Compare the highest-rated restoration professionals in Charleston, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, locally owned and operated franchise of the national ServiceMaster brand. They are highly regarded for their rapid emergency response, particularly for water and storm damage, which is critical in the Charleston area. They have strong partnerships with local insurance agencies, making the claims process smoother for homeowners.
Known as the "Paramedics of Property Damage," PuroClean has a strong local presence and is praised for its advanced drying techniques and detailed communication with clients. They excel in mitigating secondary damage after a water loss and are certified in trauma and biohazard cleanup.
A leading national franchise with a dedicated local office. Paul Davis is known for handling large-scale losses and providing a full cycle of services, from initial emergency board-up and water extraction to full structural reconstruction. Their expertise in both mitigation and rebuild is a significant advantage.
** The restoration market in Charleston is robust and highly competitive, driven by the city's vulnerability to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. The average quality of service providers is high, as the demanding environment weeds out less capable contractors. Companies must maintain IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certifications and stay current with the latest drying and remediation techniques to be successful. Pricing is typically insurance-driven, with most work being covered by homeowners' policies. Therefore, a provider's ability to work directly with insurance companies and provide detailed, accurate documentation is as important as their technical skills. Customers can expect a premium for 24/7 emergency services, but the market competition helps keep pricing in check. The presence of both local operators and national franchises ensures a good range of options for consumers, from personalized service to extensive corporate resources for major disasters.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Charleston regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about restoration services in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston's high humidity, especially in summer, significantly accelerates mold growth, which can begin within 24-48 hours after water damage. This makes rapid response and professional-grade dehumidification critical. A proper restoration company will use specialized equipment to not only remove water but also control the indoor climate to meet specific drying goals and prevent secondary mold damage, which is a common issue in our coastal environment.
Always verify the company is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SC LLR) and carries full insurance. Given our frequent severe weather, prioritize companies with 24/7 emergency response and deep local experience with hurricane flood damage, historic home materials, and local building codes. Check for certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and read local reviews regarding their timeliness during our busy storm seasons.
Absolutely. Many historic homes in downtown Charleston, the French Quarter, and surrounding areas have original heart pine floors, plaster walls, and antique fixtures that require specialized restoration techniques. A qualified local provider will understand how to preserve historic fabric, match period-appropriate materials, and navigate any review processes with the Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR) if your home is in a historic district.
A standard water extraction and drying process for a single room often takes 3-5 days, but timelines can extend due to our humidity slowing the drying process. For major flood damage from storms or sewer backups, which are common here, full restoration including repairs can take several weeks to months, especially during the busy Atlantic hurricane season (June-November) when local contractors are in high demand.
Coverage varies, but most SC policies only cover mold remediation if the mold is a direct result of a covered "sudden and accidental" event, like a burst pipe. Mold due to long-term humidity or neglect is typically excluded. A frequent covered cause in Charleston is storm-driven roof leaks or hurricane-related flooding, but you must document the damage and mitigation steps immediately. Always review your policy's specific mold and flood riders with your agent.