How We Research & Verify Content
HearthDry publishes water-damage-only content reviewed by IICRC-certified professionals. Here is exactly how we source data, calculate costs, and maintain editorial independence.
Editorial Process
- 1Primary source research — IICRC S500/S520, EPA, FEMA, state insurance codes
- 2Draft by editorial team with restoration industry background
- 3Technical review by IICRC WRT/AMRT-certified expert (Marcus Reed)
- 4Insurance content reviewed by licensed public adjuster (Elena Vargas) where applicable
- 5Publication with dateModified tracking and quarterly accuracy audits
Cost Data Methodology
Local cost ranges on city and ZIP pages combine: (1) national IICRC category benchmarks (Clean $3.75–$4.25/sq ft, Gray $4.10–$6.50, Black $7–$7.50), (2) regional labor multipliers by state, and (3) verified quote samples from restoration contractors in each metro area. Ranges reflect extraction + drying — not reconstruction.
Try the interactive cost calculator →Independence Policy
- No restoration contractor pays to influence rankings or content
- Pay-per-call referral fees disclosed on /how-we-rank — do not affect editorial
- Affiliate product links (Amazon, Sylvane) are labeled and do not influence restoration advice
- Franchise brands are compared neutrally on /compare and /research/transparency-index
Update Cadence
| Content Type | Frequency | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Cost benchmarks & statistics | Quarterly | 2026-07-02 |
| City/local pricing data | Semi-annual | 2026-06-19 |
| Insurance claim guides | When carrier policies change | 2026-06-10 |
| IICRC standard references | When IICRC publishes revisions | 2026-01-15 |
| Equipment reviews | Annual field re-testing | 2026-06-01 |