How Freedom Maids Built Its Expertise in Home Rehabs and Remodeling
Great Recession
At Freedom Maids, we built our experience in home rehabs and remodeling long before it became a core service. That work began during the last Great Recession, when many homes across Houston sat vacant, damaged, and in urgent need of repair.
From 2009 through 2011, foreclosure rates in Houston climbed sharply. During that time, Freedom Maids stepped in as a subcontractor for a major Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae field services contractor. Our team completed initial cleanings on nearly 2,000 properties across the Houston area. Many of these homes needed more than cleaning, which pushed us to expand our services.
As the work grew, we added a full range of residential repair and installation services. These included carpet and flooring replacement, painting, drywall repair, cabinet repair and replacement, plumbing, and HVAC work. At the same time, we worked closely with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae brokers and independent real estate agents throughout Houston to complete repairs quickly and return properties to the market.
This hands-on experience shaped how we approach both small repairs and large, whole-house rehabs. We learned to work efficiently, safely, and with close attention to detail, even under tight timelines. Today, that experience guides how Freedom Maids delivers dependable construction, rehab, and remodeling services for a wide range of home improvement needs.
Building Expertise During the iBuying Trend
Since 2020, Freedom Maids owner Maury Hammond has completed more than 400 renovation projects for iBuyers such as Redfin and Opendoor across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This hands on experience has played a major role in shaping our approach to home renovations and repairs.
iBuyers are large, national real estate companies that use technology to simplify the home buying and selling process. Their goal is to make transactions faster, more efficient, and more affordable for both buyers and sellers. While the model gained attention quickly, results have varied over time.
In fact, some companies struggled as market conditions changed. Redfin, along with Zillow, eventually exited the iBuying space after facing challenges during market downturns. Opendoor, however, continues to operate as an iBuyer. That said, the company has reduced its staff by about 40 percent since November 2022, reflecting the broader slowdown in the real estate market over the past year.
Through this work, Freedom Maids gained valuable experience managing renovations at scale, adapting to changing market demands, and delivering consistent results under tight timelines. That knowledge continues to guide how we approach every renovation project today.
Experts in Repairing Hoarding Related Interior and Exterior Damage
As Freedom Maids grew into a highly rated hoarding solutions provider, our repair and renovation expertise grew with it. Long term hoarding often affects far more than visible surfaces. Over time, it can damage plumbing, electrical systems, walls, flooring, and air quality throughout the home.
Because of this complexity, our team has developed specialized experience in water damage repair, electrical safety corrections, and mold remediation. Each service plays a critical role in restoring safety and livability after a hoarding situation.
Water Damage Repair in Hoarding Situations
Leaks can develop in any home. In hoarding situations, however, those leaks often go unnoticed for long periods of time. As a result, even small plumbing issues can cause serious damage.
Water commonly affects cabinet bases under kitchen sinks. It can also damage drywall and tile, especially when leaking valves sit hidden behind shower or bath walls. When moisture remains trapped, the damage continues to spread.
Repairing water damage requires patience and experience. First, all damaged materials are removed. After that, the area is dried completely. Fans and dehumidifiers help remove moisture and lower humidity levels.
Once the space is fully dry, the source of the leak is repaired. Only then can the area be rebuilt. When done correctly, this process restores the space in a way that is safe, clean, and durable.
Electrical Hazards Caused by Hoarding Conditions
As hoarding progresses, belongings and debris block access to electrical outlets. Because of this, residents depend on fewer outlets to power lights, phones, and appliances.
Over time, repeated use of a single outlet causes overload. This strain damages outlets and nearby wiring. In some cases, circuit breakers trip more often. If the issue continues, breakers fail and create larger electrical problems.
These conditions raise serious safety concerns. Electrical damage increases the risk of power loss, equipment failure, and fire hazards. In severe situations, the home becomes unsafe to live in.
To reduce these risks, Freedom Maids includes electrical safety checks in our Hoarding Solutions service. After our team removes clutter and restores access to the space, licensed electricians inspect the electrical system. They identify problem areas and recommend specific repairs to restore safe and reliable electrical function throughout the home.
Mold Remediation After Long Term Hoarding
Mold remediation focuses on safely removing mold from a home or building. Thriving in damp and humid environments, which are common in hoarding situations. If no one addresses the problem, mold damages surfaces and lowers indoor air quality.
Because moisture causes mold growth, the process starts by finding the source. Our team looks for leaks, water stains, and damp areas through a careful visual inspection.
Once we identify the source, we contain the affected area. This step limits the spread of mold spores and protects the rest of the home. Our team uses protective barriers, such as plastic sheeting, to seal off the space.
After containment, we remove the mold using approved methods. During this step, our technicians wear proper protective gear to reduce exposure. Next, we dry the area completely. Fans and dehumidifiers help remove moisture and prevent mold from returning.
If water damage caused the mold, we repair the source of the problem. This may include fixing leaks or replacing damaged materials. Finally, we take steps to lower future risk by improving ventilation, managing humidity, and addressing moisture issues early.
Mold remediation requires experience and care. When homeowners feel unsure about handling mold safely, working with a professional remediation team offers the safest and most effective solution.
Whole Home Renovations
Freedom Maids has worked with a whole host of stakeholders from real estate professionals, investors, commercial property managers, individual homeowners and more to properly renovate properties for maximum value.
