Frequently Asked Questions

Prime Restoration provides comprehensive property restoration services including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage repair, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, sewage and biohazard cleanup, and commercial restoration. We are a full-service restoration company serving Macomb County and Oakland County, Michigan with 24/7 emergency response.

Yes, Prime Restoration is fully licensed and insured in the state of Michigan (Residential Builder License #262500491). Our restoration technicians are trained in water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, and applied microbial remediation. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance for your protection.

We serve all of Macomb County including Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Warren, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Fraser, Chesterfield, and New Baltimore. We also serve Oakland County including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, and West Bloomfield.

Prime Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response with a goal of having certified technicians on-site within 60 minutes throughout our Macomb County and Oakland County service areas. Our rapid emergency response helps minimize property damage, reduce restoration costs, and prevent secondary issues like mold growth after water damage.

Yes, Prime Restoration provides free, no-obligation estimates for all restoration services. Our certified technicians will inspect your property, assess the damage, document findings with photos and moisture readings, and provide a detailed written estimate. For emergency situations, we begin work immediately to prevent further damage while the estimate is prepared.

Our team is led by experienced restoration professionals with 80 years of combined Michigan restoration experience. Crews are trained in water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, and applied microbial remediation following industry-standard mitigation, mold remediation, and fire restoration protocols. All team members undergo ongoing training to stay current with the latest restoration techniques and equipment.

Yes, Prime Restoration provides true 24/7 emergency restoration services including nights, weekends, and holidays. Property damage from water, fire, storms, and sewage does not follow a schedule, and neither do we. When you call our emergency line at (586) 277-1069, you reach a live team member who dispatches certified technicians to your Macomb County or Oakland County property immediately.

After discovering water damage, first ensure your safety by turning off electricity to affected areas if it is safe to do so. Stop the water source if possible, such as shutting off the main water valve for a burst pipe. Then call Prime Restoration at (586) 277-1069 for immediate emergency water damage restoration. While waiting, move valuables and furniture away from standing water and begin removing excess water with towels if safe.

The water damage restoration timeline depends on the extent of damage, the category of water involved, and the materials affected. Minor water damage from a small leak may take 3 to 5 days to dry and restore, while major flooding or sewage backups can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer. Our trained restoration technicians use industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to accelerate the structural drying process and monitor moisture levels daily.

Industry-standard mitigation practice defines three categories of water damage. Category 1 (clean water) comes from sanitary sources like broken supply lines or rain. Category 2 (gray water) contains contaminants from sources like dishwashers, washing machines, or sump pump failures. Category 3 (black water) is highly contaminated water from sewage backups, flooding, or toilet overflows. Each category requires different restoration protocols, and water can degrade from Category 1 to Category 3 if left untreated for more than 48 hours.

Yes, water damage is the primary cause of indoor mold growth. Mold spores can begin colonizing damp materials within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. This is why rapid water damage restoration and thorough structural drying are critical. Prime Restoration uses moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and industrial drying equipment to ensure all affected materials reach proper dry standards, preventing mold growth after water damage.

Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, and storm-related water intrusion. However, damage from gradual leaks, lack of maintenance, or flooding typically requires separate flood insurance. Prime Restoration provides reconstruction estimates in a detailed, itemized line-item format as a record for the homeowner. Mitigation (extraction, drying, demolition) is billed separately with itemized invoices and daily moisture logs.

We use professional-grade water damage restoration equipment including truck-mounted and portable water extraction units, industrial air movers, commercial-grade dehumidifiers (LGR and desiccant types), thermal imaging cameras for detecting hidden moisture, pin and pinless moisture meters, hydroxyl generators for odor removal, and HEPA air scrubbers. This advanced equipment ensures thorough water extraction and structural drying.

Hardwood floors can often be saved after water damage if professional restoration begins within the first 24 to 48 hours. Our water damage restoration technicians use specialized floor drying mats and drying systems designed specifically for hardwood. The success rate depends on the amount of water, how long the floors were wet, the wood species, and whether the subfloor is also affected. We will assess the damage and give you an honest recommendation on whether restoration or replacement is the better option.

Improperly cleaned water damage leads to serious long-term problems including mold growth within walls and under floors, structural wood rot, warped and buckled flooring, delaminating drywall, permanent staining, musty odors, and potential health hazards from bacterial contamination. Professional water damage restoration helps ensure that moisture is properly extracted and affected materials are dried to safe levels, helping protect your home.

Water damage restoration costs vary depending on the size of the affected area, the category of water, the materials involved, and the extent of structural damage. Minor water damage cleanup may start around $1,500 to $3,000, while major water damage restoration for an entire floor of a home can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Prime Restoration provides free estimates. Mitigation is billed with itemized invoices and daily moisture logs; reconstruction estimates (drywall, paint, flooring) are written as detailed, itemized line-item estimates.

Yes, Prime Restoration uses advanced moisture detection technology including thermal imaging cameras (infrared) and professional-grade moisture meters to locate hidden water damage behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings. Thermal imaging reveals temperature differences caused by trapped moisture that is invisible to the naked eye. Early detection of hidden water damage prevents mold growth and structural deterioration, saving you significant money on future repairs.

Water mitigation refers to the immediate emergency steps taken to stop the water source, extract standing water, and begin drying to prevent further damage. Water damage restoration is the complete process of repairing and rebuilding your property to its pre-loss condition, including replacing drywall, flooring, paint, trim, and other damaged materials. Prime Restoration handles both the mitigation and full restoration phases so you have a single point of contact from the first emergency call through final repairs.

Yes, a flooded basement can be fully restored to its pre-damage condition with professional water damage restoration. The process includes water extraction, removal of damaged materials like carpet and drywall, thorough structural drying with commercial dehumidifiers, antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold, and complete reconstruction including new flooring, drywall, and paint. Prime Restoration has restored hundreds of flooded basements across Macomb County and Oakland County.

Yes, burst pipe water damage is one of the most common emergencies we respond to, especially during Michigan winters when frozen pipes can crack and cause extensive flooding. Prime Restoration provides 24/7 emergency response for burst pipes including water extraction, structural drying, and complete repairs. We coordinate with licensed plumbers to fix the pipe itself while we perform the water damage restoration and reconstruction.

After a fire, wait for the fire department to declare your property safe before re-entering. Contact your insurance company to start a claim, then call Prime Restoration at (586) 277-1069 for emergency fire damage restoration. Do not attempt to clean soot or smoke damage yourself, as improper cleaning can cause permanent staining and drive soot deeper into materials. Our fire damage restoration technicians will board up and secure the property, assess the damage, and begin the restoration process immediately.

Our fire damage restoration process includes comprehensive soot and smoke removal using specialized techniques for each surface type. We use dry chemical sponges, HEPA vacuuming, ultrasonic cleaning for contents, ozone and hydroxyl generators for odor elimination, and thermal fogging for smoke odor in structural cavities. Different types of soot (wet, dry, protein-based, or fuel oil) require different cleaning approaches, and our trained restoration technicians are trained to identify and treat each type properly.

Professional fire damage restoration addresses smoke odor using industry-standard techniques — ozone treatment, hydroxyl generators, thermal fogging, air scrubbing, and surface sealing with specialized primers to reduce odor from smoke particulate trapped in walls, fabrics, HVAC systems, and structural materials. Results vary with the severity of the fire, materials affected, and other site conditions. Prime Restoration cannot promise complete odor elimination or certify air quality; for health-related air-quality determinations, consult a licensed industrial hygienist.

Homeowners insurance typically covers fire and smoke damage restoration, including structural repairs, soot and smoke cleanup, contents restoration, temporary living expenses (additional living expense or ALE coverage), and in many cases the replacement of damaged personal property. Prime Restoration provides detailed, itemized line-item reconstruction estimates as a record for the homeowner. Mitigation (soot cleanup, smoke deodorization, demolition) is billed separately. Where permitted, Prime bills the carrier directly when assigned by the policyholder.

Fire damage restoration timelines vary based on the severity of the fire. Minor smoke and soot damage in one or two rooms may take 1 to 2 weeks. Moderate fire damage affecting multiple rooms typically requires 4 to 8 weeks. Major structural fire damage requiring demolition and reconstruction can take several months. Prime Restoration provides a detailed restoration timeline during the initial assessment so you know what to expect throughout the process.

In most cases, it is not safe to stay in your home after a fire, even if the damage appears minor. Smoke and soot residue contain toxic chemicals, carbon monoxide may linger, and structural integrity may be compromised. The fire department and a professional restoration company should assess the property before you re-enter or stay overnight. Prime Restoration can help coordinate temporary housing through your insurance policy while we complete the fire damage restoration.

Common signs of a mold problem include visible mold growth (which can appear as black, green, white, or gray spots), a persistent musty or earthy odor, unexplained allergic symptoms like sneezing and congestion, water stains on walls or ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, and warped surfaces. If you suspect mold, Prime Restoration offers professional mold inspection and testing services to identify the type and extent of mold contamination in your home.

Mold remediation insurance coverage depends on the cause of the mold. If mold resulted from a covered peril like a burst pipe or storm damage, your homeowners insurance will typically cover mold remediation up to your policy limit. However, mold caused by ongoing maintenance issues, high humidity, or neglected leaks is usually not covered. Prime Restoration documents mold remediation conditions on arrival with photos and moisture readings, and writes reconstruction estimates in a detailed, itemized line-item format as a record for the homeowner.

Mold spores exist naturally in the outdoor and indoor environment and cannot be fully eliminated. Industry-standard mold remediation is the physical process of containment, HEPA air filtration, removal of mold-contaminated porous materials, cleaning of non-porous surfaces, and addressing the moisture source that allowed growth. Post-remediation clearance testing is performed by an independent third-party industrial hygienist when requested by the homeowner, insurance carrier, or lender; Prime Restoration does not perform its own clearance testing or certify habitability.

Professional mold remediation typically takes 1 to 5 days depending on the size of the affected area and the extent of mold contamination. A small area like a bathroom may take 1 to 2 days, while a larger area such as an entire basement can take 3 to 5 days. Very large or complex mold remediation projects involving HVAC systems or multiple areas of the home may take longer. Prime Restoration provides a detailed timeline after our initial mold inspection.

Industry guidance recommends professional mold remediation for any mold contamination larger than 10 square feet. Small areas of surface mold on non-porous materials like tile can sometimes be cleaned with proper protective equipment and cleaning solutions. However, mold behind walls, in HVAC systems, or in porous materials like drywall and carpet requires professional remediation to ensure complete removal and prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your home.

Mold exposure can cause a range of health problems including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, sinus congestion, coughing, wheezing, eye and skin irritation, and headaches. People with asthma, weakened immune systems, chronic lung conditions, or mold allergies are at higher risk for serious health effects. Certain types of mold like Stachybotrys (black mold) produce mycotoxins that can cause more severe health issues with prolonged exposure. Professional mold remediation protects your family and health.

After a storm, prioritize safety by avoiding downed power lines, unstable structures, and standing water. Document all damage with photos and video for your insurance claim. Cover any roof damage or broken windows with tarps or plywood to prevent further water intrusion. Then contact Prime Restoration at (586) 277-1069 for emergency storm damage restoration. We provide 24/7 emergency board-up, tarping, and water extraction services to protect your property from additional damage.

Most homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage from wind, hail, lightning, falling trees, and resulting water damage from roof or window breaches. However, flooding from rising water or storm surges typically requires separate flood insurance through FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. Prime Restoration documents storm-damage conditions on arrival — photos, moisture readings, affected-area measurements — and writes detailed, itemized line-item reconstruction estimates as a record for the homeowner. Always confirm coverage and limits with your insurance carrier and policy.

Prime Restoration provides emergency roof tarping and board-up services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week following storm damage. Our crews arrive quickly with heavy-duty tarps, plywood, and fastening materials to seal roof damage, broken windows, and other openings. Emergency tarping prevents further water intrusion, protects your belongings, and is typically covered by your homeowners insurance as a necessary step to mitigate further damage.

Yes, storm damage that introduces water into your home can lead to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours if not addressed promptly. Roof leaks, broken windows, and siding damage all allow water intrusion that saturates insulation, drywall, and structural wood. Prime Restoration provides rapid storm damage response including water extraction, structural drying, and moisture monitoring to prevent secondary mold damage after storms in Southeast Michigan.

Prime Restoration performs all types of storm damage restoration in Michigan including wind damage to roofs and siding, hail damage, fallen tree damage, lightning strikes, basement flooding from heavy rain, window and door damage, gutter and downspout damage, and interior water damage caused by storm breaches. We manage the entire restoration process from emergency tarping through complete structural repair and reconstruction.

Protecting your Michigan home from storm damage starts with regular maintenance including cleaning gutters and downspouts, trimming overhanging trees, inspecting your roof for loose or damaged shingles, ensuring proper grading around your foundation, testing your sump pump before storm season, and installing a battery backup for your sump pump. Prime Restoration also offers preventive property inspections to identify vulnerabilities before severe weather strikes Southeast Michigan.

Sewage backup is extremely dangerous and classified as Category 3 (black water) contamination, the most hazardous level. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause serious illness. Never attempt to clean sewage backup yourself without proper protective equipment. Call Prime Restoration immediately at (586) 277-1069 for professional sewage cleanup with commercial-grade disinfection methods.

Common causes of sewage backups in Michigan homes include tree root intrusion into sewer lines, aging or deteriorating municipal sewer infrastructure, heavy rainfall overwhelming combined sewer systems, clogged drain lines from grease or debris buildup, collapsed or broken sewer pipes, and sump pump failure during storms. Many Southeast Michigan communities have older sewer systems that are prone to backups during heavy rain events, making sewage cleanup services especially important in our service area.

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover sewage backup damage. However, sewage backup coverage is available as an affordable add-on endorsement to most policies, usually covering $5,000 to $25,000 in damage. If you have this endorsement, Prime Restoration will document mitigation conditions on arrival (Cat-3 PPE, antimicrobial, controlled demolition with itemized invoices) and write detailed, itemized line-item reconstruction estimates as a record for the homeowner. We recommend all Michigan homeowners add sewage backup coverage to their policies given the frequency of backups in our area.

Sewage cleanup follows industry-standard practice for Category 3 water and involves extracting contaminated water, removing and disposing of porous materials that contacted sewage (carpet, pad, drywall below the flood line), cleaning and disinfection of affected non-porous surfaces with professional-grade antimicrobial products, and structural drying with commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. Post-remediation air-quality testing and clearance verification, if required, are performed by an independent third-party industrial hygienist. Prime Restoration does not certify habitability or air quality.

Sewage cleanup and restoration typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on the extent of contamination. This includes water extraction and material removal on day one, followed by several days of disinfection, structural drying, and monitoring. Major sewage backups that affect an entire basement or multiple rooms may take longer, especially if structural repairs or reconstruction are needed after the cleanup phase is complete.

Yes. Reconstruction estimates are written as detailed, itemized line-item estimates in the format adjusters expect to review. Mitigation is billed separately with itemized invoices, daily moisture logs, and photos. Most Macomb and Oakland County homeowners we serve carry policies from major Michigan carriers — including State Farm, AAA, Auto-Owners, Citizens, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Nationwide, American Family, Erie, The Hartford, Hanover, Meemic, Frankenmuth, Hastings Mutual, Pioneer State Mutual, Chubb, PURE, AIG Private Client, and Cincinnati Insurance. Coverage decisions are made solely by the carrier.

To file a restoration insurance claim, first document the damage with photos and video. Call your insurance company to report the claim and get a claim number. Then call Prime Restoration at (586) 277-1069 to begin the restoration process. We document mitigation conditions on arrival (moisture readings, photos, affected-area measurements) and write detailed, itemized line-item reconstruction estimates — both as records for the homeowner. In emergency situations, you should call us first to begin mitigation immediately, as delays can reduce your coverage.

If your insurance policy covers the damage, you are typically responsible only for your deductible. Where permitted, we can accept direct payment from your insurance carrier for approved work. We provide detailed, itemized documentation for your paperwork so the scope is transparent to you and your adjuster. We will explain all costs upfront before work begins.

Your insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and the restoration costs $8,000, you pay $1,000 and your insurance covers the remaining $7,000. Most homeowners policies have deductibles ranging from $500 to $2,500 for water damage and fire damage claims. Some policies may have separate, higher deductibles for specific perils like wind or hail damage.

If your restoration claim is denied, Prime Restoration can help you understand the denial reason and explore your options. Common reasons for denial include the damage being classified as a maintenance issue, exceeding policy limits, or the specific peril not being covered. We can provide additional itemized documentation to support an appeal. In some cases we can adjust our scope to address only the covered portions of the damage.

Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by virtually all insurance companies for property damage claims. Prime Restoration prepares detailed, itemized line-item estimates that match the format and pricing your insurance adjuster expects. This can reduce pricing disputes and speed up claim review when you submit the scope to your adjuster. Line-item estimates also provide full transparency into every cost associated with your restoration project.

Yes, Prime Restoration offers flexible payment options for restoration work that is not covered by insurance or for deductible payments. We accept major credit cards, checks, and can discuss payment arrangements for larger projects. We believe no homeowner should have to delay critical water damage restoration, mold remediation, or fire damage repair due to financial concerns. Contact us to discuss available payment options for your situation.

In an emergency situation like active water damage, sewage backup, or fire damage, contact a restoration company first to begin mitigation immediately. Most insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and delays can actually reduce your coverage. Call Prime Restoration at (586) 277-1069 to start emergency mitigation, then contact your insurance company to file the claim. We will provide the detailed, itemized scope documentation your insurer expects to see so you can submit it directly.

Our team includes technicians with 80 years of combined Michigan restoration experience working on water, fire, mold, and storm damage across Macomb County and Oakland County. The depth of crew experience is why we can deliver 60-minute response times and follow industry-standard mitigation and remediation protocols on every job.

Prime Restoration is headquartered at 13854 Lakeside Circle, Suite 558, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, and dispatches trained restoration technicians across both Macomb County and Oakland County 24/7 with typical 60-minute response times.

Most Macomb and Oakland County homeowners we serve carry policies from major Michigan carriers — State Farm, AAA, Auto-Owners, Citizens, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Nationwide, American Family, Erie, The Hartford, Hanover, Meemic, Frankenmuth, Hastings Mutual, Pioneer State Mutual, Chubb, PURE, AIG Private Client, and Cincinnati Insurance. Prime Restoration bills the carrier directly when assigned by the policyholder. Reconstruction estimates are documented in Xactimate format, the industry-standard estimating platform. Coverage decisions are made solely by the carrier; always confirm coverage and limits with your carrier and policy.

Yes. Prime Restoration is a fully licensed and insured Michigan restoration contractor (Michigan Residential Builder License #262500491). Our crews include trained restoration technicians with 80 years of combined Michigan restoration experience. We follow industry-standard mitigation and remediation protocols on every project and produce Xactimate scope documentation compatible with major Michigan carriers.

Prime Restoration responds to emergency calls in 60 minutes or less across Macomb County and Oakland County, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speed matters in restoration: water damage doubles in scope every 24 to 48 hours, and mold can begin growing within 48 hours of moisture exposure. Our two physical offices in Sterling Heights and Rochester let us dispatch technicians from whichever side of Metro Detroit your emergency is on.

Yes. Prime Restoration provides full-service commercial restoration for offices, retail spaces, multi-family residential buildings, and industrial properties throughout Southeast Michigan. We coordinate with property managers, insurance adjusters, and tenants to minimize business interruption, and we handle large-loss water, fire, mold, and storm damage with the same trained crews and industry-standard protocols we apply to residential work.

Yes. Prime Restoration offers 0% APR financing with decisions in 90 seconds for qualified applicants. Financing is available for any restoration project — water, fire, mold, storm, sewage, or full reconstruction — and is especially useful for homeowners covering deductibles or work that falls outside their insurance coverage. We also accept all major credit cards and personal checks.

Prime Restoration provides six core restoration services: water damage restoration (burst pipes, flooded basements, appliance leaks), fire and smoke damage restoration (soot removal, odor elimination, structural repair), mold remediation (professional inspection, testing, and removal), storm damage repair (emergency tarping, roof and structural restoration), sewage and biohazard cleanup (professional-grade decontamination), and commercial restoration. One team manages your project from initial mitigation through final reconstruction, so you deal with a single point of contact from start to finish.

Yes. Prime Restoration is a fully licensed and insured Michigan restoration contractor. We carry general liability insurance for every job, which protects your property during the restoration process. Licenses and certificates of insurance are available on request before any work begins.

Prime Restoration serves all of Macomb County and Oakland County in Michigan, with primary service areas including Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, Shelby Township, Chesterfield Township, St. Clair Shores, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Troy, Rochester Hills, Farmington Hills, and surrounding Metro Detroit communities. From our Sterling Heights headquarters, we typically arrive on-site within 60 minutes anywhere in our service area.

Prime Restoration combines five differentiators most Southeast Michigan restoration companies do not offer together: 60-minute emergency response from two physical Michigan offices, trained restoration technicians on every crew, carrier-direct billing on covered claims when assigned by the policyholder, 0% APR financing with 90-second approval decisions, and 5-star ratings across Google, Thumbtack, and Facebook from 100+ verified reviews. We also handle mitigation through reconstruction with one team — no handoffs to a separate rebuild contractor.

Call (586) 277-1069 for Macomb County emergencies or (586) 277-1069 for Oakland County emergencies. Both lines are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. For non-emergency inquiries, free estimates, or insurance claim consultations, the same numbers reach our team during business hours. Online quote forms are also available at primerestorationllc.com.