FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSs
LICENSING, INSURANCE & CERTIFICATIONS
Are you licensed to work in Texas and in my city or county?
Yes. Hands & Hammers Restoration holds all required state and
local licenses to perform restoration and reconstruction work
throughout Texas. Because licensing requirements can vary by
municipality, we verify local permits before starting any
project. Ask us to provide proof of licensure at any time —
we’re happy to share it.
Are you insured and bonded?
Absolutely. We carry general liability insurance, workers’
compensation, and are fully bonded. This protects you as the
property owner from any liability if an accident or additional
damage occurs during restoration. We can provide certificates
of insurance upon request before work begins.
compensation, and are fully bonded. This protects you as the
property owner from any liability if an accident or additional
damage occurs during restoration. We can provide certificates
of insurance upon request before work begins.
Are your technicians certified and background checked?
Yes. Our crew members hold IICRC (Institute of Inspection,
Cleaning and Restoration Certification) credentials in water
damage restoration, fire & smoke restoration, and mold
remediation. Every technician undergoes a thorough background
check before joining our team.
Cleaning and Restoration Certification) credentials in water
damage restoration, fire & smoke restoration, and mold
remediation. Every technician undergoes a thorough background
check before joining our team.
How long have you been in business and what do you specialize in?
Hands & Hammers Restoration has proudly served Texas property
owners for years, building a reputation for honest, high-quality
work. We specialize in water damage mitigation, fire & smoke
restoration, mold remediation, storm damage, sewage cleanup,
biohazard cleaning, and full reconstruction — handling both
residential and commercial properties from start to finish.
SERVICES & COVERAGE AREA
What types of damage and disasters do you handle?
We handle virtually every category of property damage,
including:
– Water damage & flooding
– Fire & smoke damage
– Mold growth & remediation
– Storm & hail damage
– Sewage backup & contaminated water
– Trauma / crime scene cleanup
– Contents pack-out & cleaning
– Full structural reconstruction
including:
– Water damage & flooding
– Fire & smoke damage
– Mold growth & remediation
– Storm & hail damage
– Sewage backup & contaminated water
– Trauma / crime scene cleanup
– Contents pack-out & cleaning
– Full structural reconstruction
Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?
Yes. We serve homeowners, landlords, property managers,
business owners, and commercial facilities of all sizes.
Whether it’s a flooded apartment or a fire-damaged office
building, we have the equipment and crew to scale to the
scope of the loss.
business owners, and commercial facilities of all sizes.
Whether it’s a flooded apartment or a fire-damaged office
building, we have the equipment and crew to scale to the
scope of the loss.
What areas of Texas do you serve?
We are based in Texas and serve a broad area Dallas fort worth and surrounding cities.
For large commercial losses, we will travel as needed. Call us
or visit www.hnh-restoration.com to confirm coverage in your
specific city or county. We’ll always be upfront if we can’t
reach you within a reasonable timeframe.
For large commercial losses, we will travel as needed. Call us
or visit www.hnh-restoration.com to confirm coverage in your
specific city or county. We’ll always be upfront if we can’t
reach you within a reasonable timeframe.
Do you provide 24/7 emergency service?
Yes — 365 days a year, around the clock. When you call our
emergency line, you’ll reach a live person who can dispatch a
crew immediately. The faster we respond, the more damage we
can prevent.
emergency line, you’ll reach a live person who can dispatch a
crew immediately. The faster we respond, the more damage we
can prevent.
RESPONSE TIME & PROCESS
How fast can you get to my property after I call?
Our goal is to be on-site within 60–90 minutes for emergency
calls in our primary service area. Response time can vary
based on location and current job volume, but we will always
give you an honest ETA when you call.
calls in our primary service area. Response time can vary
based on location and current job volume, but we will always
give you an honest ETA when you call.
What should I do immediately after water or fire damage — before you arrive?
FOR WATER DAMAGE:
– Shut off the water source if safe to do so
– Cut power to affected areas at the breaker
– Move valuables to dry ground
– Do NOT run fans or HVAC until we assess — improper
airflow can spread contamination
– Document everything with photos if safe to do so
– Shut off the water source if safe to do so
– Cut power to affected areas at the breaker
– Move valuables to dry ground
– Do NOT run fans or HVAC until we assess — improper
airflow can spread contamination
– Document everything with photos if safe to do so
FOR FIRE DAMAGE:
– Do not re-enter until the fire department clears the
structure
– Avoid touching soot-covered surfaces — this can set stains
– Call us and your insurance company right away
How does the restoration process work, start to finish?
We follow a clear, structured path:
1. Emergency response & stabilization — secure the property
and stop ongoing damage
2. Damage assessment & documentation — moisture mapping,
photos, and written reports for your insurer
3. Mitigation — water extraction, drying, debris removal,
board-up or tarping as needed
4. Remediation — mold treatment, smoke/soot cleaning,
odor neutralization
5. Reconstruction — rebuilding damaged structures, flooring,
drywall, cabinets, and finishes
6. Final walk-through — we walk the property with you to
confirm everything meets your satisfaction
1. Emergency response & stabilization — secure the property
and stop ongoing damage
2. Damage assessment & documentation — moisture mapping,
photos, and written reports for your insurer
3. Mitigation — water extraction, drying, debris removal,
board-up or tarping as needed
4. Remediation — mold treatment, smoke/soot cleaning,
odor neutralization
5. Reconstruction — rebuilding damaged structures, flooring,
drywall, cabinets, and finishes
6. Final walk-through — we walk the property with you to
confirm everything meets your satisfaction
How long will the drying or restoration process take?
Drying alone typically takes 3–5 days for a standard water
loss. Full restoration including reconstruction can range from
a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the
damage. We provide a realistic timeline after our initial
inspection and update you if anything changes.
loss. Full restoration including reconstruction can range from
a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the
damage. We provide a realistic timeline after our initial
inspection and update you if anything changes.
COSTS, PAYMENT & INSURANCE CLAIMS
Do you work with my homeowners or commercial insurance carrier?
Yes. We work with all major insurance carriers and have
extensive experience navigating the claims process. We will
communicate directly with your adjuster, provide the
documentation they need, and advocate on your behalf to ensure
your claim is handled accurately and fairly.
extensive experience navigating the claims process. We will
communicate directly with your adjuster, provide the
documentation they need, and advocate on your behalf to ensure
your claim is handled accurately and fairly.
Will insurance cover the damage, and can you help with documentation?
Coverage depends on your specific policy and the cause of loss
(sudden vs. gradual damage, flood vs. pipe burst, etc.). We
help you by providing detailed moisture readings, photos, scope
of damage reports, and line-item estimates in a format insurers
accept. Thorough documentation dramatically improves claim
outcomes.
(sudden vs. gradual damage, flood vs. pipe burst, etc.). We
help you by providing detailed moisture readings, photos, scope
of damage reports, and line-item estimates in a format insurers
accept. Thorough documentation dramatically improves claim
outcomes.
Can you provide a detailed written estimate before starting work?
Yes. We provide a written, itemized estimate using industry-
standard software before any non-emergency work begins. You’ll
know exactly what we plan to do and what it will cost. For
emergency mitigation (such as immediate water extraction), we
begin work to prevent further damage and provide the estimate
immediately after.
standard software before any non-emergency work begins. You’ll
know exactly what we plan to do and what it will cost. For
emergency mitigation (such as immediate water extraction), we
begin work to prevent further damage and provide the estimate
immediately after.
Do you bill the insurance company directly, or do I pay and get reimbursed?
In most cases, we work directly with your insurance company and
are paid from your claim proceeds. You are typically responsible
only for your deductible. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, we
offer flexible payment options — just ask when you call.
are paid from your claim proceeds. You are typically responsible
only for your deductible. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, we
offer flexible payment options — just ask when you call.
What out-of-pocket costs should I expect?
The most common out-of-pocket costs include:
– Your insurance deductible
– Upgrades or improvements you choose beyond like-for-like
replacement
– Code compliance items your insurer may not cover (e.g.,
bringing older wiring or plumbing up to current code)
We will always identify these in advance so there are no
surprises.
– Your insurance deductible
– Upgrades or improvements you choose beyond like-for-like
replacement
– Code compliance items your insurer may not cover (e.g.,
bringing older wiring or plumbing up to current code)
We will always identify these in advance so there are no
surprises.
ON-SITE CONCERNS, CONTENTS & SAFETY
Do I need to move out or relocate my belongings during restoration?
It depends on the extent of the damage. For small water losses,
you may be able to remain in your home. For significant mold,
fire, or large-scale water damage, temporary relocation is often
recommended for your health and safety — and your homeowner’s
insurance may cover additional living expenses (ALE). We’ll give
you an honest recommendation after our initial assessment.
you may be able to remain in your home. For significant mold,
fire, or large-scale water damage, temporary relocation is often
recommended for your health and safety — and your homeowner’s
insurance may cover additional living expenses (ALE). We’ll give
you an honest recommendation after our initial assessment.
Can you pack out, clean, and store my contents, then bring them back after repairs?
Yes. Our contents pack-out service includes carefully
inventorying, packing, transporting, cleaning, and storing your
belongings in a climate-controlled facility while restoration
is underway. When repairs are complete, we coordinate return
delivery.
inventorying, packing, transporting, cleaning, and storing your
belongings in a climate-controlled facility while restoration
is underway. When repairs are complete, we coordinate return
delivery.
Is it safe to stay in the home during work — especially with mold or smoke damage?
For mold remediation, we establish containment barriers to
isolate the work area. Depending on the extent of growth,
staying in unaffected parts of the home may be acceptable, but
we will advise you specifically. For fire and smoke restoration,
soot and smoke residues are toxic, and we generally recommend
vacating until air quality is cleared.
isolate the work area. Depending on the extent of growth,
staying in unaffected parts of the home may be acceptable, but
we will advise you specifically. For fire and smoke restoration,
soot and smoke residues are toxic, and we generally recommend
vacating until air quality is cleared.
Will there be noise, dust, or odors? How do you control them?
Yes — restoration work can be noisy and dusty. We use poly
sheeting containment, air scrubbers with HEPA filtration, and
negative air pressure to prevent dust and odors from spreading
to unaffected areas. We keep you informed of work schedules
and do everything we can to minimize disruption.
sheeting containment, air scrubbers with HEPA filtration, and
negative air pressure to prevent dust and odors from spreading
to unaffected areas. We keep you informed of work schedules
and do everything we can to minimize disruption.
What do I need to turn off before or during the job?
We’ll walk you through this at our initial inspection, but in
general:
– Shut off the water supply to the affected area if there’s
an active leak
– Cut power to any rooms with standing water at the breaker
– Turn off your HVAC if mold or smoke is suspected, to
prevent spreading spores or odors
Our technicians will confirm everything before work begins.
general:
– Shut off the water supply to the affected area if there’s
an active leak
– Cut power to any rooms with standing water at the breaker
– Turn off your HVAC if mold or smoke is suspected, to
prevent spreading spores or odors
Our technicians will confirm everything before work begins.
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS — WATER, MOLD & FIRE
Why do I need a professional for water damage instead of just drying it myself?
Water migrates into wall cavities, under flooring, and into
substructures that a household fan simply cannot reach. Without
professional-grade extractors, desiccant dehumidifiers, and
moisture meters, hidden moisture stays trapped — and mold can
begin growing within 24–48 hours. DIY drying often looks fine
on the surface while creating a serious mold problem inside
your walls. Professional drying is also typically required for
insurance claim validity.
substructures that a household fan simply cannot reach. Without
professional-grade extractors, desiccant dehumidifiers, and
moisture meters, hidden moisture stays trapped — and mold can
begin growing within 24–48 hours. DIY drying often looks fine
on the surface while creating a serious mold problem inside
your walls. Professional drying is also typically required for
insurance claim validity.
How quickly can mold start growing after a leak or flood?
Mold can begin colonizing on wet organic materials (drywall,
wood framing, insulation) in as little as 24 to 48 hours in
warm, humid Texas conditions. This is why rapid response is
critical. If you’ve had standing water for more than a day or
two, mold assessment is warranted — and we check for it as
part of our inspection.
wood framing, insulation) in as little as 24 to 48 hours in
warm, humid Texas conditions. This is why rapid response is
critical. If you’ve had standing water for more than a day or
two, mold assessment is warranted — and we check for it as
part of our inspection.
Can you find hidden moisture inside walls and floors, and prevent mold?
Yes. We provide a written, iYes. We use infrared (thermal) cameras, penetrating moisture
meters, and non-invasive hygrometers to detect moisture inside
building materials without unnecessary demolition. Once
identified, we develop a targeted drying plan to eliminate the
moisture before mold can establish.
temized estimate using industry-
standard software before any non-emergency work begins. You’ll
know exactly what we plan to do and what it will cost. For
emergency mitigation (such as immediate water extraction), we
begin work to prevent further damage and provide the estimate
immediately after.
meters, and non-invasive hygrometers to detect moisture inside
building materials without unnecessary demolition. Once
identified, we develop a targeted drying plan to eliminate the
moisture before mold can establish.
temized estimate using industry-
standard software before any non-emergency work begins. You’ll
know exactly what we plan to do and what it will cost. For
emergency mitigation (such as immediate water extraction), we
begin work to prevent further damage and provide the estimate
immediately after.
Do you remediate mold according to industry standards? Do you offer clearance testing?
Yes. Our mold remediation follows IICRC S520 standards and
Texas DSHS mold remediation contractor guidelines. We use
containment, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatments, and
controlled demolition of unsalvageable materials. For post-
remediation clearance testing, we recommend using an
independent third-party industrial hygienist — this protects
your interests and provides an unbiased verification that
remediation was successful.
Texas DSHS mold remediation contractor guidelines. We use
containment, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatments, and
controlled demolition of unsalvageable materials. For post-
remediation clearance testing, we recommend using an
independent third-party industrial hygienist — this protects
your interests and provides an unbiased verification that
remediation was successful.
How do you deal with smoke odor and soot after a fire?
Smoke and soot require a multi-step approach:
1. Dry soot removal using HEPA vacuuming before any wet
cleaning (to prevent smearing and setting stains)
2. Chemical sponges and specialized cleaning agents for
surfaces and contents
3. Thermal fogging and/or hydroxyl generators to neutralize
odor molecules throughout the structure
4. Ozone treatment in unoccupied spaces for severe odors
5. Sealing of affected surfaces before repainting
We don’t just mask odors — we eliminate them at the source.
1. Dry soot removal using HEPA vacuuming before any wet
cleaning (to prevent smearing and setting stains)
2. Chemical sponges and specialized cleaning agents for
surfaces and contents
3. Thermal fogging and/or hydroxyl generators to neutralize
odor molecules throughout the structure
4. Ozone treatment in unoccupied spaces for severe odors
5. Sealing of affected surfaces before repainting
We don’t just mask odors — we eliminate them at the source.
SCOPE & EXTRA SERVICES
Do you handle plumbing leaks or roof repairs, or do I need separate contractors?
Our primary expertise is damage restoration and reconstruction.
For active plumbing repairs (replacing pipes, fixtures) or
roof installation, we coordinate with licensed tradespeople or
can refer you to trusted subcontractors. Our goal is to be
your single point of contact so you’re not managing multiple
vendors on your own.
For active plumbing repairs (replacing pipes, fixtures) or
roof installation, we coordinate with licensed tradespeople or
can refer you to trusted subcontractors. Our goal is to be
your single point of contact so you’re not managing multiple
vendors on your own.
Do you provide full reconstruction after mitigation, so I don't have to hire someone else?
Yes. We offer complete reconstruction services — drywall,
flooring, cabinetry, painting, trim, and more — so you only
deal with one company from the initial emergency call through
final rebuild. This simplifies your insurance claim and ensures
consistent quality throughout the project.
flooring, cabinetry, painting, trim, and more — so you only
deal with one company from the initial emergency call through
final rebuild. This simplifies your insurance claim and ensures
consistent quality throughout the project.
Do you clean carpets, ducts, and HVAC as part of restoration?
Yes. Carpet cleaning, duct cleaning, and HVAC sanitization are
often necessary after water, fire, or mold events to prevent
re-contamination. We include these services as part of a
comprehensive restoration scope when needed.
often necessary after water, fire, or mold events to prevent
re-contamination. We include these services as part of a
comprehensive restoration scope when needed.
Do you offer specialty cleaning like sewage cleanup, hoarding, or crime scene/trauma cleanup?
Yes. We provide biohazard and specialty cleaning services
including sewage backup and contaminated water cleanup,
hoarding cleanup, and trauma/crime scene remediation. These
are handled with full personal protective equipment, proper
disposal protocols, and sensitivity to the situation.
including sewage backup and contaminated water cleanup,
hoarding cleanup, and trauma/crime scene remediation. These
are handled with full personal protective equipment, proper
disposal protocols, and sensitivity to the situation.
GUARANTEES, WARRANTIES & DOCUMENTATION
Do you guarantee or warranty your work, and for how long?
Yes. We stand behind our workmanship. Our restoration and
reconstruction work comes with a written warranty — ask us for
specific terms when we provide your estimate. If something
isn’t right after we complete the job, we will come back and
make it right.
reconstruction work comes with a written warranty — ask us for
specific terms when we provide your estimate. If something
isn’t right after we complete the job, we will come back and
make it right.
Will I get photos, moisture readings, and written reports for my records and insurance?
Absolutely. Documentation is a cornerstone of what we do. You
will receive:
– Before, during, and after photos of all affected areas
– Daily moisture readings and drying logs
– A written scope of work and completion report
– All documentation in a format accepted by insurance carriers
These records protect you throughout the claims process and
serve as proof the work was completed to standard.
will receive:
– Before, during, and after photos of all affected areas
– Daily moisture readings and drying logs
– A written scope of work and completion report
– All documentation in a format accepted by insurance carriers
These records protect you throughout the claims process and
serve as proof the work was completed to standard.
Who will be my point of contact, and how often will you update me?
You will be assigned a dedicated project manager who is your
single point of contact from day one through final walk-through.
We provide regular updates at key milestones — and you can
call or text us any time with questions. You will never feel
left in the dark about what’s happening in your home or
business.
single point of contact from day one through final walk-through.
We provide regular updates at key milestones — and you can
call or text us any time with questions. You will never feel
left in the dark about what’s happening in your home or
business.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP.
Call or Text Us Anytime: (800) 000-0000
Visit Us Online: www.hnh-restoration.com
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Hands & Hammers Restoration — Serving Texas Property OwnersAA