Our Restoration Process
How Sonta Restoration handles every job from first call to final verification
A Transparent, Documented Process
Property damage restoration is a technical discipline with real consequences when steps are skipped or done incorrectly. Incomplete drying leads to mold. Improper containment spreads contamination. Inadequate documentation creates insurance problems. Sonta Restoration follows a structured process on every job — the same steps, in the right order, with documentation at each stage.
The process below applies to water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire damage cleanup — with variations at each stage depending on the type and extent of the loss. Understanding what to expect helps property owners make informed decisions and know whether the work being done on their property meets industry standards.
Emergency Contact & Intake
Your first call to Sonta Restoration starts the process immediately. When you call (561) 200-5746, a knowledgeable team member takes your information and begins triaging the situation. We ask about the source of damage, how long it has been present, the property type, and whether utilities are safe.
For active water intrusion events — burst pipes, flooding, appliance failures — we prioritize dispatch to minimize ongoing damage. We provide immediate guidance on steps you can take before our arrival, such as shutting off the water supply or avoiding the affected area.
Available Mon–Fri 6:00 am to 10:30 pm and Sat–Sun 7:00 am to 9:30 pm
Damage Assessment & Documentation
On arrival, a Sonta Restoration technician conducts a structured damage assessment using industry-standard diagnostic tools. This includes calibrated pin and pinless moisture meters to measure water content in building materials, thermal imaging cameras to identify hidden moisture behind walls and ceilings, and hygrometers to measure relative humidity in affected spaces.
Every affected area is mapped, photographed, and documented in writing. Moisture readings are recorded at specific points that will be revisited throughout the drying process. This documentation is critical for insurance claim purposes and serves as the baseline for setting drying goals.
Tools used: Thermal imaging cameras, calibrated moisture meters, hygrometers, and moisture mapping software
Containment & Safety
When mold, asbestos risk, or hazardous materials are identified, proper containment is established before any remediation work begins. Mold remediation containment uses polyethylene sheeting barriers and negative air pressure created by HEPA-filtered air scrubbers, preventing spores from traveling to unaffected areas of the building during removal work.
For fire damage jobs, the affected space is assessed for structural stability, air quality concerns from smoke and soot, and hazardous material exposure. Board-up and tarping services may be deployed at this stage to protect the structure from further weather exposure.
Containment follows IICRC S520 mold remediation and EPA guidelines
Water Extraction & Structural Drying
Water extraction removes standing water as rapidly as possible using truck-mounted or portable extraction systems with sufficient capacity for the volume of water present. Extraction is followed immediately by placement of drying equipment — industrial air movers and low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers sized and positioned based on psychrometric calculations for the affected space.
Drying is not a passive process. Technicians return daily to record moisture readings at all monitored points, adjust equipment positioning as materials dry, and verify that drying progress is tracking toward the established goal. Equipment remains in place until materials reach the acceptable moisture content range — not on a fixed schedule.
Daily monitoring logs are maintained throughout the drying process
Remediation & Material Removal
Materials that cannot be dried in place — saturated drywall, insulation, flooring with moisture intrusion — are carefully removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. For mold remediation jobs, affected materials are bagged and removed under containment to prevent cross-contamination.
After material removal, remaining structural surfaces receive HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment where appropriate. For fire and smoke damage, surfaces are cleaned using methods matched to the type of soot and residue present — dry chemical sponge cleaning, wet cleaning, or abrasive methods depending on the substrate.
Insurance Documentation
Sonta Restoration maintains thorough documentation throughout every job specifically to support the insurance claims process. Our documentation package includes a complete photo record of pre-remediation conditions, daily moisture reading logs, equipment placement records, scope of work descriptions, and material removal documentation.
We work directly with insurance adjusters when requested, providing the technical information they need to process the claim accurately. Clear, organized documentation prevents claim disputes and helps ensure that the full scope of legitimate damage is recognized.
We document to insurance industry standards — photos, readings, scope, and final reports
Quality Verification & Project Closeout
A job is not closed until we verify that the work is complete and the property is ready for reconstruction or reoccupancy. Final moisture readings are taken at all monitored points and compared against established drying goals and pre-loss baselines. For mold remediation projects, post-remediation verification (PRV) testing confirms that remediation was successful.
The client receives a complete project documentation package at closeout. This package serves as the permanent record of the loss event, remediation actions taken, and verified completion — useful for property disclosure, insurance records, and future reference.
Post-remediation verification confirms work meets IICRC standards before project closeout
Process Summary
Questions About the Process?
We're straightforward about how we work. Call us or send a message and we'll explain what a job like yours typically involves before you commit to anything.