The AccuWorks Blog: Nashville Property Restoration Tips, News & Local Insights

When you find water damage, acting fast can make all the difference. Quick action helps prevent mold growth and reduces the overall repair cost.

Here’s what to do first:

• Stop the Source: If possible, shut off the main water supply or fix the leak to prevent more damage.
• Stay Safe: Turn off electricity in affected areas and avoid standing water until it’s confirmed safe.
• Document the Damage: Take photos and notes for your insurance claim.
• Call a Restoration Contractor: Contact us right away. We have the tools to extract water, dry surfaces, and prevent mold.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the incident promptly to start the claims process.

Why this matters: Taking these steps immediately can help limit the damage, speed up restoration, and keep your home safe and healthy.

You should call a restoration contractor as soon as it’s safe to do so after a storm. Quick action helps prevent further damage from water leaks, debris, or exposure to the elements.

Here’s why calling early matters:

• Prevents Secondary Damage: Immediate repairs stop small leaks or cracks from turning into bigger issues.
• Speeds Up Insurance Claims: Early documentation helps with faster claim approvals.
• Ensures Safety: Professionals can spot hidden hazards like structural weakness or electrical risks.
• Protects Your Property: Fast tarping or board-up services keep rain and debris out until full repairs begin.
• Reduces Overall Costs: Addressing problems right away often means less extensive and less expensive restoration later.

Why this matters: Acting quickly after a storm keeps your home safe, limits damage, and makes the restoration process smoother from start to finish.

Yes, in most cases, fire damage can be cleaned and restored by trained professionals. Even though smoke, soot, and heat can cause severe damage, restoration contractors have the equipment and expertise to bring your property back to life.

Here’s how they do it:

• Assess the Damage: Inspect the structure and belongings to determine what can be cleaned or repaired.
• Remove Debris & Soot: Safely clear out burnt materials and clean surfaces to eliminate smoke residue.
• Deodorize & Purify the Air: Use advanced cleaning methods to remove lingering smoke odors.
• Repair & Rebuild: Replace damaged drywall, flooring, or structures as needed.
• Restore Personal Belongings: Clean and sanitize salvageable items like furniture, documents, and electronics.

Why this matters: Knowing that fire damage can often be reversed gives homeowners hope and underscores the value of calling skilled restoration experts immediately.

After water or fire damage, mold can start growing within just a few days, especially in damp, poorly ventilated areas. Knowing the early warning signs helps you act before the problem spreads.

Watch for these signs of mold:

• Musty Odors: A strong, earthy smell often points to hidden mold growth.
• Visible Spots or Stains: Black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or furniture can indicate mold.
• Recent Moisture: Any area that’s stayed wet for more than 24–48 hours is at risk.
• Allergy-Like Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, or irritation that worsens indoors may suggest mold exposure.
• Peeling Paint or Warping: Moisture trapped behind walls can cause bubbling paint or soft surfaces.

Why this matters: Identifying mold early helps protect your health and prevents further property damage, so it’s smart to call a restoration contractor if you suspect growth.

Property reconstruction is the final stage of restoration, where your home or business is rebuilt and returned to its pre-damage condition. It’s a detailed process that combines skilled craftsmanship with careful planning.

Here’s what it typically involves:

• Damage Assessment: Evaluate the full extent of structural and cosmetic repairs needed.
• Planning & Permits: Create a reconstruction plan, secure approvals, and coordinate materials.
• Structural Repairs: Rebuild walls, roofing, flooring, and framing damaged by fire, water, or storms.
• Interior Finishing: Replace drywall, flooring, cabinets, and paint to restore the space’s appearance.
• System Checks: Inspect plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems to ensure everything is safe and functional.
• Final Inspection: Confirm all work meets safety codes and quality standards before move-in.

Why this matters: Understanding the reconstruction process helps you know what to expect and shows how restoration contractors handle every step to make your property feel like home again.