Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about disaster restoration services in West Michigan. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.
Emergency Response
How quickly can you respond to a water damage emergency in Grand Rapids?
We guarantee response within 60 minutes to any location in Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, and surrounding Kent County areas. Our emergency crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What areas do you serve in Michigan?
We serve all of West Michigan within a 60-mile radius of Walker, MI. This includes Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Holland, Muskegon, Grandville, Rockford, and over 50 cities across Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, and Barry counties.
Are you available on weekends and holidays?
Yes, disasters don't wait for business hours and neither do we. We provide true 24/7/365 emergency response, including weekends, holidays, and overnight hours. Call (616) 822-1978 any time.
Insurance & Costs
Do you work directly with insurance companies?
Yes, we work directly with all major insurance companies including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Auto-Owners, and others. We document all damage, provide detailed estimates, photograph everything, and communicate directly with your adjuster to streamline the claims process.
How much does water damage restoration cost?
Water damage restoration costs vary based on the extent of damage, affected area size, water category (clean, gray, or black water), and required services. Most homeowner insurance policies cover sudden water damage. We provide free on-site estimates and work directly with your insurance for billing.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
For insured claims, we typically bill your insurance company directly after your deductible. We provide free estimates before any work begins and clearly explain all costs. For non-insured work, we offer competitive pricing and payment options.
Certifications & Qualifications
What certifications do your technicians have?
All our technicians are IICRC-certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This is the industry gold standard for water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and mold remediation. We maintain ongoing training to stay current with best practices and technology.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Disaster Response by Ryan is fully licensed in the State of Michigan and carries comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. This protects both our team and your property during restoration work.
Water Damage
What should I do immediately after water damage occurs?
First, ensure safety by turning off electricity if water is near outlets or the electrical panel. Stop the water source if possible (shut off main valve for burst pipes). Call us immediately at (616) 822-1978. Do not use household vacuums on standing water. Move valuable items to dry areas if safe. Document damage with photos for insurance.
How long does water damage restoration take?
The timeline depends on damage severity. Emergency water extraction typically takes 1-2 days. Structural drying usually requires 3-5 days with continuous monitoring using commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. Complete restoration including repairs may take 1-2 weeks for significant damage.
Can water damage cause mold?
Yes, mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water damage in the right conditions. This is why rapid response is critical. Our water damage restoration includes thorough drying, moisture monitoring, and antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold growth.
Mold
How do I know if I have mold in my home?
Signs of mold include: musty or earthy odors, visible growth (black, green, gray, or white patches), water stains or discoloration on walls/ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, and health symptoms like respiratory issues, allergies, or headaches that improve when away from home. We offer professional mold testing to confirm presence and identify types.
Is black mold dangerous?
Yes, black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) produces mycotoxins that can cause serious health issues including respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, headaches, and more severe reactions in immunocompromised individuals. Any mold growth should be professionally assessed and remediated to protect your family's health.
Do you offer mold testing services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive mold testing including air quality sampling and surface testing. Our testing identifies mold types, concentration levels, and affected areas. Results help determine the appropriate remediation approach and verify successful removal after treatment.
Fire & Smoke
What should I do after a fire in my home?
First, ensure everyone is safe and wait for fire department clearance before entering. Do not enter until authorities approve it's structurally safe. Contact your insurance company to start a claim. Call us immediately - smoke and soot damage worsen every hour. Document all damage with photos and video. Do not attempt to clean soot yourself as improper cleaning can cause permanent damage.
Can smoke odor be completely removed?
Yes, we can completely eliminate smoke odors using professional techniques including thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and hydroxyl generators. These methods neutralize smoke molecules at the chemical level rather than masking odors. We also clean HVAC systems and treat all affected materials to ensure complete odor removal.