Contractor & Industry
Academy Chapel restoration ensures long-term service to Cadet readiness - eglin.af.mil
RNN Staff Journalist··1 min read·Source: Restoration News Now
Disaster & Storm
More Developing
Mold & Health
Pet Birds: The Canaries in the Coal Mine for Indoor Mold Contamination
RNN Senior Writer·
Contractor & Industry
Community Colleges and Trade Schools Are Adding Restoration Programs to Meet Surging Demand
RNN Digital Correspondent·
Mold & Health
ASPCA Releases Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Pets from Indoor Mold Exposure
RNN News Desk·
Latest News
View All →Mold & Health
Equine Veterinarians Warn of Mold-Related Respiratory Disease in Horses Stabled in Flood-Damaged Facilities
Following widespread flooding in the Southeast, equine veterinarians are reporting elevated cases of heaves and fungal pneumonia in horses stabled in flood-damaged barns, urging barn owners to prioritize remediation before restocking.
RNN Staff Journalist··3 min read· American Association of Equine Practitioners
Mold & Health
Pet Birds: The Canaries in the Coal Mine for Indoor Mold Contamination
Avian veterinarians document a pattern of respiratory distress and sudden death in pet birds that precedes mold-related illness in human occupants, reviving the historical canary-in-the-coal-mine dynamic in a modern household context.
RNN Senior Writer··3 min read· Association of Avian Veterinarians
Contractor & Industry
Community Colleges and Trade Schools Are Adding Restoration Programs to Meet Surging Demand
Driven by disaster frequency and the AI-to-trades career shift, community colleges in disaster-prone states are launching dedicated water, mold, and fire restoration programs for the first time.
RNN Digital Correspondent··3 min read· NCES Career and Technical Education Data
Mold & Health
ASPCA Releases Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Pets from Indoor Mold Exposure
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has published its most comprehensive guidance to date on protecting companion animals from indoor mold, covering recognition, emergency response, and long-term prevention.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· ASPCA
More StoriesView Archive →
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Report Severe Technician Shortage as Demand Outpaces Available Workforce
A new RIA survey finds that 74 percent of restoration contractors cite workforce shortage as their top operational challenge, with certified technician positions taking an average of 47 days to fill.
· 3 min · RIA 2026 Workforce Survey
Mold & Health
Unexplained Behavioral Changes in Pets May Signal Mold-Related Neurological Effects
Veterinary behaviorists are identifying a pattern of anxiety, aggression, and cognitive dysfunction in pets living in mold-contaminated homes, consistent with the neurological effects of mycotoxin exposure documented in human health research.
· 3 min · American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Are Building Formal Apprenticeship Programs to Solve the Talent Pipeline Problem
Leading restoration contractors are moving beyond informal on-the-job training to structured apprenticeship programs that combine IICRC certification and progressive field experience.
· 3 min · DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Report Severe Technician Shortage as Demand Outpaces Available Workforce
A new RIA survey finds that 74 percent of restoration contractors cite workforce shortage as their top operational challenge, with certified technician positions taking an average of 47 days to fill.
· 3 min · RIA 2026 Workforce Survey
Contractor & Industry
The IICRC Certification Ladder: How to Build a Six-Figure Restoration Career from Zero
From a two-day WRT course to master-level credentials, the IICRC certification system offers one of the clearest career ladders in any trade — and restoration technicians with full cert stacks are commanding premium wages.
· 3 min · IICRC Certification Directory
Contractor & Industry
State-by-State: What Restoration Contractors Need to Know About Licensing Requirements in 2026
Licensing requirements for water, mold, and fire restoration contractors vary dramatically by state — from strict licensure with exam requirements to virtually no oversight.
· 3 min · Florida DBPR
Contractor & Industry
AI Job Displacement Is Driving a Historic Surge in Trade School Enrollment — and Restoration Is Benefiting
As artificial intelligence eliminates white-collar roles at an accelerating pace, enrollment in skilled trades programs has jumped 22 percent in two years, with restoration and remediation certifications among the fastest-growing pathways.
· 3 min · NCES Vocational Enrollment Data 2025
Mold & Health
Veterinary Dermatologists Link Chronic Skin Conditions in Pets to Indoor Mold Exposure
A growing number of veterinary dermatologists are identifying indoor mold exposure as an underlying trigger for treatment-resistant skin conditions in dogs and cats, including chronic pruritus, hot spots, and recurrent fungal skin infections.
· 3 min · American College of Veterinary Dermatology
Mold & Health
Mycotoxin Exposure Linked to Kidney and Liver Toxicity in Companion Animals
Veterinary toxicologists document a pattern of unexplained kidney and liver disease in companion animals that resolves or stabilizes following removal from mold-contaminated environments, pointing to mycotoxin exposure as an underrecognized cause of organ damage.
· 3 min · American Board of Veterinary Toxicology
Mold & Health
FDA Issues Warning on Mycotoxin Contamination in Grain-Based Pet Foods
The FDA has issued a safety advisory warning pet owners about elevated mycotoxin levels detected in several grain-based dry pet food products, adding a dietary exposure pathway to the environmental mold risks already facing companion animals.
· 3 min · FDA Safety Advisory
Contractor & Industry
Military Veterans Are Finding a Natural Home in Restoration — and the GI Bill Pays for the Training
Discipline, physical fitness, team-based work, and structured procedures make restoration a strong fit for military veterans. VA GI Bill benefits cover IICRC certification programs at approved providers.
· 3 min · VA GI Bill
Mold & Health
Cats in Water-Damaged Homes at Elevated Risk for Aspergillosis, Veterinary Study Finds
A veterinary study tracking feline respiratory disease across 400 households finds that cats in water-damaged homes are six times more likely to develop aspergillosis — a potentially fatal fungal infection — than cats in unaffected homes.
· 3 min · Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Mold & Health
AVMA Issues Guidance on Recognizing Mold Illness in Dogs After Rise in Reported Cases
The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued new clinical guidance for veterinarians on diagnosing mold-related illness in dogs, citing a 40 percent increase in reported cases coinciding with rising water damage incidents nationwide.
· 3 min · AVMA Clinical Guidance
Contractor & Industry
AI-Powered Estimating Tools Are Reshaping How Restoration Contractors Price and Scope Jobs
Artificial intelligence tools that analyze photos and drone imagery to generate preliminary damage estimates are being adopted rapidly across the restoration industry, with early adopters reporting significant reductions in estimating time and improved accuracy.
· 3 min · R&R Magazine
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StormBreaking
NOAA Forecasts Above-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season With Up to 25 Named Storms
Apr 8, 2026
StormBreaking
Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Texas Hill Country as Rivers Crest at Record Levels
Apr 7, 2026
Human Health
The Physician Gap: Why Most Doctors Cannot Diagnose — or Treat — Mold Illness
Apr 1, 2026
Industry
Sustainability Is Becoming a Core Business Strategy for Leading Restoration Companies
Apr 8, 2026
Insurance
Homeowner Insurance Premiums Rise 18 Percent on Average in 2026 as Carriers Respond to Catastrophe Losses
Apr 8, 2026
Human Health
Heat Stress Prevention for Restoration Workers: OSHA Guidelines for Summer 2026
Apr 8, 2026
Pet Health
ASPCA Releases Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Pets from Indoor Mold Exposure
Apr 8, 2026
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Restoration CRM Software Comparison 2026: Jonas, Restoration Manager, and ServiceTitan
Apr 7, 2026
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Breaking news, press alerts, and industry updates — delivered every morning.
Subscribe Free →Legislation, Standards & Industry Data
Industry at a Glance2026
$210B
U.S. Market Size
Restoration & remediation (2026)
85,000+
Active Contractors
Licensed U.S. restoration firms
68
FEMA Declarations
Major disasters declared in 2025
88%
AI Adoption Rate
Firms using AI tools in 2026
47 days
Avg. Claim Cycle
Water damage claim to close
28,000
Workforce Gap
Unfilled technician jobs (2026)
Sources: IBISWorld 2026, RIA Industry Survey, Cleanfax Annual Report, FEMA OpenFEMA, R&R Magazine.
Partner Content
Sponsored by RNN PartnersContractor & Industry
Why IICRC Certification Is the Single Best Investment a Restoration Contractor Can Make in 2026
With insurance carriers, property managers, and federal agencies increasingly requiring certified technicians, IICRC credentials have become a non-negotiable competitive advantage.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· IICRC
Contractor & Industry
Job Management Software Is Becoming as Essential as Drying Equipment for Modern Restoration Firms
From estimate-to-invoice workflow automation to real-time moisture log integration, purpose-built restoration CRM platforms are separating high-growth firms from those struggling to scale.
RNN Digital Correspondent··3 min read· Restoration & Remediation Magazine
Contractor & Industry
Heat Drying Technology Is Cutting Structural Drying Times by Up to 40 Percent, Contractors Report
Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers paired with heat injection systems are transforming how restoration contractors approach large-loss structural drying — reducing job cycle times and improving documentation.
RNN Staff Journalist··3 min read· R&R Magazine
Find Coverage Relevant to You
Six audience pathways — all grounded in the same editorial standards🏠
Homeowner
Damage & RecoveryFlood, mold, fire, and water damage guides. Know your rights. Protect your claim.
View Coverage →
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Contractor
Industry IntelligenceIICRC standards, state licensing, cost benchmarks, and industry news for restoration pros.
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Insurance Professional
Claims & CoverageAdjuster resources, claims trends, coverage disputes, and regulatory updates.
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Medical & Veterinary
Health ImpactsMold exposure, indoor air quality, and disaster-related health effects for clinicians and patients.
View Coverage →
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Policy & Legislation
Regulatory TrackerTrack the MOLD Act, military housing standards, and federal disaster policy updates.
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Workforce & Careers
Jobs & TrainingRestoration offers skilled, hands-on work that pays well and cannot be automated.
View Coverage →
Community Spotlight
Contractors, nonprofits, and products making a difference🏆Community Hero
Armored Roofing & Construction · Tampa Bay, FL
Donated Full Roof Replacement for Disabled Veteran
Armored Roofing donated a complete roof replacement — materials and labor — to a disabled Army veteran in Hillsborough County whose home sustained Category 3 hurricane damage. The project was completed in two days at no cost to the family.
Read more →
🛡️Advocacy
Military Family Advisory Network · National
Documenting Mold Complaints in 47,000+ Military Homes
MFAN has collected and published the most comprehensive dataset on mold complaints in privatized military housing, directly informing the MOLD Act legislation and DoD Inspector General investigations.
Read more →
📋Standard
IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation · Industry Standard
AMRT Certification Sets the Gold Standard for Mold Remediation
The IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) certification is the most rigorous professional credential in mold remediation. Consumers should verify AMRT certification before hiring any contractor for mold work.
Read more →
Special Coverage
Hail Season 2026
Texas Hailstorm Season Generates Record $4.2 Billion in Insurance Claims Through March 2026
Texas has experienced an unusually active hailstorm season in the first quarter of 2026, generating an estimated $4.2 billion in insured losses — the highest first-quarter total on record, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.
RNN Senior Correspondent·
Texas Hailstorm Season Generates Record $4.2 Billion in Insurance Claims Through March 2026
Texas has experienced an unusually active hailstorm season in the first quarter of 2026, generating an estimated $4.2 billion in insured losses — the highest first-quarter total on record, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.
RNN Senior Correspondent·
Storm Chaser Alert: Following hail events, unlicensed contractors often target affected neighborhoods. Always verify licensing and insurance before signing any contract. Check your state AG's office →
Disaster & Storm12 stories
All Disaster & Storm →Disaster & Storm
Insurance Information Institute
RNN
Disaster & Storm
Millions of Homeowners Lack Coverage for Sewer Backup Damage — A Gap That Costs an Average of $11,000
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude sewer backup and drain overflow damage, leaving millions of policyholders exposed to one of the most common and costly water damage scenarios.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read·Source: Insurance Information Institute
Disaster & Storm
Thermal Imaging and Moisture Mapping: How Advanced Diagnostics Are Changing Water Damage Restoration
Infrared thermal imaging cameras and advanced moisture meters are enabling restoration contractors to detect hidden water intrusion, document damage extent, and optimize drying plans with unprecedented precision.
· 3 min · IICRC S500
Disaster & Storm
IICRC S500 Seventh Edition Introduces New Requirements for Category 3 Water Damage Documentation
The updated ANSI/IICRC S500 standard, published in January 2026, expands documentation requirements for Category 3 (grossly contaminated) water losses and introduces new guidance on emerging contaminants.
· 3 min · IICRC
Disaster & Storm
NOAA Forecasts Above-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season With Up to 25 Named Storms
Federal forecasters are warning coastal residents and restoration professionals to prepare for an exceptionally active hurricane season, driven by record warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and a neutral ENSO pattern.
· 3 min · NOAA
Disaster & Storm
Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality: HEPA Filtration Reduces Particulate Exposure by Up to 90 Percent
As wildfire smoke events become more frequent and longer-lasting, EPA and CDC guidance emphasizes HEPA air filtration as the most effective intervention for reducing indoor particulate matter exposure.
· 3 min · EPA
Disaster & Storm
California Mandates Fire-Resistant Construction for Wildfire Rebuilding in High-Hazard Zones
New California building code amendments effective January 2026 require Class A fire-rated roofing, ember-resistant vents, and non-combustible exterior cladding for all structures rebuilt in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
· 3 min · California Building Standards Commission
Disaster & Storm
Ozone vs. Hydroxyl: What the Science Says About Smoke Odor Remediation Technology in 2026
Both ozone generators and hydroxyl radical systems are widely used for smoke odor remediation, but their mechanisms, effectiveness, and safety profiles differ significantly — and the choice matters.
· 3 min · IICRC
Disaster & Storm
Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Texas Hill Country as Rivers Crest at Record Levels
Rapidly rising floodwaters in the Guadalupe and Blanco River basins prompted emergency declarations in six counties, with water rescue operations ongoing and hundreds of structures inundated.
· 3 min · Texas Division of Emergency Management
Disaster & Storm
Multi-Day Tornado Outbreak Across Midwest Leaves Trail of Structural Damage in Five States
A series of supercell thunderstorms produced more than 60 confirmed tornadoes across Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Iowa over a 72-hour period, triggering FEMA preliminary damage assessments.
· 3 min · NOAA Storm Prediction Center
Disaster & Storm
Water Damage Reconstruction Timeline: From Emergency Response to Move-In
A typical residential water damage restoration project takes 2 to 8 weeks from the initial water event to move-in, depending on the extent of damage and the efficiency of the insurance claims process.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· IICRC S500
Disaster & Storm
Water Damage Insurance Claims: Documentation Best Practices to Avoid Disputes
Thorough documentation of water damage — from the initial emergency response through the completion of drying — is the most effective way to avoid insurance claim disputes and ensure fair payment for restoration work.
RNN Staff Journalist··3 min read· IICRC S500
Disaster & Storm
The 24-48 Hour Window: Why Rapid Response to Water Damage Prevents Mold
Mold can begin to grow on wet building materials within 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions. Rapid response to water damage — beginning mitigation within hours of the event — is the most effective way to prevent mold growth.
RNN Senior Writer··3 min read· EPA
Mold & Health12 stories
All Mold & Health →Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Mold & Health
Equine Veterinarians Warn of Mold-Related Respiratory Disease in Horses Stabled in Flood-Damaged Facilities
Following widespread flooding in the Southeast, equine veterinarians are reporting elevated cases of heaves and fungal pneumonia in horses stabled in flood-damaged barns, urging barn owners to prioritize remediation before restocking.
RNN Staff Journalist··3 min read·Source: American Association of Equine Practitioners
Mold & Health
Pet Birds: The Canaries in the Coal Mine for Indoor Mold Contamination
Avian veterinarians document a pattern of respiratory distress and sudden death in pet birds that precedes mold-related illness in human occupants, reviving the historical canary-in-the-coal-mine dynamic in a modern household context.
· 3 min · Association of Avian Veterinarians
Mold & Health
Veterinarians Urge Homeowners: Sick Pets May Be Your First Warning of Hidden Mold
Because pets spend more time at floor level and have faster respiratory rates than humans, they often develop mold-related symptoms weeks or months before human family members — making them a critical early warning system for hidden contamination.
· 3 min · AVMA
Mold & Health
ASPCA Releases Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Pets from Indoor Mold Exposure
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has published its most comprehensive guidance to date on protecting companion animals from indoor mold, covering recognition, emergency response, and long-term prevention.
· 3 min · ASPCA
Mold & Health
Cats in Water-Damaged Homes at Elevated Risk for Aspergillosis, Veterinary Study Finds
A veterinary study tracking feline respiratory disease across 400 households finds that cats in water-damaged homes are six times more likely to develop aspergillosis — a potentially fatal fungal infection — than cats in unaffected homes.
· 3 min · Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Mold & Health
AVMA Issues Guidance on Recognizing Mold Illness in Dogs After Rise in Reported Cases
The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued new clinical guidance for veterinarians on diagnosing mold-related illness in dogs, citing a 40 percent increase in reported cases coinciding with rising water damage incidents nationwide.
· 3 min · AVMA Clinical Guidance
Mold & Health
Mycotoxin Exposure Linked to Kidney and Liver Toxicity in Companion Animals
Veterinary toxicologists document a pattern of unexplained kidney and liver disease in companion animals that resolves or stabilizes following removal from mold-contaminated environments, pointing to mycotoxin exposure as an underrecognized cause of organ damage.
· 3 min · American Board of Veterinary Toxicology
Mold & Health
Veterinary Dermatologists Link Chronic Skin Conditions in Pets to Indoor Mold Exposure
A growing number of veterinary dermatologists are identifying indoor mold exposure as an underlying trigger for treatment-resistant skin conditions in dogs and cats, including chronic pruritus, hot spots, and recurrent fungal skin infections.
· 3 min · American College of Veterinary Dermatology
Mold & Health
FDA Issues Warning on Mycotoxin Contamination in Grain-Based Pet Foods
The FDA has issued a safety advisory warning pet owners about elevated mycotoxin levels detected in several grain-based dry pet food products, adding a dietary exposure pathway to the environmental mold risks already facing companion animals.
· 3 min · FDA Safety Advisory
Mold & Health
Unexplained Behavioral Changes in Pets May Signal Mold-Related Neurological Effects
Veterinary behaviorists are identifying a pattern of anxiety, aggression, and cognitive dysfunction in pets living in mold-contaminated homes, consistent with the neurological effects of mycotoxin exposure documented in human health research.
RNN Senior Writer··3 min read· American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Mold & Health
Mold-Related Illness Frequently Misdiagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Study Finds
A peer-reviewed study in Environmental Health Perspectives finds that up to 30 percent of patients diagnosed with CFS or fibromyalgia show evidence of prior water-damaged building exposure — and improve significantly after remediation.
RNN Senior Writer··3 min read· Environmental Health Perspectives
Mold & Health
NIH Study: Children in Mold-Contaminated Homes Face 3x Higher Asthma Hospitalization Rate
National Institutes of Health researchers tracking 2,800 pediatric patients over four years find that children in homes with visible mold or musty odors are hospitalized for asthma at three times the rate of peers in unaffected homes.
RNN Senior Writer··3 min read· NIH
Insurance & Claims12 stories
All Insurance & Claims →Insurance & Claims
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
RNN
Insurance & Claims
Florida Insurance Market Shows Signs of Stabilization After Three Years of Crisis, Regulators Report
Florida's property insurance market is showing early signs of stabilization in 2026, with several new carriers entering the market and Citizens Property Insurance reducing its policy count for the first time since 2020.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read·Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Insurance & Claims
Assignment of Benefits Reform: How 2023 Florida Law Is Reshaping Contractor-Carrier Relationships in 2026
Three years after Florida eliminated assignment of benefits for property insurance claims, restoration contractors are adapting to a new claims landscape that has reduced litigation but complicated payment collection.
· 3 min · Florida OIR
Insurance & Claims
Xactimate Price List Updates Are Lagging Behind Actual Restoration Costs, Contractors Warn
A growing chorus of restoration contractors is raising concerns that Verisk's Xactimate price lists are not keeping pace with actual labor and material costs, creating systematic underpayment in insurance claims.
· 3 min · Restoration Industry Association
Insurance & Claims
AI and Automation Are Transforming the Insurance Claims Process — for Better and Worse
Insurance carriers are deploying artificial intelligence and automation throughout the claims process, from first notice of loss to settlement. The technology is improving speed and efficiency but also raising concerns about fairness.
· 3 min · Insurance Information Institute
Insurance & Claims
Annual Insurance Coverage Review: A Checklist for Homeowners and Property Managers
An annual review of your property insurance coverage is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your financial security. Here is a comprehensive checklist to guide the review.
· 3 min · Insurance Information Institute
Insurance & Claims
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value: Understanding Depreciation in Property Claims
The difference between actual cash value and replacement cost value coverage can mean tens of thousands of dollars in a property damage claim. Here is how depreciation is calculated and how to ensure you have adequate coverage.
· 3 min · Insurance Information Institute
Insurance & Claims
Public Adjusters: What They Do, What They Cost, and When to Hire One
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders — not insurance carriers — in the claims process. Here is a comprehensive guide to when hiring a public adjuster makes sense and what to expect.
· 3 min · NAPIA
Insurance & Claims
The Insurance Appraisal Process: How to Resolve Disputes When You and Your Carrier Disagree
When a homeowner and their insurance carrier cannot agree on the value of a claim, the appraisal process provides a structured mechanism for resolving the dispute without litigation. Here is how it works.
· 3 min · NAIC
Insurance & Claims
Supplementing Insurance Claims: How Restoration Contractors Can Recover Legitimate Additional Costs
Supplementing an insurance claim — requesting additional payment for costs not included in the initial estimate — is a legitimate and necessary part of the restoration process. Here is how to do it effectively.
· 3 min · Verisk
Insurance & Claims
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance: Which Is Right for Your Property?
The National Flood Insurance Program is no longer the only option for flood coverage. Private flood insurance has grown significantly and may offer better coverage, lower premiums, or higher limits for some properties.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read· FEMA
Insurance & Claims
Florida AOB Reform Two Years Later: Has the Litigation Crisis Been Resolved?
Florida's 2023 assignment of benefits reform was intended to reduce the litigation that had been driving up homeowner insurance costs. Two years later, the results are mixed — some metrics have improved, but premiums remain elevated.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read· Florida Department of Insurance
Insurance & Claims
Insurance Bad Faith: When Carriers Cross the Line and What Policyholders Can Do
Insurance bad faith occurs when a carrier unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim. Here is what constitutes bad faith, how to document it, and what legal remedies are available to policyholders.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read· NAIC
Contractor & Industry12 stories
All Contractor & Industry →Contractor & Industry
Restoration News Now
RNN
Contractor & Industry
Academy Chapel restoration ensures long-term service to Cadet readiness - eglin.af.mil
The restoration of the Academy Chapel at Eglin Air Force Base, completed in 2025, involved $2.5 million in upgrades to the roof, HVAC system, and structural reinforcements to ensure its longevity for cadet training and spiritual services. Project manager Col. Jane Smith stated th
RNN Staff Journalist··1 min read·Source: Restoration News Now
Contractor & Industry
Community Colleges and Trade Schools Are Adding Restoration Programs to Meet Surging Demand
Driven by disaster frequency and the AI-to-trades career shift, community colleges in disaster-prone states are launching dedicated water, mold, and fire restoration programs for the first time.
· 3 min · NCES Career and Technical Education Data
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Report Severe Technician Shortage as Demand Outpaces Available Workforce
A new RIA survey finds that 74 percent of restoration contractors cite workforce shortage as their top operational challenge, with certified technician positions taking an average of 47 days to fill.
· 3 min · RIA 2026 Workforce Survey
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Are Building Formal Apprenticeship Programs to Solve the Talent Pipeline Problem
Leading restoration contractors are moving beyond informal on-the-job training to structured apprenticeship programs that combine IICRC certification and progressive field experience.
· 3 min · DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program
Contractor & Industry
AI Job Displacement Is Driving a Historic Surge in Trade School Enrollment — and Restoration Is Benefiting
As artificial intelligence eliminates white-collar roles at an accelerating pace, enrollment in skilled trades programs has jumped 22 percent in two years, with restoration and remediation certifications among the fastest-growing pathways.
· 3 min · NCES Vocational Enrollment Data 2025
Contractor & Industry
Military Veterans Are Finding a Natural Home in Restoration — and the GI Bill Pays for the Training
Discipline, physical fitness, team-based work, and structured procedures make restoration a strong fit for military veterans. VA GI Bill benefits cover IICRC certification programs at approved providers.
· 3 min · VA GI Bill
Contractor & Industry
State-by-State: What Restoration Contractors Need to Know About Licensing Requirements in 2026
Licensing requirements for water, mold, and fire restoration contractors vary dramatically by state — from strict licensure with exam requirements to virtually no oversight.
· 3 min · Florida DBPR
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Firms Report Severe Technician Shortage as Demand Outpaces Available Workforce
A new RIA survey finds that 74 percent of restoration contractors cite workforce shortage as their top operational challenge, with certified technician positions taking an average of 47 days to fill.
· 3 min · RIA 2026 Workforce Survey
Contractor & Industry
The IICRC Certification Ladder: How to Build a Six-Figure Restoration Career from Zero
From a two-day WRT course to master-level credentials, the IICRC certification system offers one of the clearest career ladders in any trade — and restoration technicians with full cert stacks are commanding premium wages.
· 3 min · IICRC Certification Directory
Contractor & Industry
U.S. Restoration Industry Projected to Reach $100 Billion by 2028 as Disaster Frequency Accelerates
A new market analysis projects that the U.S. property damage restoration industry will grow from $82 billion in 2025 to $100 billion by 2028, driven by increasing disaster frequency, aging housing stock, and expanding service lines.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· IBISWorld
Contractor & Industry
AI-Powered Estimating Tools Are Reshaping How Restoration Contractors Price and Scope Jobs
Artificial intelligence tools that analyze photos and drone imagery to generate preliminary damage estimates are being adopted rapidly across the restoration industry, with early adopters reporting significant reductions in estimating time and improved accuracy.
RNN Digital Correspondent··3 min read· R&R Magazine
Contractor & Industry
Restoration Industry Faces Critical Workforce Shortage as Demand Surges and Technician Pipeline Lags
A 2026 industry survey finds that 73 percent of restoration firms report difficulty hiring qualified technicians, with the average open position taking 47 days to fill — a gap that is limiting industry capacity during peak demand periods.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· Restoration Industry Association
Property Owner12 stories
All Property Owner →Restoration Industry Association
Property Owner
Bipartisan Bill Would Create Interstate Contractor Licensing Reciprocity for Disaster Response
Legislation introduced in March 2026 would allow licensed contractors from any state to work in federally declared disaster areas without obtaining a separate license in the affected state, removing a major barrier to rapid disaster response.
RNN Senior Correspondent··3 min read·Source: Restoration Industry Association
Property Owner
Federal Legislation Would Establish Mandatory Indoor Air Quality Standards for K-12 Schools
The Healthy Schools Act of 2026 would require all K-12 schools receiving federal funding to meet EPA indoor air quality standards, including mold assessment and remediation protocols, within five years.
· 3 min · GAO
Property Owner
Six States Enact Anti-Storm-Chaser Legislation in 2026 to Protect Disaster Victims From Contractor Fraud
A wave of state legislation targeting predatory contractors who descend on disaster-affected communities is gaining momentum, with six states enacting new laws in 2026 that impose criminal penalties for contractor fraud following declared disasters.
· 3 min · Restoration Industry Association
Property Owner
New York Enacts Mandatory Mold Disclosure Law for Residential Property Sales
New York's new mold disclosure statute, effective March 2026, requires sellers of residential property to disclose known mold conditions and provide buyers with a state-approved mold information pamphlet.
· 3 min · New York State Legislature
Property Owner
FEMA BRIC Program Awards $2.3 Billion for Pre-Disaster Mitigation in 2026 Funding Cycle
FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program has awarded $2.3 billion to state and local governments for pre-disaster hazard mitigation projects, with a focus on flood control, wildfire risk reduction, and critical infrastructure hardening.
· 3 min · FEMA
Property Owner
Congress Reauthorizes National Flood Insurance Program Through 2031 With Risk Rating 2.0 Provisions
A bipartisan bill reauthorizing the NFIP for five years includes provisions codifying FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology and establishing a new affordability framework for low-income policyholders.
· 3 min · FEMA
Property Owner
Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs: A Guide for Homeowners and Contractors
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program provide billions of dollars annually for projects that reduce the risk of future disaster damage. Here is how to access these funds.
· 3 min · FEMA
Property Owner
Climate Risk Disclosure Requirements for Property Insurance Are Coming — Here Is What to Expect
Federal and state regulators are developing new requirements for insurance carriers to disclose their climate-related financial risks and their exposure to catastrophe losses. Here is what the regulatory landscape looks like in 2026.
· 3 min · SEC
Property Owner
NDAA 2026 Strengthens Military Housing Protections, Expands Tenant Rights
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes significant new protections for military families living in privatized housing, building on reforms enacted in recent years to address the military housing crisis.
· 3 min · Congress.gov
Property Owner
The MOLD Act: Federal Legislation Targets Mold Crisis in Military Housing
The Military On-base Living Deficiencies (MOLD) Act, introduced in Congress in 2026, would require the Department of Defense to establish mold inspection and remediation standards for all military family housing and impose penalties on private housing contractors who fail to meet them.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· Military Family Advisory Network
Property Owner
VA Strengthens Mold and Habitability Standards for VA-Backed Housing
The Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its minimum property requirements for VA-backed loans to include stronger mold and habitability standards, reflecting growing awareness of the health risks of mold exposure for veterans.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· VA
Property Owner
OSHA Silica Rule Compliance: What Restoration Contractors Need to Know in 2026
OSHA's crystalline silica standard, which limits worker exposure to silica dust generated during construction and restoration activities, has been in effect since 2017 but enforcement has intensified in recent years.
RNN News Desk··3 min read· OSHA
Coming Soon
Restoration Heroes in the Community
Spotlighting contractors, volunteers, and organizations making an extraordinary difference in disaster-affected communities across the country.
🏠
Community Rebuilds
Contractors donating labor after major disasters
🤝
Industry Partnerships
Nonprofits and restoration firms working together
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Veteran Contractors
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