About People First Restoration
People First Restoration provides expert property damage restoration services throughout Central Florida, serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. Our IICRC-certified team handles water damage repair, fire damage restoration, storm damage repair, mold removal, property reconstruction, and emergency restoration services.
We offer 24/7 emergency response with typical arrival times of 1-2 hours, free inspections, and direct insurance billing — so there's no upfront cost to homeowners. Our team uses industry-standard Xactimate estimating software and works with all major insurance carriers.
Call (888) 278-8054 at any time for emergency assistance or to schedule a free inspection.
Emergency Response Questions
Q: How quickly can you respond to an emergency? A: Our emergency response team can typically arrive on site within 1-2 hours throughout Central Florida, including Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. We operate 24/7/365.
Q: What should I do while waiting for the restoration team? A: Ensure safety first. For water damage: stop the water source if possible and move valuables away from wet areas. For fire damage: do not re-enter until cleared by the fire department. For storm damage: stay away from downed power lines and damaged structures. Document all damage with photos and video.
Q: Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays? A: No. Our emergency response services are billed at standard rates regardless of when you call. Emergency mitigation is a standard covered expense under most homeowners insurance policies.
Q: Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first? A: Call a restoration company first to begin mitigation — your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Then call your insurance company to file your claim. People First Restoration can help you with both steps.
Cost and Insurance Questions
Q: How much does restoration cost? A: Costs vary significantly by type and scope: - Water damage restoration: $1,300-$5,600 (average claim: $12,514) - Fire damage restoration: $3,000-$50,000+ - Mold remediation: $1,500-$9,000 - Storm damage restoration: $5,000-$30,000+ - Property reconstruction: $20,000-$200,000+
Q: Do I have to pay upfront? A: No. People First Restoration offers direct insurance billing for all covered claims. We bill your insurance company directly, and you are only responsible for your deductible.
Q: What if my insurance doesn't cover the full cost? A: If our team identifies damage not included in the initial adjuster estimate, we submit supplemental claims with supporting documentation. Supplements are a standard part of the insurance claims process and are not adversarial.
Q: Do you offer free estimates? A: Yes. We provide a free on-site inspection and detailed Xactimate estimate for every project. You'll understand the full scope of damage and projected costs before any work begins.
Water Damage Questions
Q: How long does water damage restoration take? A: A straightforward project takes 1-3 weeks. Structural drying alone takes 3-5 days per IICRC S500 standards. Complex projects requiring reconstruction can take 6+ weeks.
Q: Can water-damaged drywall be saved? A: It depends on the water category and duration of exposure. Category 1 (clean water) drywall can sometimes be dried if addressed within 48 hours. Category 2 or 3 water, or any drywall exposed for more than 48 hours, typically must be replaced.
Q: Will I get mold if I have water damage? A: Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Professional drying that starts promptly dramatically reduces mold risk. In Florida's humid climate, the risk is higher than in drier states, making speed of response especially critical.
Q: What is the difference between Category 1, 2, and 3 water? A: Category 1 (clean water) comes from sanitary sources like supply lines. Category 2 (gray water) contains contaminants from appliance overflows or sump pumps. Category 3 (black water) is grossly contaminated from sewage or flooding and poses serious health risks.
Mold, Fire, and Storm Questions
Q: Is all mold dangerous? A: All indoor mold growth should be addressed. Common molds cause allergic reactions. Toxigenic species like Stachybotrys (black mold) produce mycotoxins associated with more severe health effects. The CDC recommends treating all mold as a health concern.
Q: Can I remove mold myself? A: The EPA allows homeowner cleaning of mold on hard surfaces in areas smaller than 10 square feet. Larger areas, mold in HVAC systems, or mold behind walls require professional remediation with proper containment.
Q: What should I do first after a fire? A: Do not re-enter until the fire department clears the structure. Call People First Restoration for emergency board-up, then contact your insurance company. Document all damage but do not attempt to clean soot — improper cleaning permanently sets stains.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage? A: Yes, but with a separate hurricane deductible (typically 2-5% of insured value). Flood damage from rising water requires separate flood insurance. Wind damage to the structure is covered under your standard policy's hurricane provisions.
Q: How do I prepare my property for hurricane season? A: Get a professional roof inspection, clean gutters, trim trees, review insurance coverage, and prepare emergency supplies. The NFIP requires a 30-day waiting period for new flood policies — purchase before June 1.