When water is on the floor or a ceiling is sagging, it’s tempting to say yes to the first crew that shows up. Take a breath. A clear estimate protects your budget, your timeline, and the people who live or work in the space. Use these nine questions to vet cleaning and restoration companies serving North Indianapolis so you can sign with confidence.
The Restoration & Cleaning page gives a simple, practical overview of common jobs and the methods used and when to call a pro.
1) What exactly is included and what isn’t?
Ask for a room-by-room scope. Have the estimator list materials, areas, and tasks. Clarify whether floor cleaning and restoration covers carpet, hardwood, tile, baseboards, and subfloor drying. Purchase line items for equipment, daily monitoring visits, debris removal, and any tear-outs. A clear scope lets you compare bids fairly and avoid surprise add-ons later.
Quick checklist
- Affected rooms and materials, with quantities
- Equipment counts and estimated days on site
- Contents protection or pack-out, if needed
- A short “not included” section so nothing is assumed
2) What credentials do you hold and which standards do you follow?
Look for IICRC certification. IICRC is the industry body that sets practical standards for water, fire, smoke, and mold work. Ask how the team applies those standards are on your job. You don’t need a dissertation; you just want to hear a straightforward process for inspection, drying goals, and verification.
3) How will you identify hidden moisture and prevent mold?
Water travels. It wicks into drywall, hides under toe-kicks, and settles in insulation. Ask how the company uses moisture meters and thermal cameras, and how they set target “drying goals” for each material. Request a simple moisture map and daily readings until everything returns to normal levels. That documentation is your proof that the building is truly dry.
4) Will you use containment and HEPA filtration when needed?
For sewage, mold, or dusty demolition, proper containment protects clean areas. That usually means plastic barriers, negative air pressure, and HEPA filtration. It keeps spores and dust from drifting into hallways, classrooms, patient areas, or occupied units. Ask how the crew sets containment and how they confirm a clean release before taking it down.
5) Are you insured, and can I see your certificates?
You’re looking for general liability and workers’ compensation at a minimum. If the work involves mold or sewage, ask about pollution liability. Request certificates that list you or your company as the certificate holder and check expiration dates. A reputable firm will share these without hesitation.
6) What timeline should I expect, and how will you communicate?
Emergencies are messy, but the calendar shouldn’t be. Nail down a start date, expected duration, and who will be on site. Ask how often you’ll receive updates or moisture logs, and whether after-hours work is available for offices, warehouses, schools, or clinics. A short daily note or photo update goes a long way for owners, tenants, and managers.
7) How do you handle change orders and unexpected findings?
Once walls open, hidden damage can appear. Make sure the estimate explains how changes are documented, priced, and approved. You want options with cost and timeline impacts before work continues. This avoids arguments when invoices arrive.
8) What warranty do you offer and how do you verify the results?
For cleaning, ask about re-cleaning if residues remain. For drying, ask how the team proves materials are back to target moisture levels and how they will share those readings. For mold projects, ask about post-remediation evaluation inside the containment area and a HEPA clean of surfaces before teardown.
9) How do you keep older buildings compliant and occupants safe?
If your property predates 1978, disturbing painted surfaces can trigger EPA lead-safe rules. Older buildings may also require asbestos checks before demolition. Ask how the company screens for these risks, follows required practices, and keeps people safe during work. Good answers here protect everyone and prevent costly delays.
Smart tips for different decision-makers:
- Homeowners: Ask for a simple summary you can share with your insurance carrier and keep receipts, photos, and moisture logs together.
- Small business owners: Request phased work so critical spaces stay open and downtime is limited.
- Property managers and HOAs: Confirm tenant notices, signage, and after-hours access so hallways and shared areas stay safe.
- Facility managers: Review the job hazard analysis, floor protection, and end-of-day cleanup plan.
- Realtors and investors: Ask for a realistic completion date so closings and turns stay on schedule.
- Insurance pros: Request itemized line items and daily readings to speed claim decisions.
For a broader look at services covered in typical projects, see the local Restoration & Cleaning page.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: What is a reasonable response time from a cleaning and restoration company in Indiana?
For active leaks or standing water, same-day mitigation is best. Many teams can start stabilization the day you call and follow with full drying and monitoring within 24 hours.
Q: How long does structural drying usually take?
Most light to moderate losses dry in three to five days when equipment is set correctly and checked daily. Hardwood floors and complex assemblies can take longer. Clear, daily moisture readings matter more than guesswork.
Q: Do all cleaning and restoration companies test for mold?
Not always. Crews start with moisture mapping and visual inspection. If conditions point to mold growth or sewage, expect containment, HEPA filtration, and either in-house or third-party verification before containment comes down.
Q: What should a complete estimate include for restoration cleaning services?
A complete estimate should include source control, water extraction, floor cleaning and restoration details categorized by material, equipment counts along with estimated days on site, moisture mapping, daily monitoring, disposal processes, and clearly defined repair items or referrals.
Q: Will insurance cover everything?
Policies often cover sudden and accidental water damage. Gradual leaks, long-term seepage, or flood events may be excluded or require separate coverage. Call your agent early and keep your documentation organized.
Putting it all together:
Line up these nine questions with any estimate you receive. Look for clear scope, IICRC-based procedures, moisture mapping with daily readings, proper containment, and a simple plan for change orders, warranty, and compliance. If any detail seems unclear, please request a revision before signing. That one step protects your budget and your timeline.
