Compare the highest-rated restoration professionals in Cambridge, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally owned and operated franchise of the national ServiceMaster brand. They are known for their rapid emergency response and comprehensive handling of insurance claims for water, fire, and mold damage. They emphasize a "restore vs. replace" philosophy to save clients time and money.
As part of a leading national franchise network, this local office provides professional restoration and reconstruction services. They are recognized for their expertise in handling complex projects from initial emergency mitigation through full structural reconstruction, making them a true start-to-finish provider.
While famous for plumbing, many Roto-Rooter locations, including this one, offer extensive water cleanup and restoration services. They are a strong choice for water-related emergencies, including extraction, drying, and mold mitigation, with the added benefit of being able to address the source of the water damage (e.g., a burst pipe) directly.
The restoration market in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is competitive and characterized by high-quality, professional service providers. Due to the city's dense urban environment, high property values, and prevalence of older building stock, the demand for skilled restoration is significant. The market is a mix of well-regarded local franchises of national brands (like ServiceMaster and Paul Davis) and specialized regional companies. **Average Quality:** The bar for quality is high. Leading companies hold certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and maintain robust insurance and state licensing, as they frequently work with major insurance carriers. **Competition Level:** Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and an emphasis on customer service and rapid response times. The 24/7 emergency service model is a standard offering among the top contenders. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing in the Cambridge area is at a premium compared to national averages, reflecting the higher cost of labor and living in the Boston metro area. Most reputable companies work directly with insurance companies, and pricing for insured losses is often based on standardized pricing databases like Xactimate, which helps ensure fairness. For customers paying out-of-pocket, costs can be substantial, especially for major fire or water damage events requiring reconstruction.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cambridge regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about restoration services in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The most common causes are burst pipes from winter freezes, aging plumbing in historic homes, and sewer backups during heavy rainstorms. Cambridge's climate is a major factor; rapid freeze-thaw cycles in winter stress pipes, while intense summer downpours can overwhelm older municipal sewer systems, leading to basement backups. Proactive maintenance before winter and ensuring proper drainage are key local preventative measures.
Always choose a company licensed by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). For mold remediation, ensure they are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additionally, look for IICRC-certified technicians and check reviews specifically about their work with Cambridge's common building types, like early 20th-century multi-families or historic properties, which have unique restoration challenges.
A standard residential fire restoration can take several weeks to a few months. In Cambridge, delays are often caused by the need for historic commission approvals for exterior work in certain neighborhoods, waiting for specialized materials to match historic details, and high demand for services after seasonal spikes (e.g., winter heating fires). The complexity of deodorizing smoke from balloon-framed, multi-unit buildings can also extend timelines.
Yes, costs are typically 10-20% higher due to the Boston-area market. Factors include higher labor and insurance costs for contractors, the premium for 24/7 emergency response in a dense urban area, and the specialized expertise required for historic homes. Furthermore, Cambridge's strict building and disposal regulations can add to project costs for proper permitting and environmentally compliant waste handling.
Restoration for historic plaster is a specialized process. Unlike drywall, plaster can often be dried and salvaged if addressed quickly, preserving the home's character. However, it requires slower, controlled drying techniques to prevent cracking. Finding a contractor skilled in plaster repair and traditional lath systems is crucial. Attempting to replace it with standard drywall in a historic district may also require approval from the Cambridge Historical Commission.