A guide from the biohazard remediation experts at Innovative Home Services, serving Knoxville, Nashville, and surrounding Tennessee communities.
Continue ReadingInnovative Home Services' Promises
- Respectful Technician Guarantee: If our technicians smoke or swear in your home or fail to provide a company ID card, we will pay you $100!
- Clean Workspace Guarantee: If our technicians do not wear shoe covers, place drop cloths, or leave your home without cleaning up, we will hire a cleaning service to make it right at our expense.
- Apples to Apples Guarantee: If you find a lower price from a company that does what we do, we will not only match it, we will beat it by $100. (Must be same material, same scope of work, same insurance coverage, providing the same warranty and installed by a company that is a member of the BBB with the same standing) A Rating with the BBB, 4.5 star or better on Google, State Licensed, Certified Company
- Good Hands Guarantee: Only employees that have gone through our tough hiring process, background checks and drug tests will be in your home! We only use sub-contractors that meet our strict hiring standards. We have IICRC & EPA Certified technicians.
- Workmanship Guarantee: If we come out to service your home and the work isn’t to your satisfaction, we’ll come back at our own expense until it is.
- Home Comfort Guarantee: If we cannot keep you in your home or your home is otherwise uncomfortable, and you have to go stay in a hotel, the first night is on us!
Innovative Home Services FAQ
With 21 years of experience in the industry, Innovative Home Services is the trusted name in home services in Crossville, TN. Our IICRC certified technicians follow industry-standard procedures for quality you can count on. We offer 24-hour emergency service and can work directly with your insurance provider to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Water damage insurance claims depend on a few different criteria. Ultimately, that’s a question you’ll have to clarify with your insurance company. However, we can tell you that the viability of water damage insurance claims depends primarily on what caused the damage (storm, burst pipe, plumbing malfunction, localized flood, sump pump failure, etc.). Some insurance policies will outline scenarios that will NOT be covered without specific riders like flood insurance, or sump pump failure insurance.
Contacting a restoration contractor as well as your insurance adjuster at the same time is a good idea because the restoration contractor will help make sure that not only will the water extraction and dry out be covered but the rebuild process that should follow. If the full scope of the claim isn’t outlined and agreed upon from the start, there may be issues down the line, and property owners may find themselves having to pay out of pocket to get the property completely back to normal.
It’s never a quick fix, though we’ve gathered together a multi-discipline team of contractors and disaster restoration technicians to work in tandem to complete the work as soon as possible. From structural repairs to sand/soda-blasting to odor removal to contents cleaning, our fire damage restoration crew begins as soon as the project scope is determined, and we don’t stop until the job is done and both you and the insurance company are satisfied with the results.
Anytime the moisture levels in your home are at 60% or higher, mold can grow. What’s frustrating for many property owners is that they don’t see a puddle on the floor or water dripping from the ceiling. When mold grows, the source of the moisture is usually hidden under floorboards or behind walls.
For a standard-sized home, approximately 1600 sq.ft., a full encapsulation runs between $4,000 and $5,000.
- Bactericidal, Virucidal*, Tuberculocidal, and Fungicidal**
- EPA Registered Broad-Spectrum Disinfectant
- Disinfect, Sanitize, Clean, and Deodorize in ONE STEP
- No Rinse Required, even on food contact surfaces
- Sanitizes Soft Surfaces in just 2 minutes
Bioesque is approved by the United States EPA for use on hard non-porous surfaces against SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in just 55 seconds! Bioesque also kills:
- Kills Norovirus in just 4 minutes
- Kills 99.9% of Bacteria, Viruses*, Fungi and Molds
- Kills, Destroys and Eliminates Household Germs
- Eliminates 99.9% of most Allergens’ upon contact
Leaving sink cabinet doors ajar allows warm air to circulate around the pipes to help keep them from freezing. Wrapping pipes near exterior walls will also help protect them from freezing.
Insurance coverage is very situationally dependent. Each policy from each different company will have different levels and types of coverage. The best way to know if your damage is covered is to keep a copy of your policy on hand and call your agent directly with any questions you might have.
That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors will take longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in many different locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve an efficient but effective dry time. The bare minimum of “three days to dry” may only produce a surface dry, but can still leave behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Most often, yes. You’ll need to check your specific policy for the full scope of coverage, but in general, if the damage was caused by a flame, it’s covered. Your best bet is to hire a professional damage restoration company, such as Innovative Restorations, to help you through the claims process. We know how to avoid some common missteps when it comes to making sure the entire loss is documented and covered. Many homeowners and insurance companies forget, for instance, to consider that your HVAC system will need to be cleaned of soot, and, since fires are extinguished using water, many areas of your home may need to be restored due to water damage even if they weren’t directly affected by the fire.
It could be. Because mold spores are microscopic and airborne, you’ll end up breathing them into your lungs. Depending on the type of mold and how well your immune system functions, you may develop some serious health symptoms that could end up being the result of mold. That’s why a mold remediation company takes mold removal so seriously. The space affected by mold is isolated and contained during cleaning so the spores won’t spread to other areas of the house, and the remediation team stays suited up in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the process.
Mold grows when the relative humidity rises above 60%. With a proper encapsulation and dehumidification system installed, mold can be prevented entirely!
Infrared heat lamps or space heaters can gently thaw frozen pipes if you notice frost accumulation. Be careful not to heat the pipes too aggressively, though, as that may cause them to burst as well. Remember never to leave a heat source unattended to avoid fires.
As a homeowner, seeing your home damaged is extremely stressful and it’s difficult to know the right course of action. Will trying to clean up on your own help or just make things worse? No matter what kind of damage you’ve incurred, the very first thing you should do is take photographs as long as the area is safe for you to be in. If you have water damage, the best thing to do is extract as much standing water as you possibly can while you wait for help. If you have fans, set them to start drying things as much as possible. They won’t be enough to completely dry the area, but they can help to minimize the chance of secondary damages. In the event of mold or fire, it’s best to just leave the damage alone until a professional can address it. Disturbed mold can disperse spores throughout the home and fire damages can be made worse if improper cleaning techniques are used.
Most homeowners start trying to remove the water themselves before they realize they’ll need to contact their insurance company about a claim so they can call in a water damage restoration company. However, standing water around anything with a power cord or outlet or sagging ceilings makes the area unsafe. Also, many insurance claims require documentation of the loss BEFORE any work is done, including removing the water. Always take plenty of photos of the damage you see before taking any action to start cleaning up the mess. Your restoration contractor will be able to back up your insurance claim scope with the necessary technical documentation as well.
Depending on the extent or location of the fire damage, some homeowners can move back in a few days or longer. The fire department will usually turn off electricity and gas to the property right away, and that won’t be restored until a building inspector says that it’s safe to turn those utilities back on. If you experienced significant smoke damage and the home’s occupants include elderly persons, young children, or those with chronic health conditions, it may be wise to stay until the smoke cleanup is complete. Contracting with a damage restoration company experienced in fire damage repair can often get you back home sooner because they’ll have the resources to hire and manage the many tradespeople who will need to work together to make the home liveable again. One perk of hiring Innovative Restorations is our guarantee to you and your family! When you hire Crossville Office for damage restoration, if we can’t keep you in your home or your home is otherwise uncomfortable, and you have to go stay in a hotel, the first night is on us! Click here to read the rest of our customer guarantee.
For the majority of surfaces in your home, bleach won’t actually get rid of your mold problem. It’s the “iceberg effect.” Visible mold is usually a small percentage of the actual amount of mold growth. Bleach can’t kill mold on porous surfaces like wood, and while tile or fiberglass surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, often the mold has spread far deeper. The reason why mold remediation companies don’t recommend DIY cleanup isn’t that they want to make more money; they know, in their experience, that a mold problem is usually far more invasive than can be seen with the naked eye. Simply cleaning the surfaces can provide false assurances that you got rid of the mold, only to have it come back time and time again.
No, we offer a semi-annual inspection of your crawl space which includes the replacement of filters and complete moisture inspection.
We will wipe high-touch surfaces, spray other surfaces and then fog the rooms and the HVAC system to disperse the disinfectant through the entire house.
Pipes running along exterior walls, especially below ground level, are prone to freezing and bursting during cold weather.
The length of time for proper restoration to occur is dependent on the type and size of the damage. A typical water damage project usually takes 5-7 days for drying and removal of any unsalvageable materials. Mold remediation can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the extent of the damage. Fires cause the most extensive damage and can take weeks for restoration to be completed. Keep in mind, these are all estimates and they’re only for the restoration portion of the job. The construction and rebuild portion of the job, where everything is put back into place, has its own separate process and timeline.
If the water damage involves Category 1 water (clean and free of microbes and bacteria), many of your personal belongings can be salvaged. Category 2 water would include other water sources, including rainwater, that, while not containing biohazards or sewage, still pose health risks and the potential for destructive microbial growth and mold. A water damage restoration technician will help you sort through the contents of the property to determine what can be safely dried, what can be restored by a textile/contents technician, and what can’t be saved or salvaged. There are off-site facilities in the area that specialize in restoring water-damaged contents. Your restoration team will document all of the contents leaving the property for restoration or disposal for your records and also for reimbursement from your insurance company.
DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage to surfaces. Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard contaminants.
Sometimes mold remediation is included if the cause of the mold was a “covered peril” like a burst hot water heater or water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire in your house. Gradual water damage – like from a leaking pipe or hose – will often cause mold growth, but your insurance coverage will usually not cover that by claiming that it was caused by poor maintenance or neglect. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should request an inspection from a mold remediation company that can help you document the source of the mold.
No, not at all. If your floor is insulated, which we recommend, you likely won’t even know that it’s there.
We will, during the sanitizing process, be cleaning soil from some surfaces, it will not leave your home entirely dust-free or clean as a whistle like a home janitorial service. That being said, we are happy to recommend a janitorial company we trust or work with one of your choosing if that is your ultimate goal in addition to our disinfection and sanitization services.
Temperatures 20° Fahrenheit or less, sustained for 3 days or more, are likely to cause frozen pipes. If the weather is also windy, any temperature below 32° Fahrenheit can also create a frozen pipe situation.
Most homeowner’s policies cover most water damages, but not all water damages are created equal. There can be a lot of exceptions to coverage depending on the intricacies of your policy. This is why it’s a good idea to be familiar with your policy and call your agent right away when damage occurs.
If the inspection/assessment process was able to pinpoint the source and cause of the mold growth, once that source is repaired, you can be relatively confident about the success of remediation. Ask if your restoration technician has the IICRC certification for “Applied Microbial Remediation.” You can also request a “post-remediation mold clearance” from a third-party mold inspector to re-test the area for any remaining traces of mold before the area is treated with a sealer or encapsulant to resist future mold growth.
Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process and before beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that was caused by a roof leak but don’t fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The buckling to your hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage and make sure the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.
Smoke damage is rarely limited to one area of the house, and it leaves behind a residue that can hide in crevices and out-of-reach areas, and a simple “airing out” may not be sufficient. We recommend consulting with a smoke damage technician who can help you troubleshoot the next steps.
Comparatively, it is less than running a small refrigerator.
The product we use is labeled as an irritant, not a poison, but it is recommended that you and your pets leave the home until the air has had time to settle. This generally takes about an hour after we are done. We recommend going grocery shopping or to the park while it settles, and then you can come home to a clean, safe home!
Inexpensive styrofoam spigot covers go a long way to prevent the adjacent plumbing from freezing, as well as draining any water from those faucets after shutting off their water supply inside the building. Most homeowners forget this important step, only to have their basements or crawl spaces flood in the spring when they turn their outdoor faucets on for the first time after winter.
A good portion of water damage can be prevented by proper household maintenance. Routine plumbing maintenance, as well as sump pump and appliance maintenance, are effective ways to avoid preventable damages. If you live in a cold climate, preparing your home for the winter can also help avoid damage. Finally, it’s a good idea to regularly check the exterior of your home, particularly your roof, for damage to ensure water isn’t unexpectedly leaking into your home.
In most cases, it is NOT covered by insurance, but financing is available, and approval is easy. Call today!
Yes. Unlike other products on the market, surfaces don’t need to be “re-cleaned” after the application of this disinfectant. It’s non-toxic, so your surfaces are safe after application, even if your toddler or your dog licks the counter when they get home. You can even prepare food on them without having to worry about contamination in your food.
Many of our competitors choose to use chemicals that require a wet “dwell” time on the surfaces in order to kill viruses. Bioesque has been tested and proven to kill them in only about a minute.
Good question. A lot of products on the market today and in use by other companies are not approved for “soft good” use. Ours is.
Because the fogging equipment causes the chemical to be airborne in order to adequately circulate throughout the space, air-breathing pets like cats, dogs, and birds, may be more comfortable staying out of the house until the chemical has a chance to settle. It’s non-toxic for aquatic life, though – so your fish will be fine!
Bathroom Remodeling FAQs
/bathrooms/remodeling/ is one of the best ways to increase both the comfort and value of your home. Updated bathrooms can improve resale appeal and often provide a strong return on investment, especially when modern fixtures, energy-efficient upgrades, and improved layouts are included. A professionally remodeled bathroom also helps your home stand out in Tennessee’s competitive housing market.
When choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor, look for experience, licensing, insurance, strong customer reviews, and a portfolio of completed projects. It’s also important to work with a company that offers clear communication, written estimates, warranties, and quality craftsmanship. Innovative Home Services has proudly served Tennessee homeowners since 2005 with trusted remodeling solutions and an A+ BBB rating.
Permit requirements depend on the scope of your bathroom remodel and your local municipality. Projects involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes often require permits to ensure everything meets current building codes. Our team can help guide you through the permitting process and make sure your remodel is completed safely and professionally.
Most bathroom remodeling projects take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the size of the bathroom and the complexity of the work. Simple updates may move quickly, while full renovations involving plumbing, tile work, or custom features can take longer. At Innovative Home Services, we focus on efficient scheduling and quality workmanship to keep your project on track.
Many homeowners are choosing spa-like /bathrooms with walk-in showers, frameless glass doors, modern vanities, and improved lighting. Neutral color palettes, water-efficient fixtures, and low-maintenance materials are also popular choices. Accessibility upgrades and custom storage solutions continue to grow in demand for both style and functionality.
Yes, our team can help you design your bathroom remodel from start to finish. Whether you already have ideas in mind or need help creating a layout and selecting materials, we’ll guide you through the process. We work closely with homeowners to create beautiful, functional bathrooms that fit their style, needs, and budget.
Mold Testing and Mold Remediation FAQs
Our team begins with a visual inspection of areas most prone to mold, including bathrooms, crawl spaces, plumbing access points, and any areas with prior water damage. We then collect air and surface samples, which are sent to a lab for analysis to detect mold spores that aren't visible to the naked eye. Once results come back, we walk you through the findings and recommend next steps.
Testing is most valuable when mold isn't clearly visible, when you're experiencing symptoms without a known cause, or when documentation is needed for an insurance claim or home sale. If mold is clearly visible and its source is obvious, remediation can often begin without formal testing. A technician can help determine which approach fits your situation.
Yes, this is often recommended, especially for larger remediation projects. A post-remediation clearance test — ideally performed by a third-party inspector — confirms the treated area no longer shows elevated mold spore levels before the space is sealed or finished. This gives homeowners documented peace of mind that the problem was fully resolved.
Nationally, mold remediation typically runs $1,200 to $3,750 depending on the size and location of the affected area, with small, contained jobs often falling on the lower end and larger or multi-room infestations costing more. Because every situation is different, we recommend a professional inspection to provide an accurate, itemized estimate for your specific home.
Cost typically increases with the size of the affected area, whether the mold has spread into hard-to-reach places like HVAC systems or wall cavities, the type of mold present, and whether contaminated materials like drywall or insulation need to be removed and replaced. Whole-home remediation after major water intrusion is typically the most expensive scenario.
Black mold and other toxic varieties often require additional PPE and containment, which can increase cost — worth a direct answer since "black mold cost" is a common search term and you have a dedicated black mold page.
Visible mold covering more than a few square feet, a persistent musty odor, recurring mold after cleaning, or mold near HVAC systems and crawl spaces are all signs that go beyond a surface wipe-down. Mold often spreads behind walls, under flooring, and inside ventilation before it's ever visible — a DIY cleaning may remove what you can see while leaving the source untouched. Our technicians inspect the full home, including out-of-sight areas like crawl spaces, to make sure nothing is missed.
As soon as possible. Mold spreads quickly in the right conditions — often within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure — and continues to spread the longer it's left untreated. Delaying remediation typically means a larger affected area, higher costs, and greater risk to indoor air quality. If you've spotted mold or suspect it's present, it's best to schedule an inspection right away rather than wait.
Yes, when handled by trained professionals. Our technicians use containment barriers, negative air pressure, and appropriate PPE to keep spores from spreading to unaffected areas of the home during removal. Depending on the severity and location of the mold, we'll advise whether it's necessary to stay elsewhere temporarily, though most residential remediation projects allow families to remain safely in the home with affected areas contained.
Mold returns when the underlying moisture source — a leak, poor ventilation, high humidity, or condensation — isn't addressed alongside the visible mold itself. Removing mold without correcting the moisture problem is a temporary fix. That's why our process always includes identifying the root cause, applying anti-mold treatments, and installing prevention measures like dehumidifiers or improved ventilation to keep it from returning.
Plumbing and Leak Repair FAQs
Common warning signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp or discolored spots on walls or ceilings, a musty smell in one area of the home, low water pressure, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use. Hidden leaks are often behind walls, under slabs, or within crawl spaces, so if something feels off but nothing is visibly wrong, it's worth having a professional take a look before it leads to water damage or mold.
Shut off your home's main water supply right away to limit damage, then call our emergency plumbing line. Acting quickly on a burst pipe or major leak can be the difference between a simple repair and a costly water damage restoration project.
Look for a company that is state-licensed, offers transparent upfront pricing, and stands behind its work with a real workmanship warranty. Innovative Home Services is state-licensed, backs every plumbing project with a 2-year workmanship warranty, and provides honest pricing with no hidden fees — so you know exactly what you're getting before work begins.
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service across our service area, and we aim to dispatch a plumber to your home within 60 minutes or less for urgent calls, depending on location and time of day.
We proudly serve Knoxville, Nashville, Cookeville, Crossville, Farragut, and Maryville, along with the surrounding Tennessee communities, with office locations in Crossville, Knoxville, and Nashville for faster local response.
Water Damage FAQs
Water damage is classified into three categories based on contamination level. Category 1 is clean water from a source like a supply line break. Category 2 ("gray water") includes water from appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, which may carry some contaminants. Category 3 ("black water") includes sewage backups or flooding from outside the home and poses serious health risks. The category determines what can be salvaged, what must be discarded, and what safety precautions are required during cleanup.
If water has been present for more than a few hours, has affected more than one room, has reached drywall or flooring, or came from a contaminated source (sewage, appliance overflow, storm flooding), it's time to call a professional. Even water damage that looks minor on the surface can hide moisture behind walls or under flooring, which can lead to mold if not properly dried.
The longer water sits, the more it spreads into materials like drywall, subflooring, and insulation, and the higher the risk of mold growth, which can begin within 24 to 48 hours in the right conditions. Delayed action typically means more materials need to be replaced rather than saved, driving up both the cost and timeline of repairs.
Not always, but often, if action is taken quickly. Materials like carpet, padding, drywall, hardwood flooring, and subflooring can frequently be dried and preserved if a professional responds within 24 to 48 hours. Once mold begins to grow or materials have been saturated for an extended period, replacement is usually necessary.
Costs vary significantly based on the size and severity of the damage. In Tennessee, small water losses generally run $800–$1,500, moderate losses $1,500–$4,000, and more complex losses $4,000–$10,000 or more, with a national average of around $6,000. Acting quickly — within 24 to 48 hours — is one of the biggest factors in keeping costs on the lower end, since it increases the chance of saving materials rather than replacing them.
The biggest cost drivers are how long the water sat before cleanup began, how many rooms or levels were affected, whether the water was clean or contaminated, and whether flooring, drywall, or cabinetry needs to be removed rather than dried and saved. A free moisture inspection can clarify where your specific situation falls before any work begins.
Ventilation & Moisture Control FAQs
Common signs include a musty odor in the home, visible condensation on pipes or ductwork, sagging insulation, wood rot, elevated humidity, or visible mold growth. Poor crawl space ventilation allows moisture to build up, which can affect indoor air quality throughout the entire home, not just the crawl space itself.
Persistent indoor humidity is often traced back to poor ventilation, an uninsulated or unsealed crawl space, or plumbing leaks contributing moisture into the air. Homes in East Tennessee's humid climate are especially prone to this. When relative humidity stays above 60%, it creates ideal conditions for mold growth, even without an obvious water event.
It depends on your home's specific moisture source and climate exposure. In many cases, ventilation alone isn't enough to control humidity in Tennessee's climate, which is why crawl space encapsulation paired with a dehumidification system is often the more effective long-term solution. A moisture assessment can help determine which approach — or combination — fits your home.
Yes. Mold doesn't require a visible leak to grow — sustained humidity above 60%, condensation, or trapped moisture from poor airflow is enough to create the right conditions. This is a common and often overlooked cause of recurring mold problems in homes without an obvious plumbing issue.
Crawl Space Encapsulation FAQs
Encapsulation is a complete system, not a single product. It typically includes sealing the crawl space walls and foundation vents, air-sealing penetrations, installing a heavy-duty vapor barrier across the ground and walls, and adding a dehumidifier to maintain stable humidity year-round. A basic ground cover alone can reduce moisture rising from the soil, but without sealing vents and controlling humidity, the space can still stay damp — especially in Tennessee's humid climate.
We typically install a 12-mil rip-stop encapsulation liner, which is extremely durable and performs well for the vast majority of homes. Some companies market thicker 20-mil liners, but a properly installed 12-mil liner provides the same long-term protection for most crawl space conditions.
Timelines depend on the scope of the project. Encapsulation alone typically takes 1–2 days, encapsulation combined with drainage work takes about 2–3 days, and projects involving major structural repairs or mold remediation can take up to a week. Every crawl space is different, so the exact timeline depends on your home's condition.
Yes, when paired with proper dehumidification. Mold requires humidity above roughly 60% to grow, so a correctly installed encapsulation system combined with a crawl space dehumidifier keeps conditions outside the range mold needs to survive.
Will I need a sump pump, or is that only for homes with standing water?
It depends on how water is entering your crawl space. If water is actively draining in during heavy rain, a drainage solution is needed — either a sump pump or, when the property allows for it, a gravity drain. Gravity drainage is often preferable where possible because it's more affordable, doesn't rely on electricity, and can't fail during a power outage. A sump pump may still be the right solution depending on your home's layout and grading.
Our annual crawl space and dehumidifier maintenance inspection is $149, and it's designed to catch small issues before they turn into major, expensive repairs.
During the visit, our technicians:
- Inspect your crawl space's vapor barrier, seals, and overall condition for any signs of new moisture intrusion or damage
- Check and replace dehumidifier filters as needed
- Verify your dehumidifier and any drainage systems (sump pump or gravity drain) are functioning properly
- Look for early signs of mold, pest activity, or wood deterioration
- Provide a clear summary of your crawl space's condition and flag anything that needs attention
This annual check is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect a crawl space investment, whether you've had encapsulation done recently or years ago. Catching a small liner tear, a failing dehumidifier, or a new source of moisture early typically costs far less to address than letting the same issue go unnoticed for another year.
For a standard-sized home — around 1,600 square feet — a full crawl space encapsulation typically runs between $4,000 and $5,000. This generally includes sealing the crawl space walls and foundation vents, air-sealing penetrations, installing a heavy-duty vapor barrier, and adding a dehumidification system to maintain stable humidity year-round.
Your actual cost can vary based on a few factors:
- Size and layout of the crawl space, including access difficulty
- Existing damage that needs to be addressed first, such as wood rot or mold
- Drainage needs, including whether a sump pump or gravity drain system is required
- Additional add-ons, such as radon mitigation, which is often more affordable to install at the same time since the space is already being sealed
Because every crawl space and every home's moisture situation is different, the best way to get an accurate number for your specific property is a free inspection. We'll walk the crawl space with you, explain exactly what we find, and provide a clear, itemized quote — with 12-month no-interest financing available if you'd like to spread out the cost.
Yes. Crawl space encapsulation is exactly the kind of high-value, often unexpected project our financing is designed for. We offer 12-month no-interest, no-payment financing, so you can seal, dehumidify, and protect the space under your home now, without waiting to save up the full cost upfront.
Encapsulation is often something homeowners know they need before it becomes an urgent problem — a musty smell, rising humidity, or a mold testing result rather than a full-blown emergency. Financing makes it easier to act on that early warning instead of waiting until conditions worsen and the job (and the price tag) grows. Our team can walk you through financing options and approval during your free crawl space inspection, so you'll know your costs and payment terms before any work begins.
Waterproofing FAQs
Waterproofing generally focuses on keeping water from entering the crawl space in the first place — through vapor barriers, drainage solutions, and moisture management — while encapsulation is the more complete, sealed system that also controls humidity and air quality inside the space. In practice, effective waterproofing is often part of a full encapsulation plan, especially in Tennessee's wetter regions.
Signs include visible water intrusion, damp or muddy soil, musty odors in the home, condensation on ductwork or pipes, or evidence of past water staining on foundation walls even without current standing water. A free crawl space inspection can identify whether water is entering periodically, even if it's not obvious from a quick look.
A thorough inspection of the crawl space identifies existing water damage, leaks, or vulnerable areas. From there, a customized plan is created — which may include vapor barriers, drainage systems, or dehumidifiers — followed by professional installation and a final evaluation to confirm the space is properly sealed and protected.
Yes. Persistent moisture is one of the leading causes of wood rot and structural deterioration in floor joists, girder beams, and subflooring. Waterproofing helps prevent this damage from developing in the first place, and in cases where deterioration has already started, structural repairs are typically addressed alongside the waterproofing work.
Yes. Waterproofing projects — including vapor barriers, drainage solutions, and sump pump or gravity drain installation — qualify for our 12-month no-interest, no-payment financing. This lets you address active water intrusion or vulnerable areas under your home right away, rather than delaying the fix while water continues to find its way in.
Because standing or recurring water in a crawl space tends to get worse (and more expensive to repair) the longer it's left unaddressed, financing helps homeowners move on a waterproofing plan as soon as an inspection identifies the problem, instead of putting it off for budget reasons. We'll go over financing options and approval as part of your free waterproofing inspection, so your costs and payment terms are clear before any work starts.
Moisture & Indoor Air Quality FAQs
Air moves upward through a home in a natural process known as the stack effect, meaning air from the crawl space can travel into your living space through subfloor gaps, plumbing penetrations, HVAC ducts, and electrical openings. If crawl space air carries excess humidity, mold spores, or odors, those contaminants can end up in the air you breathe throughout the home — not just underneath it.
Watch for a musty smell in the house, an odor similar to cat urine (even without pets), high indoor humidity even with the air conditioning running, soft or bouncy flooring, increased allergy symptoms, or visible mold on floor joists or insulation. These signs often point to moisture and mold developing beneath the home before they're obvious anywhere else.
Yes. In many Tennessee homes, water enters briefly during heavy rain through block foundation walls, footing seams, or poor exterior drainage, then disappears — but the humidity it leaves behind lingers. Summer humidity also causes HVAC ductwork in the crawl space to "sweat," adding further moisture even without any water intrusion at all.
Left unaddressed, moisture tends to trigger a chain of worsening issues: rising humidity leads to mold growth, which attracts pests (cave crickets are especially common in humid Tennessee crawl spaces), and prolonged exposure leads to wood rot in floor joists and framing. Catching the problem early through an inspection is significantly less expensive than addressing structural damage later.
No. A properly installed crawl space dehumidifier is generally unnoticeable from inside the home, especially with proper floor insulation, and the electric cost of running one is comparable to running a small refrigerator — a modest cost relative to the protection it provides.
Yes, and it's often more cost-effective to do so. If radon is a concern for your property, a radon mitigation system can frequently be installed at the same time as encapsulation, since the crawl space is already being sealed as part of that process.
Insurance Claims FAQs
It depends on the cause. Water damage from a sudden, accidental event — like a burst pipe — is often covered, while gradual leaks or long-term moisture issues are frequently excluded as a maintenance issue. Mold remediation is sometimes covered if it results directly from a covered water damage event, but is often excluded if tied to gradual leaks or neglect. Reviewing your specific policy or speaking with your agent is the best way to know where your situation falls.
Yes. A free moisture or mold inspection can show you the full scope of the problem and an estimated cost range before you contact your insurance provider. This helps you weigh your deductible against the potential cost of a claim, since filing a claim — even one that's denied — can become part of your insurance history and affect future premiums.
Generally not, since moisture intrusion is typically treated as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, covered event — similar to how your existing FAQ addresses mold and crawl space repair coverage. Worth stating this directly here too, since visitors researching waterproofing specifically may not see that existing answer.
Call us first. In almost every situation — water damage, mold, or a crawl space issue — it's worth having a free inspection before you contact your insurance provider. Here's why: a professional inspection tells you the actual scope and estimated cost of the problem, which you need in order to make a smart decision about whether filing a claim even makes sense.
This matters because filing an insurance claim isn't free, even when it's approved. Many policies carry deductibles in the $1,000–$1,500 range, so a repair that costs less than your deductible means you'd be paying out of pocket either way — the only difference is whether the claim shows up on your insurance history. And it does show up: claims stay on record even when they're denied, and too many claims (or even one large one) can affect your premiums or, in some cases, your ability to renew coverage at all.
A free inspection gives you the information to make that call with confidence. If the damage is extensive and clearly exceeds your deductible, we'll help you document everything properly so your claim goes smoothly. If it's a smaller job that makes more sense to handle directly, we'll tell you that too — along with transparent, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect either way.
Either path, our team can work directly with your insurance adjuster if a claim does move forward, helping make sure the full scope of the repair — not just part of it — is documented and covered.
Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazards include blood, bodily fluids, tissue, and other biologically contaminated materials that can carry pathogens. These typically result from deaths, injuries, violent crimes, accidents, or long-term neglect (such as hoarding or unattended decomposition). Anything in this category requires specialized removal, not standard cleaning products.
Bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can survive outside the body and pose a real infection risk. Without proper PPE, containment procedures, and EPA-registered disinfectants, DIY cleanup can spread contamination rather than remove it — and can expose you or your family to unnecessary health risks.
Yes. Our technicians are IICRC-certified in biohazard remediation and trained specifically for trauma, crime scene, and infectious material cleanup — not general janitorial work. We're also state-licensed and accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Always. We arrive discreetly, communicate quietly with everyone involved, and never disclose details of a job to neighbors, media, or anyone outside those directly affected. Compassion and privacy are central to how we operate.
In many cases, biohazard cleanup is covered under homeowners' or renters' insurance. We help document the scene appropriately and can work directly with your insurance provider to help ease the financial and administrative burden.
Biohazard Cleanup: Sewage
Yes. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose serious health risks. It's treated with the same seriousness as other biohazard scenes — full PPE, containment, and EPA-registered disinfection.
Avoid contact with the affected area and shut off water use to the impacted fixtures if possible. Don't attempt to clean it yourself. Call our team right away — the longer sewage sits, the more it can damage flooring, drywall, and air quality throughout the home.
Biohazard Cleanup: Crime Scenes
Yes. We're regularly trusted by police departments, coroners, and property owners to clean up after criminal incidents once a scene has been officially released for cleanup.
Cleanup can only begin once law enforcement has formally released the scene. We coordinate closely with officials and families to begin work as quickly as possible after that release — often the same day.
Any material contaminated by blood or bodily fluids — this can include flooring, drywall, furniture, and personal items — is safely removed, disposed of according to regulation, and the area is fully disinfected and deodorized.
Biohazard Cleanup: Accidents
We respond to a wide range of accidental injury scenes — falls, workplace accidents, vehicle-related incidents on residential property, and similar events involving blood or bodily fluids.
Our teams are available 24/7 across Knoxville, Nashville, Cookeville, and surrounding areas, and we prioritize rapid response for any active biohazard situation.
Biohazard Cleanup: Trauma
Trauma cleanup covers any scene involving serious injury or death that isn't necessarily connected to a crime — including medical emergencies, falls, or unattended deaths. It requires the same level of biohazard expertise and discretion as crime scene work.
When a death goes undiscovered for a period of time, decomposition can create significant biohazard and odor challenges. Our technicians use specialized containment, PPE, and industrial disinfection to fully and safely remediate these scenes, including affected subflooring and structural materials when necessary.
Our technicians follow a thorough, IICRC-certified process: assessing the scene, safely removing all biohazardous material according to Tennessee and federal regulations, and then cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the affected area, including flooring, subflooring, walls, or furniture when necessary. This isn't a job for bleach and gloves — blood and bodily fluids can carry bloodborne pathogens that pose real health risks if not properly contained and removed. You are never required to be present during the cleanup, and many families choose not to be. We also work directly with insurance providers where coverage applies, so you can focus on your family rather than the details.
No — not when the source is properly treated. Odor from trauma or unattended death scenes comes from biological contamination that has often penetrated flooring or walls. We identify and remove or treat every affected surface so the smell doesn't return.
Innovative Home Services provides confidential, compassionate suicide cleanup across Knoxville, Nashville, and the surrounding Tennessee communities. Our IICRC-certified technicians arrive in unmarked vehicles and coordinate quietly with families, property managers, and law enforcement, so neighbors and others outside the situation never need to know what happened. We're available 24/7, because we understand this isn't something that waits for business hours. Beyond removal and disinfection, our team treats every family with the same care and respect we'd want for our own.
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We met with Anthony Azevedo for our estimate, and he was very professional. He explained everything in detail and was very honest. We decided to go with his company to complete our bath remodel. Our team was Eddie Brown and Jeremy. They did an excel...
What are the 6 Innovative Home Services promises?
- Respectful Technician Guarantee: If our technicians smoke or swear in your home or fail to provide a company ID card, we will pay you $100!
- Clean Workspace Guarantee: If our technicians do not wear shoe covers, place drop cloths, or leave your home without cleaning up, we will hire a cleaning service to make it right at our expense.
- Apples to Apples Guarantee: If you find a lower price from a company that does what we do, we will not only match it, we will beat it by $100. (Must be same material, same scope of work, same insurance coverage, providing the same warranty and installed by a company that is a member of the BBB with the same standing) A Rating with the BBB, 4.5 star or better on Google, State Licensed, Certified Company
- Good Hands Guarantee: Only employees that have gone through our tough hiring process, background checks and drug tests will be in your home! We only use sub-contractors that meet our strict hiring standards. We have IICRC & EPA Certified technicians.
- Workmanship Guarantee: If we come out to service your home and the work isn’t to your satisfaction, we’ll come back at our own expense until it is.
- Home Comfort Guarantee: If we cannot keep you in your home or your home is otherwise uncomfortable, and you have to go stay in a hotel, the first night is on us!
