Real-World Mold, Water, Fire, and Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs
When you’re dealing with mold or water damage, questions can start building up. That’s why Bravo Restoration & Construction (BRC) created this real-world FAQ hub: to offer fast, clear, and expert-backed answers for homeowners, property managers, and business owners navigating cleanup, repairs, and insurance claims.
Homeowners: Questions on Safety, Health, & In-Home Mold
What does mold smell like?
Mold usually smells musty, damp, or like something old and wet. If a room smells like an old basement (though we do not have those in California) or wet socks, it might be mold especially if it won’t go away.
Can mold make you sick?
It can. Some people feel fine, but others get allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or headaches, especially kids, elderly folks, or people with asthma. We can never discuss your individual health, and we recommend you review our resources page to find medical assistance to determine if you are medically affected.
Is black mold really dangerous?
The color of mold does not determine the type of mold it is. Each individual person is affected differently and based on the species. Only way to determine what type of mold it is would be testing it. Please see our resources page for recommendations
How do I know if mold is behind my walls?
Signs include:
- A strong musty smell
- Peeling paint or bubbling walls
- Cold or damp spots
- People in the home feeling sick in certain rooms
I cleaned the mold but it keeps coming back. Why?
If mold keeps coming back, it means moisture is still there, like a leak or humidity problem. Cleaning it isn’t enough if the root cause isn’t fixed.
Property Managers: Prevention, Recurrence & Professional Help
Do I really need a mold inspector or can I just clean it?
If it’s a small area, like on a bathroom wall, you might clean it yourself. This is because bathrooms and kitchens are painted with high gloss paint that protect the drywall from moisture (to a certain point) But if it’s spreading, coming back after cleaning in bathroom and kitchen, hidden, or you’re getting sick it’s worth getting it inspected professionally.
What is mitigation/remediation?
Mitigation and remediation are the processes used to clean up, dry down, and remove damages caused by floods, sewage etc. Each type of loss requires special training, its own equipment, and its own set of processes in order to eliminate the damages and restore property to “as-new” condition.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours if there’s moisture. The longer it sits, the worse it gets. That’s why acting fast is key.
Is it safe for residents to stay during mold removal?
It depends on what areas have mold; if we are building multiple containments, it may be infeasible for you to live there. For homes that only 1 or 2 rooms have mold growth as long as you are staying outside of the containments you should be fine.
Business Owners & Facility Managers: Cost, Timeline & Logistics
How much does mold removal cost?
It depends on how bad it is. Small jobs could be $1500 – $4500, big jobs might run into larger thousands. Most companies (like us) offer free estimates.
How long will drying take?
This also depends on the extent of the flooding and the materials damaged, but typically 3 – 5 days.
How noisy are your machines?
Most drying equipment is loud, but it is mostly white noise from industrial fans.
What is going to happen to my electrical bill?
Our industrial fans pull a lot of power. Your bill is going to spike upwards. If you turn in a claim to your insurance provider simply send the large bill to your adjuster with copies of 3 prior months bills so that they can see what you normally pay. They can reimburse you for the additional cost.
Insurance-Related FAQs: What to Expect & What to Know
Is mold damage covered by insurance?
If caused by sudden events (like pipe bursts), often yes. Gradual issues (like long-standing leaks)? Usually not. We help navigate the claim process.
Do you work with all insurance companies?
Yes we do. Most of what we do involves working with insurance adjusters, carriers and agents.
How long does it take for my claim to be approved?
This depends on many factors including the nature of the damage, when it first occurred, your insurance policy and carrier’s position, the availability of the adjuster assessing the claim.
Who do I pay my deductible to?
Ask your adjuster who your deductible should go to. Sometimes it goes to the insurance company, other times it goes to contractor. In many cases we’ll be instructed by your insurance company to collect it.
What happens if my claim is not approved?
BRC’s policy is to commence work once your insurance has been approved. If you are not covered for the damage, then it is a conversation with you about how much out of pocket cost and work is possible.
Construction & Repairs: What Happens After Remediation
How long will restoration take?
For small restoration jobs we can let you know when we see your property. For larger jobs the answer is in three-parts:
- Mitigation / remediation
This is a process of demolition and clean up that can take as little as 3-5 days for small water and sewage losses, up to 3 weeks for a complete loss. Please ask your mitigation project manager for an estimated time line for completion of this portion. Please remember that this time line does not include repairs. - Construction estimate
Estimating a loss often times requires 2 site visits. The first visit is going to be within 3 days of Bravo being notified of your loss. We endeavor to upload our estimates within a 3 day time period for the adjusters review and approval. If we get to your home and the mitigation/remediation demo is not complete then we will do a preliminary estimate for the adjuster so that they can begin to get an idea of what is involved.Once the demolition work is complete then we will re-inspect and refine the estimate. We then follow up with the adjuster for approval so that we can get the repairs started. This process can take 1 to 2 weeks, the timelines for this run in conjunction with the mitigation work and timelines.Our goal is to have an estimate that your adjuster can work with as quickly as possible. - Construction Repairs
Bravo has coined the term “unwanted remodel” to better define how most home owners feel about having to go through this, and we really are sorry!What we have found is that the people that are the most successful and happiest after everything is done are those that make the changes that they have always wanted to make. We will send you a contract for the work after the repair estimate is approved by your adjuster. Once this is signed then you will be contacted by one of our construction project managers to meet and go over the scope of the repairs, material selections, and a timeline for repairs to start and complete.
Each repair is unique, so the timeline will be determined by the scope of the repairs.
What if I can’t use my kitchen?
We will contact your adjuster and let them know. Your adjuster will let you know what their companies process is. In most cases you will be reimbursed reasonable additional living expenses
What if I can’t use my bathroom?
If you only have one bathroom then we will let your adjuster know that you need to be relocated temporarily during the process.
What if I can’t live in my house?
We will contact your adjuster and let them know that you need to be temporarily relocated during the process.
Licensing & Capabilities
Are you a licensed contractor?
Yes, we are a licensed general contractor: #956146
Do you do all types of repairs?
We do most repairs inside and outside.
What type of repairs don't you do?
Generally small repairs that could be done by a handyman or similar person or some landscaping needs. As a general contractor, we are able to partner with a wide range of specialized trades.
Do you remove asbestos?
We do not – for this we refer to a preferred experienced and licensed professional.
When You Need Help, BRC Is Here
Disasters don’t wait and neither do we. Whether you’re a homeowner stressed about mold in your bathroom, a property manager coordinating multi-unit repairs, or a business owner facing downtime, Bravo Restoration & Construction brings expert service and real human support.
✅ Locally owned & operated
✅ 24/7 emergency response
✅ Insurance-friendly guidance
✅ Real people who care
Call us today at (707)837-0675 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate. We’re ready to help restore your peace of mind.