24/7/365 Emergency Response (616) 822-1978

What is the difference between water damage mitigation and restoration?

Mitigation is the emergency phase — water extraction, structural drying, and removal of unsalvageable materials to prevent further damage. Restoration is the rebuilding phase — reinstalling drywall, flooring, trim, cabinets, and paint. They are billed as separate Xactimate scopes under different insurance claim line items.
Category: Water Damage Reviewed: 2026-04-19 Source: IICRC S500 §12 · Xactimate documentation
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Ryan PennyIICRC WRT/ASD/AMRT/FSRT/OCT · MI Builder License #2101187907 · Family-owned restoration in West Michigan since 1981.

Need this in the real world?

Ryan answers personally. Crew dispatched in under 60 minutes across Kent & Ottawa County, 24/7.

(616) 822-1978
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