Disaster Recovery for Commercial Properties: Everything You Need to Know

What to Do After a Disaster at Your Business: Answers to the Questions You’re Probably Asking

Disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it's a fire, flood, storm, or some kind of hazardous incident, the aftermath is overwhelming—especially if you're responsible for a commercial building or business. If you're unsure where to even begin, you're not alone.

Here are the most common questions we hear at NCRI—and what you need to know to make smart decisions fast.

How do I choose the right disaster restoration company?

The first thing to understand is that not all restoration companies are built for commercial losses. Look for a company that:

• Specializes in commercial or large-loss restoration
• Offers 24/7 emergency response
• Has the manpower and equipment to handle multi-story or multi-site buildings
• Works directly with your insurance provider
• Can handle both cleanup and reconstruction

A good restoration partner should feel more like a project manager than just a contractor. At NCRI, for example, we deploy full teams that include site supervisors, estimators, health & safety specialists, and skilled labor—all working under one roof.

What should I do right after a fire in my building?

If you’ve just had a fire, first make sure everyone is safe and the fire department has cleared the scene. Then:

1. Secure the property – board up windows, doors, or broken walls.
2. Call a restoration company immediately – the sooner they’re on-site, the more damage they can prevent.
3. Document everything – take photos of the damage before moving anything.
4. Notify your insurance company – start the claim process.

Time matters. Smoke damage gets worse by the hour, and water from sprinklers can lead to mold within a day or two.

How long does commercial water damage restoration take?

It depends on how bad the damage is, but here’s a rough timeline:

• First 24–48 hours: Water extraction and drying setup
• 3–5 days: Dry-out phase with dehumidifiers and fans
• 1–3 weeks: Cleanup, material removal, and sanitization
• Up to several months: Full repairs and reconstruction if structural damage occurred

A small office suite might take a week. A 100,000-square-foot warehouse? That’s a whole different story. But a good restoration team will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

How much does commercial mold remediation cost?

Mold remediation in commercial spaces can range widely based on size and severity:

• Small area (under 300 sq. ft.): $2,000–$5,000
• Medium area (1,000–5,000 sq. ft.): $10,000–$30,000
• Large facilities (multi-floor or multi-building): $50,000+

Factors that affect price:

• Type of mold
• HVAC contamination
• Need for demolition
• Business interruption costs

Insurance may cover it—especially if the mold was caused by a covered water event.

What’s actually included in a full-service disaster recovery plan?

A true full-service plan covers everything from the moment the disaster hits to the moment your building is safe and operational again. That includes:

• Emergency board-up and site security
• Water extraction, drying, and dehumidification
• Fire/smoke cleanup and odor removal
• Mold remediation
• Biohazard or trauma cleanup
• Debris removal
• Complete reconstruction and repairs
• Documentation and insurance coordination

You shouldn’t have to juggle five contractors. One team should be able to handle it all.

How do I file an insurance claim after a disaster?

It’s easier if you’ve got help, but here are the basic steps:

1. Call your insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Document everything – photos, videos, written notes.
3. Keep damaged items (if safe) for proof.
4. Get an estimate from your restoration provider.
5. Meet the adjuster – your contractor can often meet them onsite.
6. Track all receipts for expenses and temporary repairs.

Most commercial policies cover fire, water, and storm damage—but always read the fine print. Restoration companies like NCRI often help businesses prepare and submit documentation to make the claims process smoother.

What happens during a commercial biohazard cleanup?

Biohazard cleanups are serious business. Whether it’s a trauma scene, sewage backup, or chemical contamination, here's what happens:

• The area is sealed off and contained
• Technicians wear full PPE (protective suits, masks, gloves)
• Specialized equipment like air scrubbers or foggers are used
• All contaminated materials are safely removed
• The site is disinfected, deodorized, and tested to verify safety

This isn’t janitorial work—it’s hazardous material handling, and it needs to meet OSHA, EPA, and local codes.

Can I keep my business open during restoration?

Sometimes. It depends on:

• The extent of the damage
• Whether the utilities (power, water, HVAC) are working
• If the affected areas can be safely isolated
• Local health and safety regulations

We’ve seen businesses operate with limited capacity while restoration is underway—think: one floor closed off, staff working remotely, or customers redirected temporarily.

The best restoration companies will help you stay open if it’s safe to do so, even during cleanup.

What’s a Category 3 water loss—and why is it so serious?

A Category 3 water loss is the worst kind. It’s water that’s contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins—think sewage backups, floodwater, or standing water from long-neglected leaks.

This type of water requires:

• Protective gear and full containment
• Disposal of porous materials (carpet, drywall, insulation)
• Heavy disinfecting and deodorizing
• Often, mold remediation too

It’s not just about water—it’s about biohazards. You don’t want to DIY this.

What's the difference between restoration and remediation?

Great question.

• Remediation is about removing the hazard—like mold, asbestos, or lead. It’s focused on stopping the problem from spreading.
• Restoration is about returning the property to pre-loss condition—that means rebuilding, replacing, repainting, and getting you back to normal.

Most large disasters need both. First you stop the danger (remediation), then you rebuild (restoration).

Need help? We’re here 24/7.

If you're dealing with any kind of damage to your business property—don’t wait. NCRI has nationwide teams standing by and ready to help you recover fast. Call us anytime or request help through our website.

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