Frequently Asked Questions

We serve the entire Greater Toronto Area extending north to Barrie, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Stouffville, Georgina, Bradford, Barrie, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oakville, Milton, King City, and all surrounding communities. Our emergency response vehicles are strategically positioned to reach you within 60 minutes.

Yes! Property emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—including holidays. Call 1-833-REST0RE anytime for immediate assistance.

We guarantee arrival within 60 minutes for emergency calls in our service area. Our rapid response helps minimize damage, reduce restoration costs, and prevent secondary issues like mold growth. Every minute counts in an emergency, which is why we maintain multiple mobile response units ready to deploy immediately.

Absolutely. We are a fully licensed general contractor with comprehensive liability insurance ($2M coverage) and workers' compensation insurance. Our technicians hold IICRC certifications including Water Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSR), and Mold Remediation Specialist credentials.

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation inspections and estimates for all restoration projects. Our detailed assessments include the scope of work, estimated timeline, and transparent pricing. We'll also help you understand your insurance coverage and what to expect during the restoration process.

All our technicians are IICRC certified, the gold standard in the restoration industry. Certifications include: Water Restoration Technician (WRT), Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT), Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT), Odor Control Technician (OCT), Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), and Applied Structural Drying (ASD). We also maintain ongoing training to stay current with the latest techniques and equipment.

Approved Restorations has been serving the Greater Toronto Area with professional restoration services for over a decade. Our team brings decades of combined experience in water, fire, mold, and storm damage restoration. We've successfully completed thousands of restoration projects and built strong relationships with homeowners, property managers, and insurance companies throughout Ontario.

Yes, we provide restoration services for both residential and commercial properties of all sizes. From single-family homes and condos to large commercial buildings, warehouses, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential buildings—we have the equipment, expertise, and manpower to handle projects of any scale.

Yes! We work directly with all major insurance companies including Intact, Aviva, TD Insurance, Desjardins, Co-operators, Wawanesa, Economical, and many others. We handle all documentation, photos, moisture readings, and provide detailed reports that insurers require. Our experience helps streamline your claim and maximize your coverage.

Most homeowner and commercial insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage from water (burst pipes, appliance leaks), fire, smoke, and storm damage. Coverage depends on your specific policy and the cause of damage. We'll review your policy with you and help determine coverage before starting work. Gradual damage from neglected maintenance is typically not covered.

First, call us immediately—we'll stabilize the damage to prevent it from worsening. Then notify your insurance company and provide them with our initial assessment. An adjuster will inspect the property (we'll be there with you). We'll provide a detailed estimate that we negotiate directly with your insurer. Once approved, we complete the restoration while you pay only your deductible.

Yes! You have the right to choose your own contractor. While insurance companies may recommend "preferred vendors," you are not obligated to use them. Choosing an independent company like Approved Restorations means we work for YOU, not the insurance company. We'll advocate for complete restoration, not just the minimum the insurer wants to pay.

It depends on your insurer and claims history. Generally, one claim for a covered peril (like a burst pipe) shouldn't significantly impact your rates. However, multiple claims in a short period or claims for preventable damage may result in higher premiums or non-renewal. Always weigh the claim amount against potential rate increases—small claims close to your deductible may not be worth filing.

Most policies require prompt notification—typically within 60-90 days of discovering the damage. However, you should report damage as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can result in claim denial, especially if the delay caused additional damage. For best results, contact your insurance within 24-48 hours of discovering the loss.

This is common! Insurance adjusters often use software that underestimates local costs. We provide detailed estimates using industry-standard pricing and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. If hidden damage is discovered during restoration, we file supplemental claims to cover the additional work. You should never have to accept an inadequate settlement.

In most cases, no. We offer direct billing to insurance companies for covered claims. You typically only pay your deductible upfront. Emergency mitigation (water extraction, board-up, tarping) is almost always covered by insurance because it prevents further damage—which saves them money in the long run.

A claims adjuster inspects the physical damage and creates an estimate. They may be staff adjusters (employees) or independent adjusters (contractors). A claims examiner is the person at the insurance company office who reviews the adjuster's report, makes coverage decisions, and authorizes payments. Both may be involved in your claim.

Mold coverage is complicated. If mold results from a covered peril (like a burst pipe), it's typically covered—but often with limits ($10,000-$25,000). Mold from long-term leaks, humidity, or poor maintenance is usually NOT covered. Many policies exclude mold entirely unless you purchase a mold endorsement. Check your policy or ask your broker about your specific mold coverage.

Yes! You have a duty to mitigate (prevent further damage). Emergency repairs like tarping a damaged roof, extracting standing water, or boarding up broken windows are expected and covered. Document everything with photos before and after temporary repairs. Keep receipts for materials. Don't make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected—but emergency mitigation should not wait.

ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value of damaged items—a 10-year-old roof might only get 50% of replacement cost. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace with new items of similar quality without depreciation. RCV policies are better but cost more. Check your policy to know which you have.

First, ensure safety—turn off electricity to affected areas if safe to do so. Stop the water source if possible (shut off main water valve for plumbing issues). Call us immediately at 1-833-REST0RE. Move valuables to dry areas. Take photos and videos for insurance. Don't use household vacuums on water—they're not designed for it and create electrical hazards.

The drying process typically takes 3-5 days depending on the extent of damage, materials affected, and humidity levels. Complete restoration including repairs may take 1-4 weeks for moderate damage. Severe damage requiring major reconstruction can take several months. We provide detailed timelines after our initial assessment and keep you updated throughout the process.

Natural drying is too slow and ineffective. Water wicks into building materials, saturating areas you can't see. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours. Without proper extraction and drying, you'll face hidden damage, mold growth, warped materials, and structural issues. Professional equipment removes moisture from deep within walls, floors, and substructures—something air drying can't accomplish.

We use commercial-grade equipment including truck-mounted extractors, submersible pumps for standing water, industrial air movers for evaporation, commercial dehumidifiers, injectidry systems for wall cavities, hardwood floor drying mats, moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, and HEPA air scrubbers. This professional equipment is far more powerful than anything available for rent.

Not necessarily! If we respond quickly (within 24-48 hours), hardwood floors can often be saved using specialized drying mats and techniques. However, if wood has been saturated for too long, cupping, buckling, or warping may be irreversible. The longer water sits, the less likely floors can be saved. That's why fast response is critical.

Category 1 (Clean Water): From a clean source like a broken supply line. Category 2 (Gray Water): Contains contaminants—dishwasher/washing machine overflow, sump pump failure. Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated—sewage, flooding, toilet overflow with feces. Category 2 and 3 require special handling, disinfection, and often removal of affected materials.

Yes, mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure in the right conditions. That's why fast response and proper drying are critical. We monitor moisture levels throughout the drying process and won't stop until readings show materials are fully dry. If mold is discovered, we have certified remediation specialists on staff.

Yes. Sewage backups are Category 3 (black water) emergencies requiring immediate professional attention. We have the training, equipment, and protective gear to safely extract sewage, remove contaminated materials, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces, and restore your property. This is not a DIY situation—proper decontamination is essential for your family's health.

Wait for the fire department to declare the property safe before entering. Contact your insurance company to report the loss. Call us for emergency board-up and tarping to secure the property. Don't attempt to clean soot yourself—improper cleaning can cause permanent damage. Don't turn on HVAC systems—this spreads smoke and soot throughout the property. We'll guide you through next steps.

Yes, most smoke damage can be cleaned and restored by professionals. We use specialized cleaning agents, techniques, and equipment designed for different types of smoke residue (dry, wet, protein, fuel oil). Contents can often be cleaned and restored rather than replaced. The key is acting quickly—smoke residue becomes harder to remove and can cause permanent staining the longer it sits.

Smoke odor removal requires a multi-step approach: thorough cleaning of all surfaces, removal of heavily damaged materials, HEPA air filtration, thermal fogging or ozone treatment to neutralize odor molecules, sealing surfaces with odor-blocking primers where needed, and treating HVAC systems. Simply masking odor doesn't work—we eliminate the source.

Yes! Water damage from firefighting efforts is considered part of the fire damage and is covered under your fire damage claim. This includes water extraction, drying, and restoration of water-damaged areas. Often, water damage from firefighting is more extensive than the fire damage itself.

In many cases, yes. We partner with electronics restoration specialists who use ultrasonic cleaning and other techniques to restore computers, TVs, appliances, and other electronics. Success depends on the type and extent of damage. Electronics should never be turned on after smoke exposure until professionally evaluated—this can cause permanent damage.

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency board-up and tarping services to secure your property after fire, storm, or other damage. This protects against weather, vandalism, and theft while restoration is planned. Board-up is typically covered by insurance as part of emergency mitigation services.

Signs of mold include visible growth (can be black, green, white, or other colors), musty odors, water stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, warped walls, and health symptoms like respiratory issues, allergies, or headaches that improve when you leave the building. If you suspect mold, we offer professional inspections and can test air and surface samples.

All mold should be taken seriously. While Stachybotrys ("black mold") has received attention, all mold types can cause health issues for sensitive individuals—respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma aggravation. Color alone doesn't determine toxicity; many harmless molds are black, and some harmful molds are other colors. What matters is eliminating the moisture source and properly removing all mold growth.

Small areas of surface mold (less than 10 square feet) on non-porous surfaces may be cleaned with proper precautions. However, larger areas, mold inside walls, or mold from contaminated water requires professional remediation. DIY attempts often spread spores, expose you to health risks, and fail to address the moisture source—causing the problem to return. When in doubt, call a professional.

The key is moisture control. We identify and fix the moisture source (leak, condensation, humidity), remove all affected materials, apply antimicrobial treatments, and ensure proper drying. We also provide recommendations for humidity control, ventilation improvements, and ongoing prevention. Without addressing the moisture source, mold will return.

Most residential mold remediation projects take 1-5 days depending on the extent of contamination. This includes containment setup, removal of affected materials, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and clearance testing. Larger projects or those requiring extensive reconstruction may take longer. We provide detailed timelines after our initial assessment.

We offer both visual inspections and laboratory testing when needed. Air sampling and surface sampling can identify mold types and spore counts. However, testing isn't always necessary—visible mold growth needs to be remediated regardless of type. We can advise whether testing is beneficial for your situation.

Ensure everyone is safe first. Don't enter areas with structural damage. Document all damage with photos and videos before making temporary repairs. Call us for emergency tarping and board-up to prevent further damage. Contact your insurance company to report the claim. Keep receipts for any emergency expenses—they're typically reimbursable.

Yes, we handle complete roof repairs and replacements as part of our storm damage restoration services. We work with licensed roofers to repair wind damage, replace missing shingles, fix hail damage, and address any structural issues. We handle the entire process from emergency tarping through final repair.

Most homeowner's insurance covers sudden storm damage including wind, hail, lightning, and fallen trees. However, flood damage from rising water requires separate flood insurance. Cosmetic-only damage and pre-existing issues aren't covered. We'll help document your damage properly and work with your insurance to maximize your claim.

Stay out of affected areas—there may be structural damage. Call us immediately for emergency response. We'll secure the structure, remove the tree safely, tarp any openings, and begin restoration. Tree removal from your structure is typically covered by homeowner's insurance as part of the damage claim.

Costs vary based on damage extent, affected materials, and services required. Water extraction might be $1,500-$5,000; complete restoration can range from $5,000-$50,000+ for major damage. Emergency response and assessment are free. We provide detailed written estimates before work begins. If you have insurance, you typically pay only your deductible.

We accept credit cards, debit cards, cheques, and bank transfers. For insurance claims, we work directly with your insurer—you pay only your deductible. For non-insurance work, we can discuss payment plans for larger projects. Payment is typically due upon completion, with deposits required for extensive reconstruction.

For larger projects not covered by insurance, we can discuss payment arrangements. Most restoration work is covered by insurance, so financing is rarely needed. Contact us to discuss your specific situation—we work with homeowners to find solutions.

Yes! Emergency response, inspections, and estimates are completely free with no obligation. We'll assess the damage, explain what's needed, provide a detailed written estimate, and help you understand your insurance coverage—all at no cost.