Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions Auckland homeowners and businesses ask most about flood, fire, mould, meth and biohazard restoration — insurance, process, response times and cost.
Flood & water damage
Flood & water damage questions
How much does flood restoration cost in Auckland?
Costs depend on how much of the property is affected and whether the water is clean, grey or contaminated. Every job starts with a free on-site assessment, and most flood restoration in Auckland is covered by home and contents insurance. See our flood restoration cost guide for typical price bands.
What should I do immediately if my house floods?
Make sure everyone is safe first, turn off electricity at the mains if it's safe to do so, and avoid walking through standing water near power outlets. Call iDry on 0800 452 199 straight away — the sooner extraction starts, the less damage to your property.
How much does it cost to repair a water-damaged ceiling?
Ceiling repair costs depend on whether it's just plasterboard replacement or also includes insulation, wiring checks and repainting, and whether the leak has caused hidden moisture in the roof cavity. iDry provides a free on-site assessment and a written scope before any repair work begins.
Can I build a house in a flood zone in Auckland?
Auckland Council applies flood-hazard overlays and building consent conditions in identified flood-prone areas, so any build in a flood zone needs council sign-off on stormwater and floor-level requirements. iDry doesn't provide building-consent advice, but if a flood-zone property is affected by water damage, we handle the restoration and insurance-liaison side.
How does bathroom waterproofing prevent water damage in Auckland homes?
Proper waterproofing membranes under tiled floors and around wet areas stop water tracking into subfloors and framing. When waterproofing fails or wasn't installed correctly, water damage can build up unseen for months before it's noticed — iDry's moisture mapping finds this hidden damage so it can be dried and repaired properly.
Meth decontamination
Meth decontamination questions
How do you clean methamphetamine (P) residue from walls?
iDry uses specialist cleaning agents and equipment to decontaminate affected surfaces — walls, ceilings, carpet and soft furnishings — following recognised decontamination procedures. Once cleanup is complete, we recommend independent third-party testing to confirm the property meets safe residue levels.
Does iDry provide meth testing?
No — iDry carries out meth decontamination, not testing. If you need a property tested before or after cleanup, we recommend engaging an independent third-party testing company; we're happy to point you toward one.
How long does methamphetamine contamination stay in a house?
Meth residue can remain on surfaces indefinitely until it's professionally decontaminated — it doesn't break down or air out on its own, and it can keep affecting occupants until it's properly removed.
How does meth contamination spread through a house?
Smoking or cooking meth releases residue that settles into porous surfaces such as walls, carpet, curtains and insulation, and it can spread through the ventilation system into other rooms of the property.
Mould remediation
Mould remediation questions
How do I identify mould in my house?
Look for dark spots on walls, ceilings or grout, a persistent musty smell, or visible growth in humid areas like bathrooms and wardrobes. Mould can also grow unseen behind walls or under flooring after water damage — if you're unsure, iDry offers a free inspection to check.
Does roof or ceiling cavity mould need professional treatment?
Yes. Roof cavity mould is often linked to poor ventilation or a hidden leak, and treating only the visible surface without addressing the cause lets it return. iDry services roof and ceiling cavity mould remediation across Auckland, including Howick and surrounding suburbs.
Insurance claims
Insurance questions
Does insurance cover flood or water damage in New Zealand?
Most home and contents insurance policies in New Zealand cover sudden flood and water damage, such as burst pipes, storm flooding or appliance failures — but cover can vary by insurer and policy wording, and gradual damage is often excluded. iDry documents the cause and extent of damage so your insurer has what they need to assess cover quickly.
How do I file a property damage insurance claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the damage occurs, and call iDry on 0800 452 199 so we can begin emergency mitigation and start documenting the loss straight away. We provide moisture readings, scope of works and progress photos that support your claim.
What makes a water-leak insurance claim successful in NZ?
Clear documentation is key — photos of the damage, a record of when it was discovered, and a professional scope of works showing the cause and extent of the loss. iDry provides moisture reports and progress photos throughout the job and liaises directly with your insurer.
Biohazard cleaning
Biohazard & trauma cleaning questions
Does iDry provide blood and biohazard cleanup services?
Yes. iDry provides professional blood and biohazard cleanup across the Auckland region, carried out by trained technicians following biohazard safety protocols. We're Auckland-based and don't currently service other regions of New Zealand.
Fire & smoke damage
Fire & smoke damage questions
How do you assess how bad fire damage is in a property?
iDry's technicians assess soot, smoke and structural damage on-site as part of every fire restoration job, then provide a written scope of works for you and your insurer.
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