Our Story
We Built the Restoration Company
We Could Never Find
After years in the real estate industry watching contractors fail homeowners at their most vulnerable moments, we decided to do something about it and built Jefferson from the ground up with one standard: the one we always wished existed.
10+
Years combined experience
24/7
Emergency response
IICRC
Certified & licensed
BBB
Accredited business
The origin story
Why we started and why it matters
After years in the real estate industry, our founder Ben Schoenfeld experienced firsthand the frustration of being let down by unreliable contractors. He saw the same story repeat itself: homeowners in crisis, left waiting, overcharged, or left with incomplete work.
That experience became a mission. Jefferson Water Damage & Restoration Philadelphia was built to give Greater Philadelphia homeowners something that shouldn’t be rare: a restoration company that shows up, communicates clearly, works with your insurance, and doesn’t leave until the job is fully done.
We don’t just restore properties. We restore peace of mind.
"What people need most during a crisis isn't just a technician, it's an advocate. Someone who takes the insurance headache and the contractor stress completely off your plate."
Ben Schoenfeld | Owner & Founder
What drives us
Our mission in three principles
Radical transparency
You'll always know what's happening, why, and what it costs. No surprises, no hidden fees, no upsells mid-project.
Expert-level advocacy
We speak insurance. We navigate the claims process on your behalf, from first call to final check, so you don't have to.
Built to Last
All our repairs are performed in accordance with industry standards and are built to last. We don’t just apply quick fixes, we restore. We’ll leave your home in better condition than we found it.
The team
The people behind every project
Our team isn’t a call center that dispatches strangers. We’re a tight-knit group of certified restoration professionals, contractors, and insurance specialists, all based in Philadelphia, all invested in your outcome.
Ben Schoenfeld
Owner & Project Manager
With over 10 years spanning construction, real estate, and property restoration, Ben leads every project with a complete understanding of the entire process, from cutting drywall to negotiating insurance claims. He built Jefferson to be the contractor he could never find.
- 10+ yrs experience
- Construction
- Real Estate
- Insurance Claims
Dan Cohen
Project Manager
Dan has spent his career building and renovating homes throughout Greater Philadelphia. His deep construction background gives him a "builder's eye", he identifies structural issues faster and ensures every restoration is done by code, the first time.
- Residential and Commercial Construction
- Renovations
- Philly-based
Steven C.
Project Manager
Steven brings a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to on-site management. He oversees every restoration project with a focus on efficiency and quality control, making sure work is completed on schedule and to our highest standards.
- On-site Management
- Quality Control
Michael Termini
Project Manager — Restoration & Roofing
With 15+ years in both restoration and roofing, Michael understands property damage from the roof down. He also brings deep expertise in the insurance process, ensuring clients don't just get their homes repaired, but receive the full coverage they're entitled to.
- 15+ yrs experience
- Roofing Specialist
- Insurance Expert
Pam M.
Office Manager
Pam is the operational backbone of Jefferson. She ensures every homeowner feels supported from the very first phone call to the final walk-through, managing communications, schedules, and the details that make the process feel seamless.
- Operations
- Client Communication
- Scheduling
Andres
Xactimate Specialist & Claims Handler
Andres is our dedicated insurance claims specialist and our clients' most important advantage. As a certified Xactimate expert, the industry-standard software used by all major insurers, he ensures claims are filed accurately, professionally, and to maximum coverage.
- Xactimate Certified
- Claims Filing
- Client Advocate
Insurance made simple
We don't just fix your home, we fight for your claim
Most restoration companies leave the insurance process entirely up to you. At Jefferson, we handle it from day one.
That means a dedicated Xactimate, certified specialist files your claim accurately and professionally, using the same estimating software your insurer uses internally.
No underpayments. No disputes. No surprises.
- We communicate directly with your insurance adjuster on your behalf
- Xactimate estimates match the language insurers use, fewer disputes, faster approvals
- Full documentation of all damage, from first visit to final repair
- As your in-house claims specialist, we act as your personal representative throughout the entire process
What Xactimate certification means for you
Industry-standard estimates
Xactimate is the software used by 80%+ of insurance carriers in the US. Our estimates speak their language directly, reducing pushback and speeding up approvals.
Nothing left on the table
Many homeowners are underpaid on claims simply because their contractor didn't document damage correctly. We make sure every eligible item is captured and submitted.
One point of contact
You won't need a public adjuster, a separate lawyer, or extra consultants. We handle it internally, saving you time, money, and stress.
Credentials & certifications
Why our certifications matter
IICRC Certified — License #70209237
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification) is the global gold standard for restoration professionals. Our certification means our technicians are trained to the highest industry protocols for water damage, mold remediation, and structural drying — not self-certified, but independently verified.
Better Business Bureau Accredited
BBB Accreditation requires a demonstrated track record of ethical business practices, transparent billing, and responsive customer service. It's third-party verification that we hold ourselves to a higher standard, before, during, and after every job.
Where we serve
Proudly local. Built for Philadelphia
Jefferson is not a national franchise, we’re a Philadelphia-based team that lives and works in the same communities we serve.
That means faster response times, real local knowledge, and a team that cares about the reputation it has in its own backyard.
We serve all of Greater Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
Ready to get started?
Water damage won't wait. Neither do we.
Call now for a free assessment. Our team is dispatched 24/7 across Greater Philadelphia, most jobs receive same-day response.
- IICRC Certified
- BBB Accredited
- Google Guaranteed eligible
- No hidden fees