The wind has died down, but the storm’s real impact is just starting to sink in. You step outside to find shingles scattered across the lawn, a heavy tree limb leaning on your roof, and a water stain spreading across your living room ceiling. The recent storms along the Maine coast were brutal, with the January 2024 events alone causing over $70 million in damage to southern Maine's infrastructure and homes.
In that overwhelming moment, the first question is always the same: what now? A rapid, professional response can be the difference between a manageable recovery and a catastrophic loss. That's exactly the gap a dedicated, certified team like ServiceMaster Restore is built to fill.
With storms becoming more frequent, what is the most important step for property owners to take?
The increasing severity of weather isn't just a feeling; it's a documented reality. FEMA data shows that disaster declarations have been higher in the last five years than in any other comparable period on record. This trend makes storm preparedness less of a suggestion and more of a necessity.
For property owners along the Maine and New Hampshire sea coast, the single most important step is having a recovery plan before the storm hits. That means knowing exactly who you're going to call.
The urgency here is real. A ServiceTitan Speed to Lead Report found that 85% of homeowners hire the first contractor who gets back to them. In the chaos right after a storm, that impulse can lead you to hire an under-qualified or uncertified team.
Having a trusted provider like ServiceMaster Restore in your contacts eliminates that gamble. For businesses, their Pre-Loss Planning service takes this a step further, establishing a proactive disaster recovery plan to cut down on business interruption and get the restoration process moving faster.
What does the storm damage restoration process with ServiceMaster Restore involve?
Trying to manage the cleanup after a flood or storm can feel completely overwhelming. A professional restoration service brings a methodical, documented process to the table, all designed to return your property to how it was before the damage.
The experience with ServiceMaster Restore is structured to give you clarity and reduce stress. It generally follows five key stages:
- Emergency Contact: It all starts with a call to their 24/7 emergency line. A team is dispatched from a local hub, like their locations in Rochester, NH, or Stoneham, MA, to get to the affected area quickly.
- Inspection and Damage Assessment: Once on-site, IICRC certified technicians conduct a complete structural assessment. They identify all areas of damage, including hidden water intrusion, and map out a detailed plan for restoration.
- Water Removal and Drying: When there's flooding, immediate water extraction is critical. The team uses industrial-grade pumps and vacuums to remove standing water, then brings in commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry everything out completely.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: Every affected material is cleaned and sanitized to stop mold growth and get rid of contaminants. This covers everything from carpets and furniture to the structural parts of the building.
- Restoration and Repair: The final stage is the hands-on repair and reconstruction. This could mean minor fixes like replacing drywall and painting, or it could involve major rebuilding projects. Through it all, ServiceMaster Restore works directly with your insurance company to help manage claims and paperwork.
Why should I choose ServiceMaster Restore over a local contractor for storm damage?
While a local contractor might be fine for small repairs, major storm damage requires a level of expertise, equipment, and coordination that only a specialized restoration firm can offer. The difference is obvious when you look at a few key areas.
- Certification and Training: A general contractor likely doesn't have specific training in water mitigation. ServiceMaster Restore technicians are all IICRC certified, which is the industry's gold standard. They also hold certifications from the ServiceMaster Clean Quality Assured program and the Indoor Quality Association.
- Equipment and Technology: Your local handyman won't show up with industrial-grade moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, or large-scale dehumidifiers. ServiceMaster Restore uses advanced technology for accurate damage assessment and rapid drying, which is essential for preventing secondary problems like mold.
- Insurance Process: Navigating an insurance claim for water damage gets complicated fast. ServiceMaster Restore has deep experience working with all major insurance carriers, providing the detailed documentation and direct communication needed to keep claims moving smoothly.
- Scalability and Experience: A small firm can get swamped by a major storm. As a national brand with local franchises, ServiceMaster Restore has the resources and proven track record to handle any size disaster, even contributing to recovery efforts after 9/11.
How much does professional storm damage cleanup cost on the Maine coast?
The cost of storm damage restoration can vary widely depending on the type and extent of the damage. The final price tag is shaped by factors like how much water needs to be removed, the category of that water (clean, gray, or black), the size of the area, and what materials need to be repaired or replaced. Any wind damage repair will add another layer of complexity and cost.
But thinking of professional restoration as just a cost is the wrong way to look at it. It's an investment in preventing much bigger expenses down the road. Water damage is the industry's dominant service, with reports from Mordor Intelligence project it will account for 38.56% of the market's revenue in 2025. Water damage that isn't handled correctly can lead to pervasive mold and structural rot, which are far more expensive to fix.
A fast response from an IICRC certified team like ServiceMaster Restore minimizes these risks, protecting your property's value and ensuring a safe place to live or work. Their skill in managing insurance claims also helps homeowners get the most from their coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Your next steps after a storm
When your property is damaged, having a clear, calm plan is your greatest asset. Focus on these four immediate steps to start the recovery process safely and effectively:
- Ensure Your Safety. Before you do anything, check for immediate dangers like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural weakness. Stay out of standing water, which could be electrically charged.
- Document the Damage. If it's safe, take plenty of photos and videos of all damaged areas and belongings. This evidence is vital for your insurance claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Agent. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can to get the claims process started.
- Call for Professional Help. Contact the ServiceMaster Restore 24/7 emergency line at 866.867.3123 to get the mitigation process underway. A quick response can dramatically limit the damage and reduce the total time and cost of restoration.
