All Damage Restoration logo 754.802.9355

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about our process, response time, insurance, and pricing — from a family-owned company serving Broward & Palm Beach County since 2019.

The Company

What areas do you serve?

We serve all of Broward County — including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Weston, Cooper City, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach — plus the northern Palm Beach County cities of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach.

Are you a national franchise or a local company?

We are a local, family-owned company, not a franchise. You deal directly with the owners, and the same team that answers your call is the team that shows up at your home.

Who owns All Damage Restoration?

It was founded by Andrés Villegas, a Florida Certified General Contractor with more than 20 years in restoration and insurance claims. His wife, Manuela Garcia — a certified Mold Assessor and Mold Remediator — co-owns the company and manages permits and operations. Read our full story →

How long have you been in business?

All Damage Restoration was founded in 2019, and the team has completed more than 800 restoration projects for South Florida homeowners since then.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We hold a Florida Certified General Contractor license (CGC1532049), Florida DBPR licenses for mold assessment (MRSA3574) and mold remediation (MRSR3704), and we are an IICRC Certified Firm (#260971). We are fully insured.

What certifications does your team have?

We are an IICRC Certified Firm (#260971), the industry standard for water and mold restoration. Both owners are licensed by the Florida DBPR for mold assessment and remediation, and the company is a Florida Certified General Contractor.

What makes All Damage Restoration different from other companies?

We are family-owned and local, not a franchise, so you deal with the owners directly. We are IICRC certified, licensed for mold and general contracting, we bill insurance directly, and we handle everything from the emergency call to the finished rebuild — with a 45-minute average response time.

Emergency & Our Process

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?

Yes. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Water and storm damage don't wait for business hours, so neither do we. Call 754.802.9355.

How fast can you get to my home?

Our average response time is 45 minutes across Broward and Palm Beach County. For active water intrusion or a leaking roof we prioritize same-hour arrival, because the faster we start drying, the less has to be replaced.

What should I do while I wait for you to arrive?

If it's safe, stop the water source (shut the main valve) and turn off power to any wet area from a dry location. Move valuables and electronics away from the water, and take photos and video of the damage before you clean anything up — your insurance adjuster will need them.

What happens during the first visit?

We inspect the full extent of the damage — including moisture readings inside walls and under flooring, not just what's visible — explain what we found, and give you a clear plan and estimate. If it's an emergency, we begin water extraction and set up drying equipment on that same visit.

How long does the drying and restoration process take?

Structural drying usually takes 3 to 5 days, depending on how much water there was and which materials got wet. Any rebuild work (drywall, flooring, paint) comes after that and depends on the size of the area. We give you a timeline after the first inspection.

Water Damage

My ceiling or wall is wet but I can't find a leak — can you help?

Yes. Hidden water problems from plumbing, roofing, or the A/C system can show up as a damp or discolored spot before the source is obvious. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to help identify where the moisture may be coming from and determine how far it has spread.

Do I have to move out during water damage repairs?

Usually not. Most drying work is done with equipment running in the affected rooms while you stay in the rest of the home. If the damage is extensive or affects the kitchen or your only bathroom, we'll talk through the options with you and your insurance company.

Can you save my hardwood floors or carpet after a flood?

Sometimes — it depends on how long the water sat and where it came from. Hardwood and carpet can often be dried and saved if we start within the first 24 to 48 hours and the water was clean. Water that sat for days, or came from sewage or outside flooding, usually means replacement.

The water looks clean — is it still a problem?

Yes. Even clean water can soak into drywall, baseboards, insulation, and subflooring, leaving moisture trapped inside the structure. If the affected materials are not dried properly, that moisture can create conditions for mold growth. Proper water extraction and structural drying are important even when the water looks clean.

The damage happened a while ago — is it too late to do anything?

No, it's not too late. With older water damage, the first step is to determine whether moisture is still present and evaluate the condition of the affected materials. Depending on what we find, some materials may be able to remain while others may need to be removed or replaced.

Do you handle sewage backups or contaminated flood water?

Yes. Water from a sewage backup or outside flooding is considered contaminated (Category 3) and has to be handled with proper containment, protective equipment, and disposal — not just extraction. We are trained and equipped for this.

How much does water damage restoration cost?

The cost depends on the extent of the damage, how far the water has spread, and which materials are affected. That's why we start with a free inspection to assess the affected areas and determine what work is actually needed. After the inspection, we explain our findings and provide a verbal estimate for the recommended work.

Mold

How quickly does mold grow after water damage?

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours on materials that stay wet, and South Florida's heat and humidity make that window even shorter. This is why we dry the structure with commercial equipment and verify it with moisture meters, rather than just mopping up the visible water.

I smell something musty but don't see mold — should I get it checked?

Yes. A persistent musty or earthy smell can be a sign of hidden moisture or possible mold growth. Using specialized equipment, we can help identify areas of concern that may not be visible, such as behind walls, under flooring, or around cabinets.

Do you do mold testing, or only removal?

Both. A licensed Mold Assessor can test air quality and hidden areas to confirm whether there's a problem and how far it goes. If mold is found, our licensed remediation team removes it safely and verifies the area is clear afterward.

Is the black mold around my bathroom or AC dangerous?

Any indoor mold can affect air quality and trigger allergies, sinus problems, and asthma, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with a weaker immune system. The bigger concern is usually what's behind the surface — visible mold near a vent or wall often means moisture and more growth inside.

Can I just clean mold myself with bleach?

Bleach may remove the surface stain, but it doesn't fix the moisture that's causing the mold, and it doesn't reach growth inside the wall or under flooring. Proper remediation means finding and stopping the water source, safely removing the affected material, and confirming the area is clear.

How do I know if it's mold or just mildew?

It can be difficult to tell just by looking at it. That's where we can help. All Damage Restoration offers a free inspection to evaluate the area, look for signs of moisture or other concerns, and help you understand what may be happening.

Do you offer free mold inspections?

Yes. We come out, look at the areas you're concerned about, and tell you whether you need a full mold assessment — at no cost. If testing or remediation is needed, we explain the scope and price before any work begins.

Insurance & Cost

Is the inspection really free?

Yes. Our inspection is completely free and comes with no obligation. We assess the affected area, help identify where the damage may be coming from, explain what we find, and provide a verbal estimate for the recommended work at no cost.

Do you work with insurance companies?

Yes. We work with all insurance carriers and bill your insurer directly, so you're not paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement. We document everything from the first visit and coordinate the claim alongside the actual drying and repair work.

Do I need to file an insurance claim to work with you?

No. You do not need to file an insurance claim to work with us. We help customers with property damage whether they choose to pay directly or use their insurance. We start with a free inspection to assess the damage, explain what we find, and discuss the available options so you can decide the best way to move forward.

Can I pay for restoration services without using my insurance?

Absolutely. Many customers choose to handle property damage directly without filing an insurance claim. We offer free inspections, clear pricing, and flexible payment options for out-of-pocket projects. Our team will assess the damage and help you understand the work that's actually needed before you make a decision.

What if my insurance claim gets denied or underpaid?

We do our best to thoroughly document the damage and the work performed, including photos, moisture readings, and other relevant information. However, if your claim is denied or you believe it has been underpaid, you may need to consult a licensed public adjuster or an attorney who can assist you with the claim and advise you on your options.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Yes. We offer flexible payment options for out-of-pocket projects. We understand that property damage can be an unexpected expense, so we work with our customers to make the restoration process more manageable. Ask us about the payment options available for your project.

Will filing a claim raise my insurance premium?

That depends on your carrier, your policy, and your claims history, so it's worth a quick call to your agent. Keep in mind that most policies also expect you to act quickly to prevent further damage, and waiting can be used to reduce a payout.

Fire, AC, Remodeling & More

Do you handle fire and smoke damage, or only water?

We handle fire and smoke damage as well. After a fire, smoke and soot settle into walls, insulation, and ductwork, and the water used to put it out causes its own damage. We clean, deodorize, dry, and rebuild — and we work directly with your insurance company.

My roof is leaking during a storm — what can you do right now?

We provide 24/7 emergency roof tarping and water extraction. We can get a shrink-wrap tarp over the exposed area to stop the water coming in, extract what's already inside, and start drying — before a leaking roof turns into a full interior renovation. Call 754.802.9355.

My AC is leaking water — is that something you fix?

Yes. A clogged condensate line or an oversized unit leaves moisture around the air handler, which leads to mold and higher indoor humidity. We repair, replace, and optimize AC systems, and we address any water damage or mold the leak has already caused.

Do you do the repairs too, or just the drying?

Both. We handle the full process under one company — emergency response, water extraction and drying, mold remediation if needed, and the rebuild (drywall, flooring, paint, cabinets). There's no second contractor to hire and no gap between demolition and reconstruction.

Can you also remodel my kitchen or bathroom while you're at it?

Yes. When damage means we're already opening walls or pulling out cabinets and flooring, many homeowners use the moment to upgrade the space. Because we're a licensed general contractor, we can handle the remodel as part of the same project.

Do you work on condos, apartments, and HOA buildings?

Yes. We work with unit owners, tenants, property managers, and HOAs, and we're used to coordinating with building management and multiple insurance policies when water travels between units.

Do you handle commercial properties or only homes?

We handle both. Offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and small commercial buildings all have the same 24-to-48-hour window after water or fire damage. We work around business hours where possible to limit downtime.

Why do South Florida homes get so much water and mold damage?

Year-round humidity, heavy summer storms, hurricane-season roof leaks, and AC systems that run constantly all add moisture. Older plumbing and flat roofs common in the area add to it. Once materials get wet here, they dry slowly and mold starts fast.

Do you speak Spanish? / ¿Hablan español?

Yes. Our team speaks English and Spanish, and the owners are bilingual. / Sí. Nuestro equipo habla inglés y español, y los dueños son bilingües.

Still have a question?

Call us anytime — we're available 24/7 across Broward & Palm Beach County.

Call 754.802.9355