In-Depth Case Studies — Real Projects, Real Families
Detailed write-ups from real Kowalski restoration projects — the damage, the challenges, the creative solutions, and the results.
Candle Causes Over $300,000 in Damages
The Damage
The $301,102 in damage to this one-story, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,700 SF home with a 3-car garage was caused by a $0.59 votive candle left burning while the homeowner went to bed. The owner had purchased the home new just three years prior. She was happy with the home and wanted it rebuilt as-is, with some minor changes. Kowalski's strategy was to fast-track the project without making her feel rushed, providing remodeling suggestions along the way.
Challenges & Creative Solutions
Kowalski received a unique request from the firefighting community: could they use the severely damaged structure for a roof collapse training exercise before demolition? Kowalski secured permission from the homeowner and explained that while this would provide an important public service, it would also delay the schedule. In gratitude for the initial firefighting efforts, she quickly agreed. Kowalski coordinated with 6 municipal fire departments and arranged the test, which was videotaped from multiple locations for future training.
Results
Partnering with 6 fire departments and giving back to the community ultimately caused schedule delays — magnifying the importance of clear communication, especially toward the end of this 6-month project. In the end, the 3-year-old home was fully restored, incorporating the homeowner's desired changes plus additional enhancements suggested by Kowalski.
- Full home restoration — 2,700 SF, 4 bed, 2.5 bath
- Roof collapse training coordinated with 6 fire departments
- Kitchen rebuilt with homeowner-selected upgrades
- 6-month project completed on schedule
A House Remolded — When a Child's Life Was at Stake
The Story
Good was not enough for this home repair project. A life was at stake. Just four months after Michelle Harless moved into the Phoenix ranch house she had purchased, her 7-year-old son Thomas was hospitalized with breathing problems. Thomas has cystic fibrosis, and doctors discovered that common mold — Aspergillus — in his lungs had caused him to lose 30% of his lung function. Her other son and she herself were experiencing health issues as well.
The crisis began with a water leak involving the dishwasher. Eventually the hot water heater quit running, and water was coming up from the bathroom tiles. Environmental testing by ACT confirmed severe Aspergillus contamination throughout the home. Harless's fiance's mother checked Kowalski's record with the BBB and recommended them. “Steve was real up front with me, and kind,” Harless says. “I didn't even want to pursue anyone else.”
The Remediation
Four certified Kowalski mold remediation technicians set up a containment room with a decontamination transition zone, working in full Tyvek decon gear — suits, gloves, boots, and full-face respirators. With the AC turned off to prevent mold spore circulation, crews worked in 30-minute stretches through Phoenix summer heat.
The crew removed contaminated drywall, sanded wood framing, cleaned all areas with mold killer and disinfectant, and encapsulated surfaces with anti-microbial sealer. All areas were HEPA vacuumed. The kitchen received new cabinets, flooring, drywall, and baseboard. All appliances were removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Bathroom fixtures were removed, one tub replaced, every surface cleaned and disinfected. Even the HVAC, kitchen, and laundry ducts were thoroughly cleaned.
Results
ACT's post-remediation test gave the house a clean bill of health. “Her little boy was constantly on our minds and our workers' minds,” says Jim Kowalski. “We checked our work once, and we checked it twice. We didn't want to cause any further harm.” The family moved back into their mold-free home on September 4th. “I'm finally home,” Harless says.
- Full containment with decon transition zone
- Kitchen cabinets, flooring, and appliance restoration
- HEPA vacuuming and anti-microbial encapsulation
- HVAC and duct cleaning and disinfection
- Third-party post-remediation clearance testing
- Family safely returned home
Perkins Westdale Shopping Center Fire — West Phoenix Strip Mall Rebuild
A major fire tore through the Perkins Westdale Shopping Center — a West Phoenix strip mall with multiple commercial units. Kowalski mobilized an emergency response and completed emergency cleanup followed by full reconstruction — all while keeping the center open for business.
See Our Full Project Portfolio
From 165-room hotels to 126-apartment monsoon response to MLB stadium builds — view every Kowalski project with photos, scope, and results.
View Full PortfolioHave a Project Like One of These?
Tell us about it. Call (602) 944-2645 24/7/365 or request help online.