About ServiceMaster of Lake Shore
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is a family-operated restoration and cleaning company serving Chicago and the North Shore since 1996.
We know how overwhelming it feels when your home or business is damaged by water, fire, mold, or unexpected emergencies. You want help you can trust and a team that treats your space with the same care you would.
That is why we provide 24/7 emergency response and a personal, compassionate approach to every job.
We bring together decades of local experience, advanced equipment, and a deep commitment to the people who call Chicago home.
Quick Facts
Founded: 1996
Ownership: Family-operated; part of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba and ServiceMaster Restore
Location: Downtown Chicago, 411 S Wells St., Ste 903, Chicago, IL, 60607
Service Areas: Chicago, the North Shore, and expanded Lake County territory
Emergency Response: 24/7 rapid dispatch
Certifications: IICRC certified and fully licensed
Insurance Assistance: Full documentation support and direct coordination with adjusters
Financing Options: Flexible payment plans available through GreenSky for insured, partially covered, or uninsured restoration projects
Industries Served
Residential
Residential- Single-family homes
- Townhomes and condominiums
- Apartment and multi-unit complexes
Commercial
- Office buildings
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants and hospitality properties
- Mixed-use commercial spaces
Education
- K–12 schools
- Colleges and universities
- Childcare and early learning centers
Healthcare
- Hospitals
- Clinics and medical offices
- Assisted living and long-term care facilities
Laboratories and Research
- Biotech and pharmaceutical labs
- Industrial testing facilities
- Private and government research environments
Our Story
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore was created with a simple belief: when people experience loss or damage, they deserve more than a cleanup crew. They deserve a team that shows up with compassion, steadiness, and the skills to guide them through a difficult moment.
In 1996, we began serving Chicago families and businesses with that mission in mind. Over the years, our team grew, our capabilities expanded, and our role in the community deepened.
When ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba welcomed Lake Shore into the family in 2016, we gained the support, equipment, and training resources needed to help more people, more quickly, and with even greater care.
That commitment led us to open a new 70,000 sq ft facility in 2024. This space was designed around the needs of our customers. It includes climate-controlled packout storage, a content cleaning lab for restoring precious belongings, dedicated rooms for carpet and upholstery care, and a training center where we teach best practices to our teams and host community education events.
Today, we continue to grow our service territory, including our expansion into Lake County in 2023.
Through every step, our mission stays the same. We want you to feel supported, understood, and confident that your home or business is in the best possible hands.
Milestones
1996: ServiceMaster of Lake Shore was founded in Chicago
2008: Leadership expanded, and restoration services grew
2016: Acquired by ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba
2023: Expanded service area into Lake County
2024: Opened 70,000 sq ft Chicago headquarters with training and content cleaning facilities
Our Promise
We promise to be the steady partner you can count on when your property is at risk.
Our crews act fast to stabilize the damage, protect your structure, and prevent issues like mold, odor, or deterioration. From cleaning and drying to repairing affected areas and caring for your belongings, we bring experience and attention to detail to every job.
At the same time, we treat you with patience, clarity, and respect, because restoring your peace of mind matters just as much as restoring your property.
Our Approach
We follow a clear process so you always know what to expect. We:
- Assess the damage and explain your options.
- Stop the source of the problem and stabilize the property.
- Begin cleaning, drying, and specialized restoration work.
- Restore your home or business to a safe, comfortable condition.
- Document everything for your insurance company and help guide the claims process.
We stay connected with you from the first call to the final walkthrough.
Meet Our Founders
Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, President
Diana got into the restoration business after a decade with the Chicago Deputy Commissioner of Children’s Services. Her background taught her the importance of compassion, clarity, and steady leadership in challenging situations.
She is IICRC certified in fire and water restoration and is nationally recognized for her expertise, with features in Forbes, Huff Post, Oprah Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, and New York Magazine.
Diana believes the heart of this business is people and is proud to support a team that puts care first.
Neil Omar, Director of Operations
Neil brings a strong foundation in construction, which helps him manage complex restoration challenges with confidence and precision.
Since joining Diana in 2016 to operate ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, Neil has overseen hundreds of restoration projects throughout Chicago and the suburbs.
He is known for his calm presence, clear communication, and dedication to doing the right thing for every customer.
Certifications and Affiliations
Community Commitment
Chicago is not just where we work. It is where we live, raise our families, and stay connected.
We believe strongly in giving back, teaching safety and preparedness, and offering our facility as a space for community events and training sessions.
Our team volunteers, supports local initiatives, and invests in making our neighborhoods safer and stronger. We are proud to be part of a community that continually lifts one another up.
FAQs
How fast can you get to my home after water or fire damage?
We provide 24/7 emergency response and typically arrive within 60-90 minutes after your call. Our team’s first priority is stopping the damage, removing hazards, and getting your home or business stabilized so you feel safe again.
What happens during the first visit?
We inspect the affected areas, explain what we’re seeing in simple terms, and begin immediate mitigation. This can include extracting water, removing debris, drying structural materials, or protecting belongings. Our goal is to make progress on day one so your property doesn’t worsen overnight.
Do you work with my insurance company?
Yes. We document everything for your claim, take photos, prepare estimates, and communicate directly with your adjuster. Many customers choose to call us first because we can help start the claim the right way and prevent delays.
Can I stay in my home during repairs?
It depends on the extent of the damage. For small or moderate jobs, staying home may be safe. For larger projects involving smoke, heavy mold, or major water damage, we may recommend temporary relocation. We always talk through your options and help you choose what feels realistic and safe.
What happens to my furniture and personal items?
If belongings need to be packed out, we inventory, photograph, and store them securely in our climate-controlled facility. Items that can be saved are cleaned and restored in our content cleaning lab, then returned once your property is ready.
Do you offer financing for restoration work?
Yes. Through GreenSky, you can access flexible payment plans, low monthly options, deferred interest plans, and no prepayment penalties. Financing can help cover high deductibles, uninsured damage, or urgent repairs you need to begin right away.
Do you handle commercial restoration projects?
Yes. We restore offices, medical facilities, schools, retail spaces, restaurants, and more. Our large facility and equipment inventory allow us to restore commercial properties without disrupting your operations longer than necessary.
When should I call a professional mold remediation company?
If you see visible mold, smell a musty odor, or notice moisture that keeps returning, it’s time to call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. Mold spreads quickly and can damage materials behind walls and under flooring. We identify the source, contain the area, and remove mold safely so it doesn’t come back.
