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Water damage and mould remediation in Chicago

Restoration firms for drying and mould removal.

100 pros in Chicago

Chicago's water damage is often a basement problem. From July 2 to July 18, 2023, more than 12,000 basement flooding reports were filed with the city's 311, more than in all of 2021 and 2022 combined, after a record rainstorm that dropped 9 inches on parts of the area. Chicago also gets about 37.86 inches of precipitation in a normal year, so damp basements are not limited to rare storms. When you hire, ask about mould work specifically. Illinois now has a registration scheme for mold remediators run by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and all remediators must register unless they qualify for an exemption. Ask whether the company is registered or exempt, and get that answer in writing. Also check your insurance first: flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowners and renters coverage, so know which policy you hold before you sign a contract for drying out or restoration.

Sources: WBEZ (source, opens in a new tab), National Weather Service Chicago (source, opens in a new tab)

  8. Defense

    Ten years of operation sit behind work in Downers Grove, covering water extraction, mould remediation and fire and smoke damage. It serves Chicago and also offers financing.

    • Website checked

    Rated 5.0 out of 5 46 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (630) 577-7196Website Defense (opens in a new tab)
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Before you hire

  1. Ask how fast they will start drying: Health Canada says a home dried within 48 hours is less likely to grow mould.

    Source: canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Health Canada suggests professional help for extensive mould, meaning a patch larger than 3 m².

    Source: canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Chicago

Does a mold remediator in Illinois have to be registered?

Under the Mold Remediation Registration Act, the Illinois Department of Public Health says all mold remediators must register unless they qualify for an exemption. Before you hire, ask the company whether it is registered or exempt, and ask it to show you the proof rather than relying on a verbal answer. Illinois Department of Public Health (source, opens in a new tab)

Can a company still do mold work if it has no third-party certification yet?

IDPH says people already doing mold remediation may continue without an active third-party certification until September 30, 2027, if they submit a registration form and obtain certification by that date. Ask whether the company has submitted its registration form and what certification it is working toward. Illinois Department of Public Health (source, opens in a new tab)

Will my homeowners policy cover a flooded basement in Chicago?

Not necessarily. The Illinois Department of Insurance says flood insurance is separate from homeowners and renters policies and must be bought as an additional policy, and it typically takes effect 30 days after purchase. Read your policy and call your insurer before you agree to restoration work. Illinois Department of Insurance (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a water damage quote include?

Ask for a written quote that lists the rooms and materials covered, the drying and removal steps, how moisture will be checked, and what happens if hidden damage or mould turns up. Get at least two quotes and compare the scope of work line by line, not only the total.

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