FREE HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST

The first 24 hours after damage

What to do after water or storm damage, in order, before anyone rebuilds anything. Read it here now; nothing to download and no sign-up.

Read the checklistCall (224) 385-1231
Water-damaged room interior (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo.

Six steps, in the order they matter.

  1. Make it safe first

    • If water is near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel, stay out of it and call your electric utility or an electrician. Do not walk through standing water while the power is on.
    • If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
    • Stay out from under a sagging ceiling. Do not poke or drain a ceiling bulge yourself.

  2. Stop the source

    • Shut off the main water valve if a pipe, fixture or appliance is leaking. Find the valve now, before you need it.
    • After a storm, cover an opening in the roof or a broken window only if you can do it safely from the ground or with help. Otherwise wait for a professional.

  3. Document before anything is cleaned up

    • Photograph and video every affected room: wide shots first, then close-ups of damaged walls, floors, ceilings and belongings.
    • Write down when it happened and what you saw. Keep damaged items, or photograph them before they are thrown out.
    • Keep every receipt for emergency repairs, fans, hotel stays and supplies.

  4. Call your insurance company

    • Report the damage and ask what they need from you, including whether they require a specific mitigation company or an adjuster visit before work starts.
    • Ask whether your policy covers the cause. Coverage often depends on what caused the water, not just the damage it did.

  5. Get it dried out

    • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.
    • Standing water or soaked walls, floors or insulation usually need a water mitigation company with commercial drying equipment. RHP does not provide this service.
    • If it is safe, move belongings out of the wet area and run fans or dehumidifiers on circuits that are dry and unaffected. Do not use a household vacuum on water.

  6. Then plan the rebuild

    • Once the area is dry and damaged materials are out, get a written scope and price for the reconstruction: drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, trim, paint, or exterior repairs.
    • You can share that written scope with your adjuster.

This checklist is general information, not insurance, legal or safety advice for your specific situation. Follow instructions from your utility, emergency services and insurance company. RHP does not provide emergency water removal, drying, or insurance adjusting; RHP handles the reconstruction once the area is dry.

FREE DAMAGE WALKTHROUGH

Tell us what happened. We will set up the walkthrough.

Four quick fields. We review it, call you to schedule, then walk the damage and give you a written price. No diagnostic fee.

Primary area: the northwest suburbs, from Arlington Heights and Schaumburg to Buffalo Grove and Crystal Lake. Elsewhere in Chicagoland? Send the request and we will tell you if we can take it.

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Questions people ask first

Is the walkthrough really free?

Yes. There is no diagnostic fee for a damage walkthrough. You get a written scope and price, and nothing starts until you approve it.

Do you remove water or dry out the house?

No. If water is still coming in or standing, call a plumber or a water-removal company and your insurance company first. Once it is dry, we rebuild.

Will you work with my insurance?

You can share our written scope and price with your adjuster. We do not adjust or negotiate claims.

When it is dry: damage repair paths

ReServe Home Pros rebuilds homes after water, basement and storm damage across the northwest suburbs of Chicago, including Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove and Crystal Lake.