What Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling Does After Water, Fire, and Storm Damage

Paul Davis handles property damage from water, fire, storms, and mold across South Carolina

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling is a national restoration company with local franchises in South Carolina that responds to property damage from water intrusion, fire, smoke, storms, and mold growth. They work with homeowners and business owners to assess damage, coordinate with insurance companies, and manage the repair or rebuild process. The company operates 24/7 for emergency calls and handles everything from initial inspection through final reconstruction.

Unlike some restoration services that only handle cleanup, Paul Davis also manages the remodeling phase—meaning they can restore a property to its original condition or improve it during the rebuild. This matters because it means you work with one company rather than coordinating between a restoration crew and a separate contractor.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Davis responds to emergency water, fire, storm, and mold damage 24 hours a day and coordinates directly with insurance adjusters.
• The company handles both restoration (cleanup and repair) and remodeling (upgrades or improvements) under one roof, reducing coordination between contractors.
• You can reach Paul Davis by phone for an immediate assessment, and they typically arrive within hours for emergency situations.
• Paul Davis works as a preferred vendor with most major insurance companies, which can streamline the claims and payment process.

How Paul Davis responds to emergencies

When you call Paul Davis for emergency damage, you reach a dispatcher who takes your address and the type of damage. For water damage from burst pipes, flooding, or roof leaks, they prioritize stopping the source and removing standing water to prevent mold. For fire damage, they handle debris removal, smoke odor elimination, and structural assessment. Storm damage calls involve tarping roofs, removing fallen trees or branches, and documenting damage for insurance.

Response time depends on your location and current call volume, but the company aims to reach emergency calls within hours rather than days. Once on-site, a Paul Davis crew photographs damage, identifies what can be salvaged, and outlines the scope of work needed. They then coordinate with your insurance company—sending photos, estimates, and documentation directly to your adjuster to speed up the claims process.

Working with insurance companies

Paul Davis is a preferred vendor with most major insurers in South Carolina, which means your insurance company already has a relationship with them and trusts their estimates and workmanship. This status can reduce friction during the claims process because the adjuster knows Paul Davis's pricing and standards.

When Paul Davis submits an estimate to your insurance company, they include photos, itemized costs, and a timeline. If the adjuster approves the estimate, Paul Davis can often begin work immediately without waiting for a check—they bill the insurance company directly. If the adjuster disputes the estimate or requests additional documentation, Paul Davis handles that negotiation rather than leaving you to argue with the insurance company alone.

You should still review your insurance policy and the estimate yourself. Paul Davis works within what insurance covers, but your policy may have limits, deductibles, or exclusions that affect what gets paid for. Ask Paul Davis to explain any line items you don't understand before work begins.

The difference between restoration and remodeling

Restoration means returning a property to the condition it was in before the damage occurred. This includes removing water-damaged drywall, replacing flooring, repainting, and fixing structural elements. Remodeling means upgrading or changing the space during the repair—for example, replacing old flooring with new materials, updating kitchen cabinets, or improving insulation while walls are open.

Paul Davis can do both, which gives you options. Some homeowners choose straight restoration to get back to normal quickly. Others use the damage as an opportunity to upgrade—for instance, replacing water-damaged carpet with tile or hardwood, or installing new windows while the wall is being repaired anyway. Remodeling costs more than restoration, but doing it during the damage repair can be cheaper than hiring a separate contractor later because the walls are already open and crews are already on-site.

Your insurance typically covers restoration to the original condition but not upgrades. If you choose to remodel, you pay the difference between restoration cost and remodeling cost out of pocket, or Paul Davis can discuss financing options with you.

Types of damage Paul Davis handles in South Carolina

Water damage includes burst pipes, roof leaks, flooding, sump pump failure, and sewage backup. Paul Davis removes standing water, dries the structure, treats for mold, and replaces damaged materials. Speed matters with water damage because mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, so calling immediately after discovering water intrusion reduces the scope of work and cost.

Fire damage involves not just burned materials but smoke damage, soot, and odor that can spread throughout a home or building. Paul Davis removes charred debris, cleans soot from unburned surfaces, treats for smoke odor (which can linger for months if not addressed), and rebuilds structural elements. They also coordinate with fire marshals if the fire was investigated by authorities.

Storm damage in South Carolina typically means wind damage to roofs and siding, fallen trees, and water intrusion from compromised structures. Paul Davis tarps damaged roofs immediately to prevent further water damage, removes debris, and repairs or replaces roofing, siding, and structural framing. They document everything for your insurance claim.

Mold remediation is often part of water damage restoration but can also be a standalone service if mold is discovered during inspection. Paul Davis identifies the source of moisture, removes affected materials, treats surfaces, and addresses ventilation to prevent recurrence.

How to contact Paul Davis in South Carolina

Paul Davis has multiple franchise locations across South Carolina. To find the office serving your area, visit the Paul Davis website or call their main line to be directed to your local franchise. Emergency calls are answered 24/7, and non-emergency questions can be handled during business hours.

When you call, have your address ready and be prepared to describe the damage briefly—for example, "water coming from the ceiling in the bedroom" or "fire damage to the kitchen." The dispatcher will ask whether anyone is in immediate danger and whether the damage is still active (like water still running). If the situation is unsafe, they may advise you to call 911 first.

For non-emergency situations—like scheduling an inspection for suspected mold or getting an estimate for storm damage you've already contained—you can request an appointment during business hours rather than calling the emergency line.

What to expect during the restoration process

After the initial assessment, Paul Davis provides a detailed estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline. For major damage, this can take a few days as they inspect all affected areas. Once you and your insurance company approve the estimate, work typically begins within a week, depending on the scope and current workload.

During restoration, a project manager from Paul Davis stays in contact with you, updates you on progress, and alerts you to any issues discovered during the work—like hidden mold or structural damage that wasn't visible initially. If additional work is needed beyond the original estimate, Paul Davis documents it and submits a change order to your insurance company for approval before proceeding.

The timeline varies widely. A small water damage repair might take two to three weeks. A major fire or flood can take several months, especially if structural rebuilding is needed. Paul Davis provides a realistic timeline upfront and communicates delays if they occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Paul Davis if my insurance company recommends them?

No. Your insurance company cannot require you to use any specific contractor. Paul Davis being a preferred vendor means the insurance company trusts their work, but you can choose any licensed contractor you want. However, using a preferred vendor often makes the claims process smoother because the insurance company already knows their pricing and standards.

What if Paul Davis finds damage that my insurance adjuster didn't see?

Paul Davis documents any additional damage discovered during the work and submits a supplemental claim to your insurance company with photos and explanation. The adjuster then decides whether the additional damage is covered. This is common with water damage, where hidden mold or structural damage isn't visible until walls are opened.

Can Paul Davis help if I don't have insurance?

Yes. Paul Davis works with uninsured homeowners and can discuss payment plans or financing options. You'll pay out of pocket rather than through an insurance claim, so costs are your responsibility. Get a detailed estimate in writing before work begins so you know the total cost.

How long does mold remediation take?

Small mold issues can be addressed in a day or two. Larger mold problems that require removing drywall, treating framing, and replacing materials can take one to two weeks. Paul Davis identifies the moisture source during the inspection—if it's an ongoing leak, that has to be fixed first or mold will return.

What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Paul Davis typically offers a warranty on their work, though the length and terms depend on the type of damage and repair. Ask about the warranty before work begins and get it in writing. If you have concerns during the project, raise them with your project manager immediately so they can address them before the work is complete.