# Disaster Specialists

**Trade:** Remediation Services · **Address:** 9 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich, MA 02563 · **Phone:** (800) 675-3622 · **Website:** http://disasterspecialists.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.6/5** (medium confidence) — from 18 reviews across 5 sources.
89% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 8 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Disaster Specialists is a Sandwich-based restoration company — self-reporting operation since 1985 and 24/7 emergency response for water, fire, storm, mold, and biohazard damage across Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts — and the bulk of its recent reviews describe exactly that: crews arriving within hours of a burst pipe or a tree crashing through a roof during the Blizzard of 2026, then working through demolition, drying, repair, and repainting.

Reviews from 2025 and 2026 name individual technicians and project managers repeatedly — Rodney Champagne, Ron G, Ian Ferguson, and a crew led by Rich are each singled out for careful, detail-oriented work, from patching sheetrock and texture-matching plaster after ice-dam damage to repainting ceilings as the final step of a cleanup. One 2025 review describes the company sending a team the day after a renovation crew discovered a mouse infestation behind the walls; another describes the owner personally showing up alongside employees to stabilize a burst pipe.

Two reviews stand apart from that pattern and are worth reading closely before hiring. In a March 2024 review, a homeowner who'd had a fire and water loss said the company pushed a waiver on them quickly after the loss and alleged the practice was aimed at pursuing the customer directly if the insurer later disputed charges. In a November 2024 review, a reviewer identifying as a subcontractor accused the company, specifically naming president Richard Lennox, of hiring small contracting businesses for jobs and then not paying them once the work was done. Neither complaint appears in the company's more recent 2025–2026 reviews, but both are specific and serious enough to ask about directly — particularly how billing and any subcontracted labor are handled — before signing anything.

Better Business Bureau grades the company A+, though it is not a BBB-accredited business, and the company self-reports IICRC-certified staff. For an active water, fire, or storm emergency on the Cape, Disaster Specialists has a strong recent record for the actual restoration work — just go in informed about the two complaints above and read any waiver or authorization carefully before signing.

**Strengths:**
- Fast emergency response — crews cited arriving within hours
- Named technicians — reviewers repeatedly praise specific project staff
- Full-cycle repair — handles demolition through final repainting
- Handles complex jobs — ice-dam damage and mid-renovation infestations

**Concerns:**
- Insurance waiver complaint — a March 2024 review alleged pressure tactics after a loss
- Subcontractor payment complaint — a November 2024 review named the president directly

**Where sources disagree:**
- Two detailed 2024 complaints about billing and subcontractor payment contrast with an unbroken run of positive reviews in 2025 and 2026

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Self-reports operating since 1985 (44 years per BBB), locally owned _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://disasterspecialists.com) — “Company history (self-reported): The site says locally owned and operated since 1985”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/sandwich/profile/fire-water-damage-restoration/disaster-specialists-0021-65343) — “BBB profile matches Disaster Specialists at 9 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich, MA. It reports an A+ BBB rating, not accredited, 44 years in busin…”
- Better Business Bureau grades the company A+ but it is not BBB-accredited _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/sandwich/profile/fire-water-damage-restoration/disaster-specialists-0021-65343) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/sandwich/profile/fire-water-damage-restoration/disaster-specialists-0021-65343) — “BBB profile matches Disaster Specialists at 9 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich, MA. It reports an A+ BBB rating, not accredited, 44 years in busin…”
- Self-reports IICRC-certified staff _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://disasterspecialists.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: IICRC-certified professionals”
- Reviewers repeatedly praise fast emergency response and thorough restoration through the final repaint _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2t4VmRFMUdjRkZvTURWQ0xWWnhSSEUyTjA5amEwRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkxVdE1GcFFoMDVCLVZxRHE2N09ja0E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Rich and his fabulous team came to our rescue when the Blizzard of 2026 knocked a massive tree onto our house.

Every interaction by Rich…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWSGVFaExPVUptY1hONVFtaFZaRXczZW1WYVVIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkVHeEhLOUJmcXN5QmhVZEw3emVaUHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had ice dam damage in the interior of house. After initial procedures (insurance inspection, Disaster Specialist's analysis) work was …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VNcm5xSjdTcjk3eEN3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEMrnqJ7Sr97xCw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Disaster Specialists was all they promised they would be. They showed up quickly and immediately put my mind at ease. The men were pleasa…”
- Handled a mouse infestation discovered during a renovation and ice-dam interior damage _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWSGVFaExPVUptY1hONVFtaFZaRXczZW1WYVVIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkVHeEhLOUJmcXN5QmhVZEw3emVaUHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had ice dam damage in the interior of house. After initial procedures (insurance inspection, Disaster Specialist's analysis) work was …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xkck5DMW5OVTE0ZVRNNGFFbDFPV3B1YkhWaE1uYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOldrNC1nNU14eTM4aEl1OWpubHVhMnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We began renovations on our house, and the contractors discovered an infestation of nests from mice behind the walls and in the attic spa…”
- A March 2024 review alleged the company pushed a waiver quickly after a loss aimed at pursuing the customer if insurance disputed charges _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5cnBXT1l3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC9rpWOYw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ BEWARE!! Very deceptive practices. Had large fire in my property with extensive water damage, they tell you they work with the Insurance …”
- A November 2024 review, naming president Richard Lennox, accused the company of not paying subcontractors after jobs were completed _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzNGFyVnhnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC34arVxgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ HORRIBLE COMPANY
Hires small family business contractors but refuses to pay them once job is completed.
Disgusting. Beware if you rely on…”
- Specializes in Remediation Services _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2taMU9FRkViR3MzTTFSWmEyNVZNek15ZUZSTmIxRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkZ1OEFEbGs3M1RZa25VMzMyeFRNb1E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had the misfortune of experiencing a broken water pipe in my Cape Cod home while I was away.  After turning off the water supply, I imm…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VNcm5xSjdTcjk3eEN3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEMrnqJ7Sr97xCw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Disaster Specialists was all they promised they would be. They showed up quickly and immediately put my mind at ease. The men were pleasa…”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/sandwich/profile/fire-water-damage-restoration/disaster-specialists-0021-65343) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): fire and flood restoration, emergency board-up, mold remediation, crime scene and trauma cleanup,…”
- Also offers General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWSGVFaExPVUptY1hONVFtaFZaRXczZW1WYVVIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkVHeEhLOUJmcXN5QmhVZEw3emVaUHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had ice dam damage in the interior of house. After initial procedures (insurance inspection, Disaster Specialist's analysis) work was …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT210NWNsRmplazVpZG5WUWFWSk1SMmcwTldsak5uYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmt5clFjek5idnVQaVJMR2g0NWljNnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Excellent company!  Had a pipe burst with water damage. Owner came right away as well as employees to get things stabilized. Moving forwa…”
- Also offers House Painting _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25WU01UbGFPRUUxTVhCRE1tUTRjMGh1Y210M1RXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnVSMTlaOEE1MXBDMmQ4c0hucmt3TWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Disaster Recovery ( Rodney Champagne) did a great job painting our place as the final stage of our cleanup effort. He was very detailed i…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21oWU1FeFdRelZPV2sxTFpIUlpjRzlIVjJkMFlVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmhYMExWQzVOWk1LZHRZcG9HV2d0YUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Rodney Champagne was excellent today! Painted our ceilings. Was polite, neat and respectful. Really appreciated his attention to detail a…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25oR2JXOXFlRmR0TVZGb1YwdFBVVkkzWmpSamNGRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhGbW9qeFdtMVFoV0tPUVI3ZjRjcFE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Ron G was great. Very neat and detail oriented with all the painting”
- Also offers Carpentry _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21ob2ExVjJjSEF5UjBaTVltNTZiMlE1TFhwb01VRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xd30fd11cb1879037!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmhoa1V2cHAyR0ZMYm56b2Q5LXpoMUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Nothing but PROFESSIONAL!
Carpenter we had knows what he was doing, it was great to feel comfort, watching him work. very clean aswell, h…”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://madpl.mylicense.com/Verification/

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Disaster%20Specialists&query_place_id=ChIJCXsOTYfL5IkRN5CHsRzRD9M): 3.9★ from 31 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Disaster%20Specialists&query_place_id=ChIJCXsOTYfL5IkRN5CHsRzRD9M): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/sandwich/profile/fire-water-damage-restoration/disaster-specialists-0021-65343): Listed on this source
- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/disaster-specialists-sandwich-2): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](http://disasterspecialists.com): Self-reported profile and service details

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Nigel Dobereiner · 2026-08-14**: I had the misfortune of experiencing a broken water pipe in my Cape Cod home while I was away.  After turning off the water supply, I immediately looked up a disaster mitigation company online. The first one I chose arrived within an hour, assessed the problem, and had me sign multiple documents on …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Patricia Mahoney · 2026-08-13**: I had hidden water damage and the Disaster Specialists were fabulous. From the estimate to the remediation work was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and they did an above and beyond job.
Rodney came and looked at the job requirements and was extremely knowledgeable and answered all my question…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tom Flannery · 2026-08-09**: Disaster Recovery ( Rodney Champagne) did a great job painting our place as the final stage of our cleanup effort. He was very detailed in his prep work, as well as the actual painting and cleanup. Great job!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lauren Balekian · 2026-08-06**: Excellent work!  The employees were very professional, courteous, efficient and cleaned up the area after the job was done.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Louise Hines · 2026-07-24**: Rodney Champagne was excellent today! Painted our ceilings. Was polite, neat and respectful. Really appreciated his attention to detail and neatness.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Louise Hines · 2026-06-08**: Rich and his fabulous team came to our rescue when the Blizzard of 2026 knocked a massive tree onto our house.

Every interaction by Rich and members of his highly qualified team was timely, professional and responsive.  The repair work was thorough, well-executed and clean.

Our house is now back i…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Dennis Markham · 2026-03-25**: We had ice dam damage in the interior of house. After initial procedures (insurance inspection, Disaster Specialist's analysis) work was started in a timely fashion. Our assigned worker, Ron G, was spectacular. From repairing ceiling, sheet rock install, plaster with texture and repainting ceiling a…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rob Meloni · 2026-03-19**: Ron G was great. Very neat and detail oriented with all the painting
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rhonda Silverman · 2026-02-02**: Excellent company!  Had a pipe burst with water damage. Owner came right away as well as employees to get things stabilized. Moving forward each day new professionals came to dry things out, do demolition, repair, and paint. Final cleaning crew due tomorrow. Everyone who worked throughout the 10 or …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Melissa Wheeler · 2026-01-21**: The team is a pleasure to work with!

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-24T09:54:34.089Z.
Cite as: Disaster Specialists — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/disaster-specialists-sandwich)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/disaster-specialists-sandwich