How Long Does Restoration or Remodeling Take, and What Will It Cost?

If you’re dealing with water damage, mold damage, or the aftermath of a storm or fire, you’re likely wondering how long restoration takes and what it will cost. At ORC Services, we understand that time and money are two of your top concerns. The timeline for any job depends on factors like the severity of the damage, insurance delays, and the type of restoration or remodeling services you need.

Insurance Delays Often Cause the Longest Hold-Ups

The biggest delay in most property restoration projects stems from insurance approval. Insurance companies can take time to agree on the scope of work and payment, especially for full-scale reconstruction jobs. That’s why it’s important to stay in close contact with your insurer from the beginning. Timely responses from them help prevent delays and reduce the chance of a lien being filed on your property due to unpaid invoices.

Water Damage Cleanup Timeline

For emergency water damage mitigation, work can begin immediately—no insurance pre-approval is needed. EMS (Emergency Mitigation Services) typically kicks off on day one and includes water extraction and setup of drying equipment. Mitigation might require demolition of drywall, flooring, and baseboards, followed by drying of wood framing and subfloors. This process usually wraps up within a week or two, depending on how much moisture remains.

Understanding Mold Damage Coverage

With mold remediation, time is of the essence. Many policies cap coverage at $10,000 to $50,000. If the expected cost exceeds your policy’s limit, you may be responsible for the difference. Delaying removal can lead to additional damage, which you may be liable for. If you’re unsure, our team will walk you through coverage details and help avoid out-of-pocket surprises.

Fire Damage Cleanup Duration

Fire damage restoration takes longer due to the potential for structural damage and widespread smoke odor. Cleaning, demolition, and reconstruction can take weeks or months depending on severity. The key is to start the process quickly to prevent further deterioration and to work closely with your insurance provider.

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Trauma Cleanup

These jobs are often handled on an emergency basis, especially when bodily fluids or other biohazards are involved. However, when urgency isn’t required, customers sometimes opt to wait for normal business hours to save on emergency fees. Either way, we aim to respond the same day and get the site cleaned quickly and discreetly.

Hoarder House Cleanup Timeline

Hoarder cleanups are usually self-pay, although some elements may be covered by insurance if mold or structural damage is involved. Cleanups are typically completed in less than a week, depending on the amount of clutter and type of damage found.

Remodeling and Reconstruction Timeframes

Reconstruction or remodeling services follow mitigation and cleanup. We require payment in full for mitigation before starting rebuilds, and a 50% deposit on construction costs. The timeline depends on the extent of the repairs or renovations. A simple kitchen remodel may take a couple of weeks, while major home reconstruction could last months.