Provider profile
Gold Star Restoration
Provider snapshot
What this listing says
Garner and Raleigh-area homeowners dealing with water damage or mold who want a restoration company led by an owner, Miguel Martinez, with over 10 years of hands-on involvement.
Best for
- Homeowners in Garner, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle dealing with water damage who want a company that will advocate with their insurance company.
- Property owners facing mold growth from humidity or hidden leaks who want the same company handling remediation and the related water damage repairs.
- Commercial property managers needing emergency water extraction or fire damage restoration for multi-unit buildings.
- Homeowners who want direct communication with the company owner throughout the restoration process.
About this company
Gold Star Restoration is a Garner, North Carolina restoration company that handles water damage, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage, and biohazard cleanup across the Triangle area. Owner Miguel Martinez runs the operation hands-on — his name shows up in the majority of Google reviews, often praised for responding within hours and staying involved through project completion.
What stands out here is the insurance advocacy. Multiple reviewers describe Gold Star pushing back on insurance adjusters, gathering documentation, and negotiating for repairs the insurer initially denied. One reviewer noted Gold Star was a relief after working with other restoration companies who "were clearly there to cash in on the drying work." The company also handles commercial jobs — their project portfolio includes a 12-unit apartment fire and a large retail store flood.
The website claims 10+ years of experience and 2,250+ completed jobs. The team includes Nick, Jose, and Angel, all named in reviews. Gold Star operates out of a Garner office and lists service areas spanning from Durham to Fayetteville.
4.9 stars across 41 Google reviews with no negative reviews in the last 18 months. That is an unusually clean record. The review count is still modest, but every single review with text is positive, and several come from Local Guides with extensive review histories.
Services
Service area
Headquartered in Garner, North Carolina at 411 Coldwater Dr. Lists service areas including Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Clayton, Apex, Greensboro, Willow Spring, Fayetteville, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, and Knightdale. Project portfolio shows completed work in Raleigh and Chapel Hill. The range from Durham to Fayetteville and Greensboro is broad for a small team — confirm availability for the outer edges.
Review consensus
Miguel Martinez is mentioned by name in roughly two-thirds of all reviews. Reviewers consistently highlight three things: fast initial response (often same-day), strong communication throughout the project, and willingness to fight insurance companies on the homeowner's behalf. Nick and Jose also receive positive mentions — Nick for fieldwork alongside Miguel, Jose for being responsive and keeping homeowners informed during mold work. Several reviewers describe crews that are friendly, work quickly, and clean up after themselves. Repeat customer Sindhya Layola used Gold Star twice for water damage.
0 found across 41 total reviews at 4.9★. No negative reviews found in the last 18 months. The only review below 5 stars is a single 4-star review from January 2020, which praised the work quality but noted the crew arrived 2 hours late. Across 41 total reviews at 4.9 stars, there are no documented complaints about workmanship, pricing, or communication.
Miguel Martinez functions as both owner and primary point of contact for most jobs. This is a strength when things go well — customers get direct access to the decision-maker. But it also means the company's reputation is heavily tied to one person's availability. As the business grows (they claim 2,250+ jobs completed), it is worth asking whether Miguel still personally manages your project or delegates to the crew.
Miguel Martinez (owner/project manager — praised in majority of reviews for responsiveness, insurance advocacy, and quality oversight). Nick (crew member — praised for fieldwork and communication). Jose (crew member — praised for promptness, communication, and mold work). Angel (crew member — mentioned positively for feeling like part of the family during a home repair).
Ask for Miguel by name and confirm he will be your point of contact. If your project involves insurance, ask upfront how they handle documentation and adjuster negotiations — this is where reviewers say Gold Star earns its reputation. For locations outside Wake County, confirm the timeline before committing.
Keep in mind
- Gold Star does remediation but does not do mold testing. You will need to hire a separate inspector to confirm the scope of work before remediation and to clear the property afterward.
- The service area list stretches from Durham to Fayetteville and Greensboro — a wide geographic range for a small operation. Confirm response times and availability for locations far from their Garner office.
- With only 41 reviews and no negatives on record, there is limited information about how the company handles disputes or callbacks. Ask about their warranty and follow-up policy.
- The website is light on specifics about equipment, certifications, and remediation methods. Ask what techniques and equipment they use before signing a contract.