Boise Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

Restoration help across Boise

Boise's housing runs from early-1900s homes in the North End, East End and near downtown, to mid-century ranches on the Bench, to newer subdivisions in Southeast Boise, the Southwest and up toward the Foothills. Those differences shape the kind of damage people call about. Older homes often have basements, galvanized or older copper plumbing and original wiring, and may contain asbestos or lead paint that changes how demolition is done. Newer homes more often have crawlspaces or slabs, PEX plumbing and finished basements where a leak can hide behind carpet and drywall.

Common Boise water damage situations

• Winter cold snaps. When temperatures drop into the single digits, pipes in exterior walls, garages, crawlspaces and unheated additions can freeze. Damage often shows up when the pipe thaws. Hose bibs left connected to a hose are a frequent culprit.
• Basement water in older neighborhoods, from failed sump pumps, window wells that fill during heavy rain or snowmelt, or sewer backups.
• Irrigation season. Neighborhoods served by irrigation districts and canals can see water against foundations when a line breaks or a sprinkler is mis-set.
• Appliance and water heater failures, made more common by hard-water mineral buildup.

Fire and smoke in Boise

Most house fires start in kitchens, with dryer vents, heaters and electrical problems close behind. Boise also borders wildland. The Foothills have a history of grass and brush fires; the 2016 Table Rock Fire burned right up to homes on the east side of town. In late summer, regional wildfire smoke can sit over the valley for days. If ash or a lasting smoke odor got into your home, see the smoke damage guide. For fire cleanup and rebuild, see fire damage restoration.

First hour checklist for Boise homeowners

1. If there is fire, smoke you cannot explain, or the smell of gas, leave and call 911.
2. For water, shut off the main valve. If you cannot find it, your water provider (Veolia serves much of Boise) can shut off service at the meter.
3. Kill power to wet areas only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot. Idaho Power handles service-side electrical emergencies.
4. Photograph and video everything before moving or discarding anything.
5. Call your insurance company and get a claim number.
6. Request a call back from a local restoration company using the form on this page.

Permits and paperwork in Boise

Drying and cleaning generally do not need a permit, but rebuild work such as structural framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs usually does. Inside city limits that goes through the City of Boise permitting office; homes in unincorporated Ada County go through Ada County Development Services. A registered contractor typically pulls the permit, so ask who will handle it. In Idaho, contractors register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), and you can check a contractor's registration online before you sign.

Insurance tips that come up often in Boise

• Frozen pipe damage is usually covered if you kept the home reasonably heated. If the house was vacant or the heat was off, coverage may be limited, so tell your insurer the facts plainly.
• Basement water from outside groundwater is often excluded; sewer or drain backup coverage is usually an add-on.
• Keep receipts for emergency costs (fans, tarps, a hotel). Many policies reimburse reasonable steps you take to prevent further damage.
• You can choose your contractor even if your insurer recommends one.

Boise neighborhoods and nearby areas

Requests come from all over Boise, including the North End, East End, Downtown, the Bench, West Boise, Southeast Boise, Harris Ranch, Barber Valley and the Foothills, as well as nearby Garden City, Eagle, Meridian and Kuna. Tell us your area in the form and a restoration company that works there can call you back.

This site connects you with independent local restoration contractors. We are not a contractor and do not perform or guarantee the work.

Related services

Storm & wind damage and roof tarping · Trauma & biohazard cleanup · Rebuilding & reconstruction · Service areas

Services

How it works

1. Fill out the form with what happened.
2. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company.
3. They call you back to inspect and give an estimate, and can document damage for your insurance claim.

Frequently asked questions

Who do I contact for fire or water damage in Boise?

For active fire or a gas smell, call 911. For cleanup and restoration, use the form and a local restoration company serving Boise can call you back.

What should I do first after water damage?

Stop the water source if it is safe, turn off power to wet areas only from a dry spot, photograph the damage, and call your insurer.