Frequently Asked Questions

ServiceMaster by EMCO serves Pensacola, FL and the surrounding Gulf Coast areas, including Gulf Shores, Mobile, Destin, and Panama City. We provide 24/7 emergency services throughout our service area.

Yes, all our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and receive ongoing training in the latest restoration techniques. We maintain the highest industry standards for all our services.

We offer 24/7 emergency response and typically arrive within 30 minutes to 2 hours of your call, depending on your location in the Gulf Coast area. Our rapid response helps minimize damage and begins the restoration process as quickly as possible.

It depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues, you may be able to remain in your home while we work. For more extensive damage, temporary relocation might be necessary. We'll discuss this with you during our initial assessment and help coordinate with your insurance company if relocation is needed.

Water damage should be addressed immediately. Within 24-48 hours, mold can begin to grow, and structural damage worsens the longer water sits. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 to begin mitigation as soon as possible.

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as from burst pipes or appliance failures. However, flooding typically requires separate flood insurance. We work directly with insurance companies and can help navigate the claims process.

The drying process typically takes 3-5 days, depending on the extent of the damage, the affected materials, and environmental conditions. Our technicians use moisture meters to ensure everything is completely dry before finishing the job.

In many cases, we can save wet carpet if it's addressed quickly. However, carpet padding is usually replaced as it's difficult to dry completely and can harbor bacteria. Our team will assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach.

Signs of mold include visible growth, musty odors, water stains, peeling wallpaper, and health symptoms like allergic reactions when in the home. If you suspect mold, it's best to have a professional inspection.

Small areas of surface mold (less than 10 square feet) can sometimes be cleaned by homeowners. However, larger infestations, hidden mold, or black mold should always be handled by professionals to ensure complete removal and prevent health risks.

The timeline varies depending on the extent of the mold problem. Small remediation jobs might take 1-2 days, while larger projects could take 3-7 days or more. Our team will provide a specific timeline after assessing your situation.

Insurance coverage for mold varies by policy. If the mold resulted from a covered peril (like a burst pipe), remediation may be covered. However, mold from ongoing humidity issues or maintenance problems is typically not covered. We can help you navigate the insurance process.

Even after a small fire, it's often unsafe to remain in your home until a professional assessment is completed. Structural damage, electrical hazards, and air quality issues can pose serious risks. Our team can evaluate your property and advise on when it's safe to return.

The timeline varies greatly depending on the extent of the damage. Minor smoke damage might be resolved in a few days, while major structural fires could take several months to fully restore. After our initial assessment, we'll provide you with a detailed timeline for your specific situation.

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover fire damage restoration, including smoke damage cleanup and structural repairs. We work directly with all major insurance companies and can help navigate the claims process, documenting damage and providing detailed estimates.

Yes, with our professional techniques and equipment, we can completely eliminate smoke odors, not just mask them. We use a combination of specialized cleaning methods, air scrubbers, ozone treatments, and thermal fogging to remove smoke particles from all affected materials and surfaces.

Yes, we work directly with all major insurance companies and can help guide you through the claims process. We document damage, provide detailed estimates, and communicate with your insurance adjuster to ensure a smooth experience.

If your insurance claim is denied, we can help you understand why and explore options for appealing the decision if appropriate. We also offer flexible payment options for services not covered by insurance.

Yes, if you're filing an insurance claim, you'll typically need to pay your policy deductible directly to us. The insurance company will cover the remaining costs of the covered services up to your policy limits.

We'll provide a detailed estimate to your insurance company and work directly with your adjuster to agree on the scope of work and pricing. Once approved, we complete the work and bill your insurance company directly for the covered portion, minus your deductible.

Restoration costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage. After our initial assessment, we'll provide a detailed estimate for your specific situation. For insurance claims, we work directly with your provider to ensure costs are covered appropriately.

No, we provide free initial assessments and estimates for all restoration services. There's no obligation to proceed with our services after receiving an estimate.

Yes, we offer flexible payment options for services not covered by insurance. Our team can discuss these options with you based on your specific needs and circumstances.

No, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Our estimates include all anticipated costs, and we'll communicate clearly if any additional issues are discovered during the restoration process that might affect the final price.