Resident Coordination and Safety

This project required more than technical restoration.

We worked closely with facility management to:

• Relocate residents from the most impacted units to available units within the building.
• Maintain clear and safe walking paths at all times.
• Reduce noise and disruption during daytime hours.
• Communicate daily progress updates with staff and administration.

The Outcome

We completed fire debris removal, smoke remediation, water extraction, structural drying, and full sanitization across all 23 units and 3 common areas.

Because of our rapid response and coordinated mitigation plan, residents did not have to relocate to other facilities during the restoration.

The senior living center remained operational, safe, and ready for final reconstruction.

What to Do If You’re Dealing With Fire Damage in a Multi-Unit Property

Fires in apartment buildings can quickly spread to multiple units.

If your multi-unit property experiences a similar situation:

• Evacuate residents immediately and call emergency services.
• Shut down HVAC systems to limit smoke spread.
• Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away. Smoke and soot damage spreads fast and becomes more difficult to remove over time.
• Do not assume neighboring units are unaffected. Smoke travels through vents, wall cavities, and ceiling systems.
• Act quickly to prevent long-term odor, corrosion, and mold from sprinkler discharge.

If you’re dealing with fire and smoke damage in a senior living facility, apartment building, or multi-unit property in Chicago, Lake County, or the surrounding suburbs, we are ready to respond 24/7.

Call us at: (847) 459-3900

The post Recent Project: Chicago Senior Center Restored After Resident Fire Incident appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.