Guides for every stage of a loss
Damage to a home or building usually moves through the same stages: something happens, you respond in the first hour, the property is inspected and dried or cleaned, and then it is repaired. These guides follow that order, so you can start with whatever stage you are in.
Start here
- Water just came in? Read what to do immediately after water damage.
- Just had a fire? Read what to do after a house fire.
- Seeing or smelling mold? Read what causes mold to grow after water damage.
Water damage: response and process
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| What to do immediately after water damage | Water has just come in from a pipe, appliance or storm |
| How to identify hidden water damage behind walls | You see a stain, smell something musty or your water bill jumped |
| How structural drying works | Drying equipment is in your house and you want to know why |
| How long water damage restoration takes | You need to plan around the work |
| Water mitigation vs. restoration | You are reading an estimate and want to know what each stage covers |
Cost, insurance and hiring
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| How much water damage restoration costs | You want to know what drives the price |
| Does homeowners insurance cover water damage? | You are checking your coverage or deciding whether to file a claim |
| Professional restoration vs. DIY cleanup | You are deciding whether you can handle it yourself |
| Water damage in commercial properties | You manage an office, shop, apartment building or rental |
Fire and smoke
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| What to do after a house fire | You have just had a fire and need a plan for the first days |
| How smoke odor is removed from a house | The house still smells of smoke |
Mold
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| What causes mold after water damage | You had a leak or flood and want to prevent mold |
| How to prevent mold in a damp basement | Your basement smells damp or feels humid |
| What happens during professional mold remediation | Mold has been found and needs removing |
Kanawha County: local risks and prevention
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| Common causes of water damage in Charleston homes | You want to know what threatens homes in your part of the county |
| Preparing for heavy rain and storms in Kanawha County | Storm season is coming, or you live near a river or creek |
| How to reduce the risk of basement moisture | Your basement gets wet after rain |
Every guide is written for property in Charleston and Kanawha County, with the river flooding, hillside runoff, older housing and humid summers found here in mind.
More detail by service
Each service page explains the work itself: how water damage restoration extracts and dries a building, how fire and smoke damage restoration removes soot and odor, and how mold removal contains and removes growth. The FAQ page answers the most common questions in one place.
If you need help now, the fastest route is a phone call. Call Kanawha Restoration anywhere in Charleston and Kanawha County.
