Our Process — Riverside Restoration
How We Work

From Call
to Complete.

A transparent, proven process that gets your property restored as fast as possible — with no surprises along the way.

01
Emergency Response

You Call. We Answer.

Every call to Riverside is answered by a real dispatcher — not a voicemail, not an answering service, not a bot. We gather the critical details about your situation and dispatch the right crew immediately.

While we're en route, we walk you through any immediate steps you can safely take to minimize damage — and tell you exactly what not to touch.

  • Live dispatcher answers within 3 rings
  • Crew dispatched during the call
  • ETA confirmed before we hang up
  • Pre-arrival guidance provided
  • Insurance carrier notified on request
📞
47 min
Average On-Site Response Time

Our crews are staged throughout the Chicago metro so we're never far. When you call at 2am, someone answers — and someone is moving.

02
Assessment & Documentation

We Assess. We Document. Everything.

Our IICRC-certified technicians conduct a thorough damage assessment using moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air quality testing equipment. We document every square inch of damage photographically and in writing.

This documentation isn't just for us — it's your ammunition when dealing with the insurance company. Thorough documentation means faster approvals and fair settlements.

  • Thermal imaging to find hidden moisture
  • Moisture mapping of all affected areas
  • Photographic and written documentation
  • Insurance scope of loss prepared
  • Written estimate provided same day
📋
100%
Documentation Coverage

Every job is fully documented before any work begins. Our reports have successfully supported thousands of insurance claims at full value.

03
Mitigation — Stop The Damage

We Stop It From Getting Worse.

Mitigation means stopping the damage from spreading before full restoration begins. This is the most time-critical phase — every hour counts when water is spreading or structural integrity is at risk.

We use industrial-grade equipment — far beyond what you can rent at a hardware store. Our drying systems are monitored daily and adjusted based on real-time moisture readings.

  • Water extraction and emergency drying
  • Structural board-up and tarping
  • Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers
  • Daily moisture monitoring and reporting
  • Antimicrobial treatment application
  • Mold prevention protocols activated
3–5 days
Typical Drying Timeline

We don't remove equipment until moisture levels reach industry-standard dry levels — not before, and not a day longer than necessary.

04
Full Restoration

We Restore It To Pre-Loss Condition.

Once mitigation is complete and your property is stable, we begin full restoration. This means rebuilding exactly what was damaged — drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, and more. We're not done until your home looks like nothing ever happened.

Our in-house restoration crews handle most trades directly, which means faster timelines, better quality control, and a single point of contact for your entire project.

  • Drywall repair and replacement
  • Flooring installation (all types)
  • Cabinet and millwork restoration
  • Interior painting and finishing
  • Final walkthrough with homeowner
  • Certificate of completion provided
🏠
4,200+
Completed Restorations

We don't hand you off to a subcontractor and disappear. Your project manager stays with your job from first call to final walkthrough.

We Handle Your Insurance So You Don't Have To

Dealing with insurance after a disaster is stressful. We know the process inside and out — and we use that knowledge to protect your interests, not the insurance company's.

We work directly with all major carriers. We prepare the scope, document the loss, submit the claim, and advocate for a settlement that actually covers your damage.

You focus on your family. We handle the paperwork.

State Farm Allstate Farmers USAA Liberty Mutual Travelers Nationwide + All Others
Our Insurance Commitment
  • We document everything before any work begins
  • We prepare and submit your claim on your behalf
  • We work directly with adjusters — you don't have to
  • We fight for the settlement your damage warrants
  • We never charge more than what insurance approves

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you be on-site?
Our average response time is 47 minutes across the Chicago metro area. We have crews staged throughout the region so we're never far. In true emergencies, faster.
Do I need to call my insurance company first?
No — call us first. We'll help you understand the damage, document everything properly, and then coordinate with your insurer on your behalf. Calling us first ensures everything is documented correctly from the start.
Will my insurance cover the restoration?
Most standard homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage from water, fire, and storms. Mold is often covered when caused by a covered water loss. We'll help you understand your coverage before any work begins.
How long does the restoration take?
Mitigation (drying and stabilization) typically takes 3–5 days. Full restoration timelines depend on the scope of damage — small water losses may be complete in 1–2 weeks, while major fire losses can take several months. We provide a detailed project timeline at the start of every job.
Do I need to leave my home during restoration?
Not always. For many water and mold jobs, we can work around your schedule and you can stay in unaffected areas. For major fire losses or whole-home mold remediation, temporary relocation may be necessary — and in those cases, your insurance typically covers additional living expenses.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us now or request a free estimate — no obligation, no pressure.

📞 Call (847) 555-0192