Choosing the Right Restoration or Cleaning Service for Your Property
ARS offers a wide range of restoration and cleaning solutions, and knowing which service fits your situation can help you get the right help faster.
How do I know which service I need?
Start with what caused the problem. A plumbing failure, storm or fire generally calls for restoration services, while everyday wear, pet accidents or dust buildup usually call for professional cleaning.
Some situations overlap. A water leak that has dried on its own may still leave behind stains, odors or soiled carpet that benefit from a cleaning service rather than a full restoration response.
What's the difference between restoration and cleaning?
Restoration addresses damage: removing water, drying structures, cleaning smoke and soot, remediating mold or repairing storm-related damage so a property returns to a safe, usable condition.
Cleaning services maintain and refresh a property that hasn't necessarily been damaged, such as routine carpet, upholstery, floor or air duct cleaning.
What happens during a typical restoration project?
Most restoration projects start with an assessment to determine what's affected and how extensive the damage is.
From there, the work usually moves through stabilization, water removal or debris cleanup, drying or sanitizing, and finally repairs or restoration of the affected materials.
The exact steps depend on the type of damage. Fire damage, for example, involves smoke and soot cleanup in addition to any water used during firefighting efforts.
How can I tell if I have a hidden moisture or mold problem?
Watch for musty odors, discoloration on walls or ceilings, peeling paint, warped flooring or a previous leak that was never fully dried out.
These signs can indicate moisture trapped behind surfaces even when nothing looks obviously wet.
A professional moisture inspection can confirm whether an area needs drying or mold remediation before the problem spreads further.
Do I need separate companies for restoration and cleaning?
Not necessarily. Working with one company that offers both restoration and cleaning services can simplify scheduling, especially after a loss that leaves both structural damage and dirty carpets, floors or upholstery behind.
This can also reduce the number of site visits and assessments needed to get a full picture of what your property requires.
What can I do to maintain my property between services?
Check appliance hoses, water heaters and visible plumbing periodically for early signs of wear or leaks.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear so rainwater drains away from the foundation instead of pooling near the structure.
Schedule routine cleaning for carpets, floors and air ducts to help remove buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
What if I'm not sure how bad the damage is?
It's common to underestimate water or smoke damage because much of it can be hidden behind walls, under flooring or inside HVAC systems.
A professional assessment can identify the full scope of the problem, which helps you understand what type of service, and how much of it, your property actually needs before work begins.