Michigan / Grand Traverse County / Water damage restoration
Top-Rated Water Damage Restoration in Grand Traverse County, MI (2026)
We found 15 water damage restoration companies serving Grand Traverse County. Ratings read 2026-11-03. Updated November 2026. Ranked by our published formula below — see how it works.
15 companies reviewed · 15 shown in full · 3 Top Rated · reviews read 2026-11-03
Who is the best water damage restoration company in Grand Traverse County?
By our published formula, Flood Fighters ranks first of 15 companies serving Grand Traverse County, with 5.0 stars from 272 ratings received and 24/7 service stated on its site. Stanley Steemer ranks second and Modernistic third. Data checked November 2026.
Companies compared (November 2026)
| # | Company | Nearest office | Phone | Rating | 24/7 | IICRC | Score /100 | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flood Fighters | Traverse City | (231) 922-0600 | 5.0★ · 272 ratings | Stated | Stated | 88 | Website · Maps |
| 2 | Stanley Steemer | Traverse City | (231) 946-5900 | 4.9★ · 1543 ratings | Stated | Stated | 83 | Website · Maps |
| 3 | Modernistic | Traverse City | (231) 725-0066 | 4.9★ · 324 ratings | Stated | Not stated | 81 | Website · Maps |
| 4 | 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan | Traverse City | (231) 220-9892 | 4.8★ · 142 ratings | Stated | Stated | 75 | Website · Maps |
| 5 | ServiceMaster Restoration Services - Traverse City | Not listed | (231) 266-3006 | 4.8★ · 94 ratings | Stated | Stated | 55 | Website · Maps |
| 6 | North West Home Solutions LLC | Fife Lake | (231) 600-1600 | 4.8★ · 20 ratings | Stated | Stated | 53 | Website · Maps |
| 7 | Floodman | Traverse City | (231) 935-4921 | 4.7★ · 47 ratings | Stated | Not stated | 51 | Website · Maps |
| 8 | North Cleaning Services | Buckley | (231) 269-3106 | 4.7★ · 46 ratings | Not stated | Not stated | 45 | Website · Maps |
| 9 | Dri-Life Restoration | Traverse City | (231) 935-4058 | 4.7★ · 69 ratings | Stated | Not stated | 44 | Website · Maps |
| 10 | SERVPRO of Grand Traverse Area | Traverse City | (231) 900-1387 | 4.2★ · 65 ratings | Stated | Stated | 44 | Website · Maps |
| 11 | Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Michigan | Traverse City | (231) 844-4173 | 4.4★ · 56 ratings | Stated | Stated | 42 | Website · Maps |
| 12 | Brent's Home Restoration & New Construction | Not listed | (231) 218-8379 | 4.5★ · 47 ratings | Not stated | Not stated | 38 | Website · Maps |
| 13 | Services | Bellaire | (231) 350-7358 | 4.5★ · 15 ratings | Stated | Not stated | 32 | Website · Maps |
| 14 | Anytime Restoration Services | Kingsley | (855) 350-0333 | 3.6★ · 17 ratings | Stated | Stated | 26 | Website · Maps |
| 15 | First Call Restoration and Construction | Not listed | (231) 218-1756 | 3.9★ · 7 ratings | Stated | Not stated | 22 | Website · Maps |
Ratings and rating counts come from each company's public Google Business Profile. "Stated" means the company's own website says so; we link the page we read on each card below. "Not stated" means we did not find it on the site, not that the company lacks it.
How we ranked them
Each of the 15 companies gets a Compare Score out of 100: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5). Every company's reviews are read on the same day. Companies under 3.5 stars are left off. No company can pay to appear or to move up. Full formula.
Key takeaways
- Flood Fighters: 5.0★ from 272 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Stanley Steemer: 4.9★ from 1543 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Modernistic: 4.9★ from 324 ratings, 24/7 stated.
- 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan: 4.8★ from 142 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- ServiceMaster Restoration Services - Traverse City: 4.8★ from 94 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- 13 of 15 companies serving Grand Traverse County state 24/7 service on their own site, and 8 state IICRC certification.
How to choose a water damage company in Grand Traverse County
- Ask how fast they can be on site. Standing water starts wicking into drywall and subfloor within hours. Get a time, not "soon".
- Ask for the IICRC certificate. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) trains water damage technicians. Ask which technician on your job holds it.
- Ask how they measure drying. A good crew takes moisture readings on day one and every visit after, and shows you the log.
- Ask who does the rebuild. Some companies only dry and tear out. Know before work starts whether you need a second contractor for drywall and flooring.
- Read recent reviews, not the average. Look at the last three months of reviews for jobs in or near Grand Traverse County.
What to do in the first hour
- Stop the water. Shut the main valve or the appliance valve.
- Cut the power. Turn off breakers for wet rooms if you can reach the panel dry.
- Take photos. Photograph the water, the source and damaged items before moving anything.
- Call for drying. Call a restoration company, then your insurer. Keep every receipt.
What happens after you call a company in Grand Traverse County
Inspection: a thermal camera finds wet spots inside walls.
Readings: a moisture meter checks the floor.
Drying: a dehumidifier pulls water out of the air.
- 1
Inspection. The crew finds the source, then maps how far the water spread with moisture meters and often a thermal camera. Water runs under flooring and up drywall farther than it looks.
- 2
Water removal. Standing water comes out with pumps and truck-mounted or portable extractors. Carpet pad soaked with water is usually pulled and thrown out.
- 3
Tear-out. Material that cannot dry in place, such as swollen particleboard or wet insulation, is cut out. Drywall is often cut a set height above the water line.
- 4
Drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers run until readings reach a dry target. This often takes three to five days; the readings decide, not the calendar.
- 5
Rebuild. Drywall, trim, flooring and paint go back once the structure is dry. Ask at the start whether the same company does this step.
The 15 water damage restoration companies serving Grand Traverse County, ranked
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1976 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 272 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 707 Alcor Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Most ratings received on this list
- 4.9 stars from 1543 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 88 Hughes Dr, Traverse City, MI 49696
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, founded 1973 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 324 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- In business since 1973, per its site
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 1393 Industry Dr, Traverse City, MI 49696
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 2366 Cass Rd Ste 1, Traverse City, MI 49684
4.8★ · 94 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2009 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 2009, per its site
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 113 Merritt St, Fife Lake, MI 49633
License verified: Residential Builder Company #262400546, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 963 W Commerce Dr Unit C, Traverse City, MI 49685
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 710 W Wexford Ave, Buckley, MI 49620
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 888 Industrial Cir, Traverse City, MI 49686
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1967 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1967, per its site
Address: 920 W Commerce Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685
Traverse City, MI
4.4★ · 56 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1966 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1966, per its site
Address: 1310 Industry Dr, Traverse City, MI 49696
4.5★ · 47 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
- Only 15 ratings received so far
Address: 6658 Bellaire Hwy, Bellaire, MI 49615
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Watch for
- Only 17 ratings received so far
Address: 260 W Main St, Kingsley, MI 49649
3.9★ · 7 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
- Only 7 ratings received so far
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
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How much does water damage restoration cost in Grand Traverse County, MI?
A typical water damage restoration job in Grand Traverse County costs about $3,250. Most jobs land between $1,200 and $5,000. This is our estimate for Grand Traverse County, built from published national cost guides and adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. It is not a quote.
| Job in Grand Traverse County | Most jobs | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage restoration (extraction, drying and common repairs) | $1,200 to $5,000 | $3,250 |
| Mold remediation | $1,200 to $3,750 | $2,300 |
| Fire and smoke damage restoration | $2,950 to $39,150 | $16,200 |
| Smoke odor and soot cleanup only (no structural repair) | $200 to $1,135 | Varies by rooms |
Sample jobs at Grand Traverse County labor rates
- 600 sq ft finished basement, clean water from a supply line: $2,250 to $2,550 to dry out.
- 600 sq ft basement, gray water from a washer or sump overflow: $2,450 to $3,900.
- 400 sq ft sewer backup (Category 3): $2,800 to $3,000, before rebuild.
- 100 sq ft of mold behind a basement wall: $1,000 to $2,500.
- 1,500 sq ft home with smoke and soot after a kitchen fire: $6,400 to $9,750.
Why Grand Traverse County prices differ from the national average
- Labor: we have no measured metro wage for this area, so the estimate uses the U.S. average.
Method: we start from the median typical range in published cost guides, then adjust. The labor factor is the metro mean hourly wage for construction workers (BLS, May 2024) over the U.S. figure. The home-value factor is 1 + 0.35 x ln(town median home value / Michigan median), held between 0.85 and 1.45. Water and mold jobs add 0.12 x the share of homes built before 1980. Housing figures: U.S. Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year. Sample jobs use the guides' per square foot rates. A real price depends on square feet, water category, materials and how fast drying starts. Sources: Fixr, Bob Vila, Thumbtack, Fixr, Bob Vila, This Old House, Fixr, LawnStarter, Thumbtack, , Census.
Water damage by cause in Grand Traverse County
For each common cause, what usually fails, what to do first, and which companies on this list have the most customer reviews that mention that exact job. Review counts come from reading every company's reviews on the same day.
Ceiling leaks and water stains
A ceiling stain usually comes from a bathroom, a roof leak or an air-conditioning drain line above it. A stain that comes back after painting means the source is still wet.
Do now: If the ceiling sags, keep people out of the room and turn off the lights in it. Put a bucket under the low point and shut off the water to the fixture above.
Most reviews mentioning this job: ServiceMaster Restoration Services - Traverse City (2), SERVPRO of Grand Traverse Area (2), Flood Fighters (1).
Water heater leaks
Water pooling under a tank heater often means the tank itself has failed. A leak at a fitting or the relief valve on top can sometimes be repaired.
Do now: Close the cold-water valve on top of the heater, and turn off its gas or its breaker. A plumber replaces the heater; a restoration company dries the floor and walls around it.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Flood Fighters (5), 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan (1), ServiceMaster Restoration Services - Traverse City (1).
Toilet overflows and leaks
Toilet leaks come from the supply line, the wax ring under the bowl, or an overflow. An overflow that carries waste is treated as contaminated water and needs cleaning, not just drying.
Do now: Turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise to close it. Keep people and pets out of the water, and ask the company how it handles contaminated water.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Flood Fighters (1), 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan (1), North West Home Solutions LLC (1).
Dishwasher leaks
Dishwasher leaks come from the supply hose, the drain hose or the door seal. The water runs under cabinets and flooring, where you cannot see it.
Do now: Turn off the dishwasher breaker and the supply valve under the sink. Ask the company to take moisture readings under the cabinet base, not just the open floor.
Most reviews mentioning this job: SERVPRO of Grand Traverse Area (2), 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan (1), Brent's Home Restoration & New Construction (1).
Refrigerator and ice maker line leaks
Plastic ice-maker and water lines crack with age. A slow drip under the fridge can soak the subfloor for weeks before it shows.
Do now: Close the supply valve behind the fridge or under the sink. Hardwood that has started to cup or buckle needs readings before anyone decides to replace it.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Flood Fighters (1), SERVPRO of Grand Traverse Area (1), Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northwest Michigan (1).
Burst and frozen pipes
Pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages freeze first. A frozen pipe often bursts when it thaws, so the leak starts after the cold snap.
Do now: Shut the main water valve and open a faucet to drain pressure. Do not thaw a pipe with an open flame.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Flood Fighters (9), 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan (3), North West Home Solutions LLC (1).
Leak detection
A hidden leak shows up as a musty smell, a high water bill, warm spots on the floor or a stain with no clear source. Companies find it with moisture meters, thermal cameras and listening tools.
Do now: Ask whether the company finds the source itself or only dries. Drying before the leak is fixed wastes the job.
Most reviews mentioning this job: North Cleaning Services (1).
Change log
- Ratings and reviews for the 15 companies on this list read between 2026-10-01 and 2026-11-03.
- Score weights set to recent work 25, adjusted rating 22, distance to the nearest office 15, job proof 14, a 100-five-star bonus 7, owner replies 6, 24/7 and IICRC 6, and our badge on its own site 5.
- Ratings and reviews read again for every listed company. Ranks recomputed from that read.
- Moved to the 100-point Compare Score, one rule for every company. Companies qualify within 10 miles, widening to 15 or 20 miles where fewer than 15 qualify.
- First ranked lists published, scored from same-day review data.
Water damage restoration in Grand Traverse County towns
Why trust this list
This list is built from a Google Business Profile data pull and a direct read of each company's own website — never from a company's self-submitted form. No company can pay for a better position; the same published formula runs on every list. Read the formula. The underlying data is re-checked at least once a year.
How a company earns the "Top-rated" badge
The top 3 companies on this list earn a "Top-rated 2026" badge only if they also have a rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 ratings received. The badge is never sold and never changes a company's position — it is applied after the formula already ran. It is recomputed from fresh data every year, so a badge from an earlier year does not carry forward automatically. No badge carries any guarantee or money-back promise.
About this list
Compare Water Damage Restoration Research Team
This list is built and checked the same way every time: a same-day pull of each company's public Google Business Profile, a direct read of each company's own website for the facts it states about itself, and a score from the published formula. No company can pay for a better position.
Read more about how this list is built →FAQ
Who is the best water damage restoration company in Grand Traverse County?
Flood Fighters ranks first of 15 by the Compare Score, our published 100-point formula: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5).
How much does water damage restoration cost in Grand Traverse County, MI?
About $3,250 for a typical job, with most between $1,200 and $5,000. That is our Grand Traverse County estimate from national cost guides, adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. A written quote after an inspection is the only real price.
How much does it cost to dry out a flooded basement in Grand Traverse County?
A 600 sq ft finished basement with clean water runs about $2,250 to $2,550 to extract and dry at Grand Traverse County labor rates. Gray water from a washer or sump overflow runs $2,450 to $3,900. Drywall, carpet and trim repairs add to that.
How much does sewage backup cleanup cost in Grand Traverse County, MI?
Sewage is Category 3 water, the most expensive kind to clean. A 400 sq ft backup runs about $2,800 to $3,000 in Grand Traverse County before any rebuild, because porous materials it touched come out.
Why does water damage repair cost more in Grand Traverse County than the national average?
Labor: we have no measured metro wage for this area, so the estimate uses the U.S. average.
What does a water damage estimate in Grand Traverse County include?
Most estimates list water extraction, drying equipment by the day, moisture readings, removal of wet drywall, carpet pad or insulation, antimicrobial treatment, and the rebuild. Ask each company to list drying days and square feet so quotes compare line by line.
Does homeowners insurance pay for water damage in Grand Traverse County, MI?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Check your declarations page for a water backup or sump overflow endorsement, and check whether the water came from inside the home or from outside flooding. Flood from rising surface water needs a separate flood policy. FEMA FloodSmart
What is the deadline to report a sewer backup in Grand Traverse County, MI?
Michigan law requires written notice to the government agency that runs the sewer within 45 days of finding the damage. Send it in writing and keep a copy. MCL 691.1419
Do I need a permit to repair water damage in Grand Traverse County?
Drying and cleanup need no permit. Electrical, plumbing and structural repairs usually do. Ask the Grand Traverse County building department before walls are closed up.
How fast should water damage be dried out in a Grand Traverse County home?
Within 24 to 48 hours. The EPA says wet materials dried in that window usually do not grow mold. Waiting longer is the most common reason a $3,250 job turns into a mold job too. EPA
How much does mold remediation cost in Grand Traverse County, MI?
About $2,300 for a typical job in Grand Traverse County, with most between $1,200 and $3,750. Price follows the square feet affected and what it grew on, not the mold color.
How much does it cost to remove mold from a basement in Grand Traverse County?
About $1,000 to $2,500 for 100 sq ft at Grand Traverse County labor rates. The price includes containment, removal of moldy material, HEPA cleaning and a check that the source of moisture is fixed.
Can I remove mold myself in my Grand Traverse County home?
The EPA says a homeowner can usually handle mold under about 10 square feet. Larger areas, mold in an HVAC system, or mold after sewage water call for a professional. EPA
How much does fire and smoke damage restoration cost in Grand Traverse County, MI?
About $16,200 for a typical job in Grand Traverse County, with most between $2,950 and $39,150. A full structural rebuild after a large fire costs far more and is priced from the rebuild scope.
How much does smoke damage cleanup cost in Grand Traverse County?
Smoke odor and soot cleanup alone runs about $200 to $1,135. A 1,500 sq ft home with smoke through every room runs about $6,400 to $9,750 at Grand Traverse County labor rates. LawnStarter
How do I compare restoration quotes in Grand Traverse County?
Get two or three written quotes with the same scope, square feet and drying days. 15 companies serve Grand Traverse County on this list; check a box on up to 3 and send one request to all of them.
How many water damage restoration companies serve Grand Traverse County?
15 companies currently qualify: each has an office in or near Grand Traverse County (within 10 to 20 miles), or its own website states it serves Grand Traverse County or its county.
How is this list ranked?
By the Compare Score, out of 100: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5). See /methodology/ for the exact numbers.
Can a company pay to be on this list or rank higher?
No. Placement and order come only from the formula above. A company can never buy a spot or a higher rank.
What does the "Top-rated" badge mean?
The top 3 companies by the formula, if they also have a rating of at least 4.5 and at least 20 reviews. It is never sold and is recomputed every year.
How do I request a quote from more than one company?
Use the checkboxes to select up to 3 companies, then choose "Get quotes" to send one request naming all of them, or "Compare" to see their stored facts side by side.