A Rising Flood of Challenges
Thomas Kejbou (left) and Gus Aboona, founders of Dry Space Restoration.
Weathering the storms of a changing climate
By Sarah Kittle
With Southeast Michigan slammed by an unusually wet summer and record-setting storms, many homeowners are finding themselves knee-deep—literally—in basement water. For Thomas Kejbou and Gus Aboona, co-owners of a small restoration company launched in 2023, this flood season has brought more than just business. It’s brought purpose.
“I’ve always been good with my hands,” says Thomas, who holds an engineering degree from Oakland University. “But working a desk job in the corporate world, it just didn’t feel right. I wanted to build something real—and help people in their worst moments.”
That “worst moment” for many right now looks like a finished basement — often used by Chaldean families in Michigan as part of their primary living space, complete with an extra kitchen — destroyed by water. From Saint Clair Shores to Sterling Heights, the region has been overwhelmed by storms that infrastructure couldn’t keep up with.
“We’re seeing what feels like 100-year storms every other week,” he says. “There’s no warning. Cities are flooding. It’s wild.”
He and his team specialize in water damage recovery but also see fire, smoke, mold, and storm-related cases. With the recent wave of extreme rain, they’ve had to call in extra help just to keep up.
But the work is about more than drying out walls. It’s also about protecting families from long-term heartbreak. “One of the hardest parts of this job is walking away from someone because their insurance won’t cover the damage,” Thomas explains. ““People assume they’re protected, but many don’t realize coverage is limited—or doesn’t apply to things like sump pump failure.”
That’s why he encourages families to review their policies closely and have frank conversations with their agents. “Too often, we see people find out the hard way,” he says.
Technology helps, too. Tools like wireless monitoring, thermal imaging, and industrial-grade dehumidifiers can catch hidden water before it turns into mold or structural damage. Still, Thomas says, the biggest factor is timing: “Water moves fast. The longer it sits, the worse it gets. Even if you’re unsure, make the call right away. It could protect your home and your claim.”
Beyond the practical advice, what drives Thomas and Gus is something deeper: community. They’ve built their work around trust, word-of-mouth, and relationships. “We meet people at their lowest,” Thomas says. “If we can help them feel a little hope again, that’s everything.”
Tips for Homeowners Facing Flood Risk:
• Check your insurance coverage: Ask specifically about basement flooding and sump pump failures.
• Install a backup sump pump: Newer models even offer Wi-Fi alerts.
• Consider an automatic water shut-off valve: These can prevent major damage when a leak goes unnoticed.
• Act quickly after flooding: Early steps can prevent mold and support your insurance claim.
Dry Space Property Restoration is a locally owned restoration company that specializes in water, fire, mold, and storm recovery across Southeast Michigan. (248) 550-8820 or dryspace247.com.