FAQs
When disaster strikes, questions arise just as quickly. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about commercial property restoration.
Ask the Commercial Property Restoration Experts

A trusted resource for facility managers, property managers, business owners, healthcare administrators, educational institutions, manufacturers, municipalities, and commercial property owners throughout South Carolina.
When disaster strikes, questions arise just as quickly. Our team has answered thousands of questions from facility managers, property managers, healthcare administrators, building engineers, school districts, and business owners throughout South Carolina. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about commercial property restoration, emergency response, water damage, mold remediation, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Property Restoration
Ensure the safety of occupants first. If it is safe to do so, stop the source of the water, protect valuable contents, and contact a qualified commercial property restoration contractor immediately. The sooner mitigation begins, the greater the opportunity to minimize damage, reduce business interruption, and prevent mold growth.
Immediately. Water begins penetrating building materials within minutes, and mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions. Early mitigation significantly reduces the extent and cost of repairs. Pulliam follows the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, the industry’s recognized standard of care for commercial water losses..
Yes. Pulliam is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Our emergency response teams are prepared to mobilize quickly whenever disaster strikes commercial properties throughout South Carolina.
Our goal is simple: Respond in Minutes, Not Hours™. Response times vary depending on your location and the scope of the emergency, but our teams are strategically positioned throughout South Carolina to respond as quickly as possible.
Every project is different, but many commercial drying projects require three to five days. Larger losses, specialty flooring, dense building materials, or occupied facilities may require additional time. Drying is based on scientific moisture measurements—not guesswork or arbitrary timelines.
Our technicians use professional moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and psychrometric data to monitor drying progress. Equipment is not removed until affected materials have returned to acceptable moisture levels consistent with IICRC S500 drying standards—not simply because the materials “feel dry.”
Sometimes. The decision depends on how long the drywall has been wet, the source of the water, and the extent of damage. Clean water losses addressed quickly often allow portions of drywall to be saved, while contaminated water or prolonged exposure typically requires removal.
Yes. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours when moisture remains. Prompt drying, moisture monitoring, and adherence to IICRC S500 drying procedures are critical to preventing microbial growth and protecting indoor environmental quality.
Commercial property restoration typically involves industrial-grade air movers, low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers, HEPA air scrubbers, specialty drying systems, thermal imaging cameras, and moisture monitoring equipment. Equipment selection is based on the building, the category of water loss, and IICRC S500 restoration principles—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Mitigation focuses on preventing additional damage by removing water, drying the structure, stabilizing the environment, and protecting the property. Restoration is the process of repairing or rebuilding damaged materials and returning the property to its pre-loss condition.
In many cases, yes. Pulliam specializes in occupied commercial environments and develops containment, scheduling, and phased work plans to minimize disruption while protecting employees, customers, tenants, and visitors.
We coordinate closely with facility managers, property managers, and building owners to isolate work areas, schedule work around business operations when possible, maintain clear communication, and implement restoration strategies designed to keep facilities operating safely.
Often, yes. Every project is evaluated individually, but many commercial properties remain occupied during mitigation through proper containment, HEPA air filtration, and carefully planned project sequencing.
Yes. Pulliam has extensive experience working in active healthcare environments where patient care must continue. Projects are carefully planned using containment, infection control measures, negative air pressure, and close coordination with facility leadership to minimize disruption.
An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is a planning process used in healthcare facilities to identify and minimize the risk of airborne contaminants reaching patients, staff, and visitors during construction or restoration activities. Pulliam works closely with facility leadership to support ICRA requirements and maintain safe, compliant work environments.
Healthcare restoration projects may include temporary containment barriers, HEPA-filtered negative air machines, specialized cleaning procedures, controlled worker access, and coordination with infection prevention personnel. Our teams perform work in accordance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements while supporting healthcare infection control protocols.
Ensure occupant safety, stop the water source if possible, notify ownership and maintenance personnel, document visible damage, and contact a qualified commercial restoration contractor immediately. Early response significantly reduces property damage, restoration costs, and business interruption.
Yes. Clear communication is a core part of every project. We provide regular updates regarding drying progress, project milestones, findings, and next steps so property owners, facility managers, and other stakeholders remain informed throughout the restoration process.
Yes. We regularly work alongside insurance carriers and adjusters by providing moisture mapping, daily monitoring logs, photographs, moisture readings, and detailed project documentation prepared in accordance with recognized IICRC standards.
Yes. In most cases, property owners have the right to select the restoration contractor they trust, even if an insurance carrier recommends another company.
Biohazard remediation involves the safe cleanup, removal, and disposal of materials contaminated by bloodborne pathogens, sewage, or other potentially infectious substances. Projects are completed using specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and procedures designed to comply with applicable OSHA worker safety requirements and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations where applicable.
Commercial HVAC duct cleaning removes accumulated dust, debris, and contaminants from heating and cooling systems to improve indoor air quality, system performance, and cleanliness. Pulliam follows the standards and best practices of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) when performing commercial HVAC system cleaning.
Yes. Pulliam has the personnel, equipment, and experience to manage complex commercial losses involving office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational campuses, manufacturing facilities, hospitality properties, government buildings, municipalities, and industrial facilities. Our teams follow recognized IICRC standards while scaling resources to meet the demands of major disasters.
An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is a customized preparedness plan that outlines emergency contacts, utility shutoffs, facility information, critical building systems, and response procedures before an emergency occurs. Having an ERP helps organizations respond faster, reduce business interruption, and recover more efficiently.
Yes. Pulliam partners with commercial property owners, facility managers, and organizations throughout South Carolina to develop customized Emergency Response Plans that improve preparedness and accelerate recovery when emergencies occur.
Pulliam serves commercial, institutional, industrial, and governmental properties throughout South Carolina, including healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, hospitality properties, municipalities, military facilities, and cultural institutions.
Yes. Pulliam partners with commercial property owners, facility managers, and organizations throughout South Carolina to develop customized Emergency Response Plans that improve preparedness and accelerate recovery when emergencies occur.
Pulliam serves clients throughout South Carolina from strategically located offices in the Midlands, Upstate, and Lowcountry, enabling rapid response across the state.
Pulliam is committed to performing commercial restoration services in accordance with recognized industry standards and best practices. Depending on the type of project, our work follows standards published by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), including the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. Our commercial HVAC cleaning services follow NADCA standards and best practices. We also perform work in accordance with applicable OSHA safety requirements and EPA regulations where appropriate, helping ensure quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and confidence for our clients.
Unlike many restoration companies, Pulliam focuses exclusively on commercial properties. Our team understands the operational, regulatory, and logistical challenges of occupied facilities, including healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, hospitality, and commercial real estate. We follow recognized industry standards, employ highly trained professionals, invest in specialized equipment, and are committed to minimizing business interruption while delivering exceptional service. It’s why organizations across South Carolina trust Pulliam as their Commercial Property Restoration Experts™.
Emergencies require immediate action, and delays can increase damage, costs, and downtime. Establishing a relationship with a trusted commercial restoration partner before a loss occurs allows your organization to respond more quickly, streamline communication, and recover with greater confidence. An established partnership also provides the opportunity to develop an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), helping your organization prepare before disaster strikes.
Didn’t find your question? Every commercial property and every emergency is unique. If you have a question about water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, HVAC system cleaning, or emergency response planning, contact Pulliam’s Commercial Property Restoration Experts™. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help organizations throughout South Carolina respond quickly, minimize business interruption, and recover with confidence.
