Restoration standards
The standard
is the scope
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) publishes consensus standards, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), that define how professional restoration is done. When an estimate leaves out work the standard calls for, the standard is your evidence.
Water damage restoration
How water losses are inspected, categorized by contamination, classified by how much evaporation is needed, dried, and documented. It comes up constantly in water claim disputes.
Read the guide →ANSI/IICRC S520Mold remediation
How mold contamination is assessed, contained, physically removed, and verified, with an emphasis on fixing the moisture source and protecting occupants and workers.
Read the guide →ANSI/IICRC S700Fire and smoke damage restoration
How residues and odors from structure fires are assessed and restored, from the building to its contents. Wildfire smoke is outside its scope, and the guide covers what applies instead.
Read the guide →How to use a standard on your claim
- Ask your contractor to tie the scope to the standard. A professional scope explains why each step is needed, not just what it costs.
- Ask the adjuster what standard their estimate follows. If an item called for by the standard was removed, ask for the reason in writing.
- Insist on documentation. Photos, moisture maps, daily readings, and lab results are how a standard is proven on paper.
- Know its limits. A standard describes proper work. It doesn’t decide what your policy covers. Coverage comes from the policy and the law.
IICRC standards are copyrighted publications. Restoration Education summarizes them in its own words and doesn’t reproduce their text. You can get the official documents from the IICRC.