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Fire & Water Damage Recovery
Water Removal Recovery Service, Drywall - Install, Drywall - Repair,
About us
Water Damage Recovery, Inc. is a Northern California Water, Sewage, Fire, Smoke & Trauma remediation company serving the entire Bay Area including Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco and all of Northern California. We also clean up rodent droppings. We are a family owned and operated business with 43 employees. All our technicians are hourly, not commissioned and that has enabled us to provide a high degree of quality and customer satisfaction. We are trained and prepared to respond to emergency or scheduled appointments to assess and remediate affected property structures. We are available 24/7/365, no answering service, certified technicians at all times. We dry and decontaminate your property so that it can be safely inhabited and/or reconstruction can occur. We are fully licensed to operate in the greater Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Areas. Our Business license # is 008030281. We carry $2 million of special Pollution Liability Insurance which is necessary in working with contaminated material (like mold and sewage.) We also are covered with Workers Compensation and Automobile insurance. Please let us know how we can help you!
Business highlights
Se habla espanol
Emergency services offered
28 years of experience
Services we offer
Fire Damage Repair, Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup, Oakland Water Damage Repair, Rat Dropping Removal, Removal Cleanup, Rodent Clean-up, SF Remediation Bay Area and Sacramento Mold Remediation, San Francisco Water Damage Repair, San Jose Water Damage Repair, Sewage Clean up, Smoke Damage Clean-up, Structural Drying, Trauma Clean-up, Water Damage Restoration, Water Extraction, Window Board up Services Sewage Removal and Decontamination Post Trauma Cleanup Services Rat dropping cleanup, null
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.753 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 85% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 4% |
Showing 1-25 of 53 reviews
Janet S.
Mar 2021
Justin's team were very pleasant and responsive to our water damage. They were very timely, which we appreciated.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Good to hear! Thankyou for your business. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Jocelyn D.
Jan 2021
Look, you're not calling a company like FWDR because something happy has happened... Our refrigerator flooded our kitchen - exposing a small, long-term leak that had slowly destroyed our cabinets, drywall, and floors without for years our knowledge. We now had ourselves a water damage AND a mold problem and had no idea where to start. We were lost and stressed and didn't know who to call. I did a quick search and found FWDR because of all of their amazing Yelp reviews. One call to FWDR turned a stressful situation into a manageable project with knowledgeable support all along the way. Javier was always able to quickly and patiently answer my questions (and I had a lot of questions), he referred us to several companies to deal with prerequisite issues (asbestos and lead testing and removal), and it felt like he was there to walk us through the whole process. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the patience and consideration Javier, Santos, and Margarita showed every step of the way. They worked with the other vendors and my insurance directly to make sure that no time was wasted between services from different companies, the work was quick and thorough (proof received through testing), and every consideration was given to my family with two toddlers and small home during a pandemic - they did their very best to work around us and our day to day needs. I can't thank them or recommend them enough. Attentive, detailed, courteous, patient, thorough, and going well above and beyond in customer service - you really can't ask for more from a company you never really want to have to call in the first place!
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you [Member Name Removed] for letting us know how we are doing! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Felix T.
Nov 2020
The experience with Justin at Fire & Water Damage Recovery was excellent. They were referred by the plumbing company that serviced my sump pump. We still got 3 estimate, Justin's estimate was in the middle but I felt good with Justin based on our phone conversation and the referral so we went with this company. Justin did tell me that he might have estimated on the high side because he does not like to surprise the homeowners. What a surprise when I go the final invoice. The final invoice came in much lower and was very close or lower than the lowest estimate I got. Justin and his team also took pictures of how the place was before and after for me to see. They even took pictures of the pathway that they took to get to the crawl space to assure me that they kept the place clean when they got in and out. I was very satisified with Justin and his company.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you for letting us help you! We aren't the cheapest but we work on being the best! Maria Neumann Owner"
Sheryl P.
Aug 2020
Overall they did NOT do what they were paid to do. 1) They were paid $25,000 to document and remove the contents and on numerous occasions they opened a drawer and took one picture, or they missed an area entirely. I would say about 30% of the contents were documented in this way. Their job was to document everything so we could file a comprehensive claim. I personally spent over 150 hours working on the contents inventory to make up for their shortcomings. 2) They were paid an additional $5,691.95 to clean some of the contents that could be salvaged. Numerous items, we can only document 14 of them, are missing from the cleaned contents totaling a value of over $7,000. WDR's response was oh we made a mistake and disposed of those items and you will be reimbursed by the insurance company for their value (of course depreciated) so no harm was done. Of course there is harm!! These items had not only material but sentimental value! We lost everything in my parents home of 50+ years and they just threw the things away. Very Very unprofessional. 3) In the boxes of items that were cleaned and returned we have found items that were never ours, how many people have they switched or lost items on??
Shelby S.
Jul 2020
They were very clean about the time frame, cost of the damage, very clear of explaining everything to us. They were professional, timely, considerate, from start to finish they have top notch service, they were consistent from the start of the job and even on the payment process. They've been a good company to work with.
Minnnie C.
Jul 2020
It was excellent, they were on time, the crew is very efficient and friendly.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you very much! Very happy that we could help. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Joseph G.
Nov 2018
WHATEVER YOU DO, STEER CLEAR OF THIS COMPANY. Anyone experiencing a water disaster in their home knows how traumatic is can be. However, if you hire Water Damage Recovery, your trauma will double. Although the technician that came to my home was professional, friendly, and efficient, it is their management and underhanded billing practices that are unethical and unprofessional. We had a flood in our home due to broken water supply lines in one of our bathrooms. I hired Water Damage Recovery based on their positive Yelp reviews (which I now suspect are mostly fake reviews). They provided a line-item quote of $4600 to remediate the water damage. They came in and tore out all of the wet and damaged drywall, door moldings, baseboards, carpeting, etc. They also placed dehumidifying equipment in the wet areas to dry everything out. After a week, they said that the tiles on the floor and walls were not drying out and strongly recommended that these tiles also be torn out. I asked if they could just leave the dehumidifiers in place longer to see if it would eventually dry out. They agreed to this, and said there would be a "nominal" additional cost for this, but they never provided any actual costs to me for this. They left the dehumidifiers in place, completely unattended, for a couple of extra weeks. You can imagine my total shock when I received a final invoice for almost $12,000. Apparently they felt they could just "leave the meter running" without even informing what the costs would be, and then submit whatever outrageous amount they wanted. In fact, my insurance company initially refused to pay such an outrageous amount, especially since no updated costs had been provided for leaving the dehumidifiers in place longer. So Water Damage Recovery began a process of regularly harassing me by phone and email, demanding that I pay them the additional $7000. At one point they even implied that if I didn't pay them, they might be forced to put a lien on my home. My insurance company eventually paid Water Damage Recovery the full amount to prevent them from further harassing me. By the way, I found out that the exact same dehumidifying equipment they left at my home for a couple of extra weeks can be rented at Home Depot for a FOUR week period for $600 to $800, compared to $350 to $500 PER DAY which is what Water Damage Recovery charged for leaving their dehumidifier equipment in place for a couple of extra weeks. SO from an initial line item estimate of $4,600, they ended up billing almost $12,000 - again without ever informing of what these additional charges would be..What a ripoff and what an unethical practice. If you decide to use Water Damage Recovery anyway, BE FOREWARNED
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Yes, this customer is right, we screwed up. We did not put in the proper change orders and as a result, he was horrified with our bill. However in our defense, nothing in our billing surprised the insurance company that does this all day every day. It's expensive to have a water damage. The cost of renting something at Home Depot is the equivalent to comparing an egg at the grocery store to an egg cooked at restaurant. We pay our guys a living wage and that is expensive. I'm sorry for his upset and will work at being more transparent. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Shawna S.
Nov 2018
It went really well. I have used other companies to help me move in the past and none of them did well. Water Damage Recovery did AMAZING! They were professional and efficient in their work. If I ever need to move again I wont go with any other company. It was so nice to be able to move without the stress of wondering where my things would end up or if they would get damaged.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"I like amazing! Thank you for the review. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Linda M.
Jan 2018
We had a roof leak that caused mold to grow in a bedroom closet. The office staff at Water Damage Recovery were responsive and courteous. They assigned Justin to provide an estimate for mold remediation. He was punctual and addressed all of our questions. The quote for services was provided on the spot and was below two other estimates. There were great reviews on Yelp for Justin's work and the price was right, so we chose this company for the mold removal. He was able to schedule an appointment based on our needs, arrived on time and worked efficiently. He was knowledgeable and paid attention to details. Justin left the work area neat and clean at end of each day. We are very satisfied with the professional service provided.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you [Member Name Removed]. Glad we could help you! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Haochi Z.
Jul 2017
We identified mold in the kitchen/bathroom shared wall and needed mold remediation. Erik came in for a visit and honest quote. Then he was responsive in working with our insurance company to finalize a cost estimate. The mold remediation job was done by Angel and his team. They were on time, polite, professional and very easy to work with. Angel even identified more water damage area and helped to fully address and contained. Highly recommend the team and the company to anyone who needs professional service.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"So glad we could help you! Thank you for the review. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Evan S.
Jun 2017
WDR's crew was incredibly helpful and responsive. They were able to survey the issue within 24 hours of my call, and had a crew on-site to fix the issue within 48 hours of the initial visit. Fast, professional, and conscientious.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much! That's what we are working for. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
ALBERT G.
Apr 2017
very well workmen were very careful and helpful
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Yay! Glad we could help you. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
JOAN G.
Apr 2017
Replaced, pipes flushed, exam of sewer showed roots.1260
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"I don't think this review is ours. We don't do any of the above services. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Mary N.
Mar 2017
I had used Water Damage Recovery on a prior occasion and was again very impressed and appreciative of the professional service and advice. They were able to do the work right away which is important when water is sitting. Thank you Erik Thorsteinsson!
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much, [Member Name Removed], it's a pleasure working for you!"
Alfred H.
Mar 2016
unknown
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you for letting us know how we're doing. We try to be on time, but that's one of the most difficult things to do. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Michelle G.
Mar 2016
The job finally got done, but it was a painful process. We called WDR around 9am and were told someone would be at our house between 12pm and 2pm to extract the water. Someone showed up at 2pm and did not have a large enough extractor to do the job. He called for another truck to come with a larger extractor. The 2nd truck showed up with two people in it shortly after 4pm and their extractor was also not large enough to do the job. They estimated that it would take them 5 hours to extract all of the water in our basement with their 100 gallon extractor. They sent the first truck to San Leandro to pick up a sump pump to pump the water out onto the street (fortunately, it was clean water). While the first truck driver was picking up the sump pump, the 2 men in the 2nd truck refused to continue to pump out the water with their truck until we signed their contracts. They provided us an estimate of $1140 when they had been at our house for almost 4 hours without having done very much work. We finally settled on an agreement just as the 1st driver showed up with the sump pump. An hour and a half later, the job was done and the final quote we were given was very fair, almost half of the original estimate. Toward the end of the job, the team was accommodating and worked to reduce cost by sending home everyone but the lead tech.
Having a flooded basement is traumatic and having a water extraction team that wasted so much of our time and energy was not at all helpful. Fortunately, everyone was nice and cordial and we worked out a satisfactory deal in the end, but unfortunately, I can't say that I would use this service again.
Having a flooded basement is traumatic and having a water extraction team that wasted so much of our time and energy was not at all helpful. Fortunately, everyone was nice and cordial and we worked out a satisfactory deal in the end, but unfortunately, I can't say that I would use this service again.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Your right [Member Name Removed], this one didn't go right. We were crazy busy and the dispatcher underestimated what it would take to get it done. Believe me, we hate it when things don't come off! I'll take my b's and c's, this one I deserve it on! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Edith G.
Mar 2016
unknown
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much for the lovely greades! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Margaret F.
Jan 2016
unknown
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much for the review! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Dale D.
Dec 2015
Scheduled estimate appointment for 11:00 A.M. Received call to request earlier time which was fine. Erik and Daniel arrived a little early for the earlier appointment. Erik explained what the work would entail. The price seemed reasonable. When asked if we could start right away or the next day, I said let's do it now, Two hours later carpet was up, dryers in place and running. Erik committed to returning in two days to make sure it was dry and ready to reoccupy. Two days later Daniel called at 8:30 A.M. to let us know they were 10 minutes out. They checked the progress, found it was dry and ready to reoccupy. The furniture was returned to our complete satisfaction, the paperwork completed including the discount, and they left. Erik and Daniel turned a potential disaster into something with which we can go forward. Simply stated, they did an Outstanding professional job.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much for your kind words. We are happy that we could help you out! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Amarpreet H.
Nov 2015
unknown
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"II'm so glad we could help you! Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Megan G.
Nov 2015
My complaint with their service was that they seemed to be getting the job done as quickly as possible without worrying about quality. Specifically, they opened up a canned ceiling light and exhaust fan without worrying about putting it back. They left the screws/fasteners scattered about. I found some on a counter, some on the top of a cabinet, and another that fell behind the fixture still in the ceiling. They also stapled their plastic sheeting into the ceiling to direct the air flow and pulled it out with force when they left, either leaving the staples in ceiling or leaving holes.
For what they charged, I expected a much higher quality of service.
For what they charged, I expected a much higher quality of service.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Wow! I'm appalled. I will look into this. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Leslie H.
Oct 2015
It went very well, They kept in constant touch with us and informed us of each step along the way.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. I appreciate the postive feedback. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Yu L.
Aug 2015
Our first flood flooded due to main pipe blockage and since it was in the middle of the night we went with another company that the plumber had suggested. We quickly felt uncomfortable working with that company as they were very secretive about pricing (saying that their prices differ depending on if the insurance is paying for it or if we're paying for it). We found Water Damage Recovery on Angie's list and it was night and day compared to the other company. They are super responsive and friendly (the Project Manager answers his cell phone and gets back to you right away). They were so transparent and upfront with all the costs. Their estimate was really close to what the true cost came out to be (+/- $100). The guys who came out to the house were extremely cordial and clean. They were able to make suggestions and give me sound advice without making me feel pressured to do anything. I appreciated that they knew I was pretty conservative in terms of what needed to be demo-ed and what we can salvage (without it being a future risk), and they worked around my concerns and gave me alternatives. Their billing department is super friendly as well and was extremely willing to work with me to understand the pricing.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much, you just made me day. Your review exactly represents what we are trying to do as a company. I'm so glad we were able to help you! Maria Neumann Owner"
Joan W.
Jun 2015
I had a hole in the drain from my kitchen that cause a 4x4 lake of mud under my house. Apparently this had been going on for some time but I didn't know it until the weather turn hot and it started to smell.
Water Damage Recovery dug out the mud, removed it and replace it with new soil. They added a antimicrobial deodorizer agent to eliminate the smell. They then placed a plastic tarp down for the plumber to use when he repaired the drain pipe.
William and Santos where very nice. They took every precaution to keep things clean in the house.
Water Damage Recovery dug out the mud, removed it and replace it with new soil. They added a antimicrobial deodorizer agent to eliminate the smell. They then placed a plastic tarp down for the plumber to use when he repaired the drain pipe.
William and Santos where very nice. They took every precaution to keep things clean in the house.
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Thank you so much for your kind words! So glad we could help you with your mud lake! Best, Maria Neumann"
Wen W.
May 2015
unknown
Response from Fire & Water Damage Recovery
"Than you so much for your kind words. We are so glad we could help you. Best, Maria Neumann Owner"
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
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FAQ
Fire & Water Damage Recovery is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
Fire & Water Damage Recovery accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Fire & Water Damage Recovery offers free project estimates.
No, Fire & Water Damage Recovery does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Fire & Water Damage Recovery does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Fire & Water Damage Recovery offers emergency services.
No, Fire & Water Damage Recovery does not offer warranties.