Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Instant Restoration website (instant-restoration.com) and the restoration services we provide. By using our website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree, please do not use our website or engage our services.

1. About Our Company

Instant Restoration is a licensed California general building contractor specializing in property damage restoration. Our services include:

• Water damage restoration
• Mold remediation
• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• Flood cleanup
• Sewage cleanup and sanitization
• Reconstruction and build-back

CSLB License #1078518 — California Contractors State License Board, B-General Building with Hazardous Substance Removal (HAZ) certification.

We are insured (general liability + workers’ compensation), bonded, and IICRC certified. We serve Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties.

2. CSLB Required Consumer Notice

“Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by the Contractors State License Board, which has jurisdiction to investigate complaints against contractors if a complaint is filed within four years of the date of the alleged violation. Any questions concerning a contractor may be referred to the Registrar of the Contractors State License Board: P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. Phone: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). Web: www.cslb.ca.gov.”

You may verify our license at any time at www.cslb.ca.gov using license number 1078518.

3. Services

All services are performed in accordance with IICRC standards (S500 for water & sewage, S520 for mold remediation, S700 for fire & smoke), California building codes, and manufacturer specifications for materials used.

4. Service Agreements and Scope of Work

Before any work begins, you and Instant Restoration will sign a written Scope of Work (“SOW”) that specifies:

• The work to be performed
• Materials to be used
• Timeline
• Pricing
• Payment schedule

Any changes after the SOW is signed must be documented in writing as a Change Order, signed by both parties, before work proceeds.

If we discover additional work necessary during the project (for example, hidden water damage behind walls), we will stop work, document the finding, present a Change Order for your approval, and resume only after authorization.

5. Right to Cancel

For contracts signed at your home (rather than at our office), California law gives you a short window to cancel after signing:

• Three (3) business days from the date you sign the contract and receive the required notice of cancellation
• Five (5) business days if you are 65 years of age or older
• Seven (7) business days for contracts to repair or restore residential property damaged by a declared disaster

Your contract includes the official Notice of Cancellation form. To cancel, send written notice (the form, an email, or a letter) no later than midnight of the last day of your window — notice is effective when sent, including mail postmarked or email sent within the window — to:

If you cancel within your window, we will refund any payments within ten (10) days. This right applies only during that initial window: once the applicable cancellation period has expired (or has been validly waived as described below), the contract can no longer be cancelled under this section.

Scheduling and emergencies. Because this right exists, we schedule work as follows:

• Non-emergency work (including rebuild and repairs after the property is stabilized) generally does not begin until your cancellation period has expired.
• Genuine emergencies — situations where delay would cause further damage to your property or a danger to health or safety (active water intrusion, sewage backflow, storm or fire openings requiring immediate stabilization) — may begin immediately if you authorize it by signing a separate, dated statement, in your own words, describing the emergency and expressly waiving the remaining cancellation period, as California law permits. Emergency work performed under a signed authorization is billable even if the underlying contract is later cancelled.

6. Payment Terms

• Payment methods accepted: Check, wire transfer, or electronic funds transfer (ACH). We do not accept credit card payments.
• Insurance claims: We work directly with most insurance carriers when authorized.
• Owner responsibility: You are ultimately responsible for payment of any amounts not covered by insurance (deductibles, denied claim portions, items outside policy coverage, depreciation withholdings).
• Late fees: Detailed in your individual SOW.
• Down payment: Per California law, residential home improvement contractor down payments cannot exceed 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. We comply with this limit.
• Progress payments: The down-payment limit applies only to amounts collected before work begins. As the project proceeds, we invoice progress payments for work actually performed and materials actually delivered, per the payment schedule in your SOW.

7. Insurance Claims

When you authorize us to support your insurance claim, we may:

• Document damage with photos, video, and moisture readings
• Communicate with your adjuster to share documentation
• Submit scope of work, invoices, and supporting documentation

As a licensed restoration contractor — not a public adjuster — we document and support your claim; we do not adjust, negotiate, or settle it on your behalf. We do not guarantee approval or coverage by your insurer. Coverage decisions are between you and your insurance company. You remain ultimately responsible for payment regardless of insurance outcome.

8. Assignment of Benefits

If your insurance policy allows it and you choose to do so, you may execute a separate Assignment of Benefits (“AOB”) authorizing direct payment from your insurer to Instant Restoration for covered work. AOB is optional, requires its own signed agreement, and is subject to California law.

9. Property Access

You authorize Instant Restoration personnel and subcontractors to access your property during normal business hours (and 24/7 for emergency services) for the duration of the work. You agree to:

• Provide reasonable access to affected areas
• Secure or remove valuables, sensitive documents, and irreplaceable items from work areas before work begins
• Disclose any known hazards (asbestos, lead paint, electrical issues, structural concerns) before work begins
• Inform us of any pets, children, or other occupants who require accommodation

We take reasonable precautions to protect undamaged areas and personal property but are not responsible for damage caused by your failure to disclose hazards or secure valuables.

10. Warranties and Guarantees

We warranty our workmanship on the work specified in your SOW (typically one year on labor, as stated in your SOW) and pass through manufacturer warranties on materials we install. This warranty covers only the work we contracted to perform.

The following are not covered by our warranty:

• Exact cosmetic matching. We match existing finishes as closely as reasonably possible, but exact matches to existing or aged finishes — paint color, sheen, and texture; wood grain and stain; tile, stone, and countertop patterns and dye lots; flooring; and similar surfaces — cannot be guaranteed and are not warranty defects.
• Pre-existing damage and conditions, whether or not documented in our pre-work photos.
• Surfaces and items outside the SOW, including countertops, cabinets, flooring, paint, drywall, walls, doors, trim, and fixtures we did not contract to restore.
• Minor incidental marks inherent to restoration work in an occupied or damaged property (minor scuffs in work and access areas). We use reasonable protective measures — masking, floor and surface protection, containment — and will address reported items with reasonable touch-up, but these are not warranty defects.
• Normal wear, settling, and hairline cracking of materials over time.
• Damage occurring from causes unrelated to our work (new water events, fires, acts of God).
• Work that the owner or a third party modifies, repairs, or alters after completion.
• Failure to maintain the work as instructed, or failure to address the underlying cause of damage (ongoing leaks, unfixed plumbing, unresolved drainage).

Prompt reporting. Any claim that our work damaged an adjacent surface or item must be reported to us in writing within seven (7) days of the date we complete work in that area, so we can inspect and verify. Late-reported claims cannot be verified against pre-work documentation and may be declined on that basis.

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, the warranties in this section are the only warranties we provide, and we disclaim all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Nothing in this section limits rights that California law does not allow to be waived.

11. Mold-Specific Disclaimers

Mold remediation carries unique limitations you must understand and accept:

• We do not guarantee complete elimination of mold spores. Mold spores are present in all indoor and outdoor environments at varying levels. Remediation aims to return your property to normal background levels, not to a sterile state.
• Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) by an independent third-party indoor air quality professional is recommended after mold remediation and is the owner’s responsibility unless specified in the SOW.
• Mold can recur if the moisture source is not eliminated. Owner is responsible for identifying and fixing moisture sources (plumbing leaks, roof leaks, condensation, drainage issues) — we will inform you of suspected sources but do not warranty mold-free conditions if moisture persists.
• We make no medical or health claims. Mold exposure affects different people differently. If you have health concerns related to mold, consult a qualified medical professional. We are not medical experts and our services are not medical treatment.
• Hidden mold may exist. Mold can grow inside walls, under floors, and in other areas not visible without invasive inspection. Our standard remediation addresses visible and accessible affected areas as specified in the SOW.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by California law, Instant Restoration’s total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount paid for the specific service that gave rise to the claim.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

• Pre-existing conditions not disclosed at the time of the SOW
• Concealed damage discovered after work began that the owner refuses to address
• Third-party damage (utility issues, neighbor disputes, prior contractor errors)
• The owner’s failure to follow our written recommendations
• Consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or punitive damages of any kind, including loss of use, loss of business or profits, diminution in value, and emotional distress
• Acts of force majeure (see Section 14)

Time to bring claims. To the extent permitted by California law, any claim arising from our services must be brought within one (1) year of substantial completion of the work giving rise to the claim.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited under California law, including liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or personal injury caused by our negligence. We carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance as required by California law.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Instant Restoration, its officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents from any third-party claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your concealment or non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions, hazards, or property defects
• Your modifications or repairs to our completed work without our involvement
• Your failure to fix the underlying cause of damage (ongoing leaks, etc.)
• Your negligent or intentional acts on the property during or after our work

This indemnification does not apply to claims arising from Instant Restoration’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

14. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Acts of God (earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, severe weather)
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
• Government orders, restrictions, or shutdowns
• Utility failures (water, power, internet)
• Material shortages or supply chain disruptions
• Labor strikes or shortages
• Civil unrest or war

When force majeure events occur, we will communicate delays promptly and resume work as soon as reasonably possible. Pricing for materials may need to be adjusted to reflect market conditions at time of resumption.

15. Mechanic’s Lien Rights and Preliminary Notice

Under California Civil Code §8200-8216, Instant Restoration retains the right to file a mechanic’s lien against your property if invoices are not paid. We are required to provide you with a Preliminary 20-Day Notice for projects over $400, which informs you of our lien rights.

You can avoid a mechanic’s lien by paying invoices on time and obtaining lien releases from us and any subcontractors before final payment. We will provide unconditional final lien waivers upon receipt of final payment.

16. Emergency Services

We provide 24/7 emergency response with a target arrival time of 55 minutes or less within our service area.

Emergency service fees may apply for after-hours, weekend, or holiday dispatch. Fees are communicated upfront when possible, or as soon as practicable for immediate-dispatch emergencies. Verbal authorization for emergency mitigation is followed by signed documentation when the immediate danger is controlled.

17. Photo, Video, and Testimonial Use

In the course of providing services, we take before, during, and after photos and videos for:

• Insurance claim documentation
• Internal quality control and training
• Warranty records and dispute resolution

Marketing use. You agree that we may use de-identified project images — images of the property and the work itself, with reasonable steps taken to remove or avoid faces, house numbers, full addresses, vehicles, mail, and personal belongings — on our website, social media, and advertising, unless you opt out by telling us by phone, email, or in writing. Opting out never affects your price or the quality of your service. We will not publish your name, a recognizable image of you, or your exact address in marketing without your separate permission. See our Privacy Policy Section 6 for details.

Ownership and compensation. All photos and video we capture are and remain the property of Instant Restoration. You are not entitled to any payment, royalty, or other compensation for our use of them, and whether any project is featured in our marketing is at our sole discretion.

Testimonials and reviews. If you post a public review of our services (for example, on Google or Yelp), you agree we may quote it, with attribution as publicly posted, in our marketing. Any other use of your name or likeness in a testimonial requires your separate permission, which you may revoke for future uses at any time.

18. Dispute Resolution

18.1 Informal Resolution

Most disputes can be resolved by direct conversation. If you have a concern, contact us first at info@instant-restoration.com or (818) 486-6546. We respond within 2 business days and aim to resolve issues within 14 days.

18.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation through a mutually agreed mediator before filing a lawsuit. Mediation is a settlement discussion guided by a neutral third party; no outcome is imposed on either party. Mediation costs are split equally.

18.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any legal action will be brought only in your individual capacity, not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you waive any right to participate in a class action.

18.4 Small Claims and CSLB

Nothing in this section prevents you from:

• Filing a complaint with the California Contractors State License Board
• Bringing a claim in small claims court for amounts within small claims jurisdiction

18.5 Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by California law. Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms or our services will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California.

19. Website Use

19.1 Informational Purpose

Content on our website is for general informational purposes only. Blog posts, guides, and other educational content are not professional advice for your specific situation. Consult us directly for advice on your property.

19.2 Intellectual Property

All content on instant-restoration.com — including text, photos, videos, logos, graphics, page designs, and underlying code — is owned by Instant Restoration or used with permission, and is protected by United States copyright and trademark law. All rights reserved.

You may not copy, reproduce, republish, distribute, display, imitate in a manner likely to cause confusion, or create derivative works from our content without our prior written permission. We actively enforce our intellectual property rights, including through DMCA takedown notices, cease-and-desist demands, and legal action seeking damages, statutory damages, and attorneys’ fees where available.

19.3 Anti-Scraping

You may not use automated tools (bots, scrapers, crawlers) to access, copy, or extract content from our website except for legitimate search engine indexing.

19.4 Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party sites (Google Maps, social media, etc.). We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of third-party sites.

19.5 DMCA

If you believe content on our website infringes your copyright, send a DMCA notice to info@instant-restoration.com with the required information under 17 U.S.C. §512(c)(3).

20. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we’ll post the updated version on this page and revise the “Last Updated” date at the top, and the changes take effect as soon as they are posted.

Updated Terms apply to your use of our website and to services engaged after the update is posted. Work already under a signed SOW remains governed by the terms in effect when that SOW was signed. Because we may update these Terms without contacting you individually, we encourage you to review this page from time to time. Your continued use of our website or services after an update is posted means you accept the revised Terms.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any signed Scope of Work and our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Instant Restoration regarding our services and supersede any prior agreements or representations. Each party acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise, or representation not set out in these documents.

23. Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to a successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets.

24. Contact

For privacy questions, see our Privacy Policy.
For cookie information, see our Cookie Policy.
For accessibility, see our Accessibility Statement.