Different materials dry at very different rates. Drywall typically dries in 3 to 4 days, carpet and pad in 2 to 3 days, but dense materials like hardwood and concrete hold moisture much longer. On a mixed loss, the slowest material sets the timeline for the whole job.
Commercial drying is faster than DIY fans because it removes moisture from the air, not just moves it around. LGR dehumidifiers pull water out while air movers release it from materials, and technicians confirm progress daily with moisture meters rather than guessing.
A planning estimate is not a guaranteed completion date. Hidden moisture in wall cavities and under flooring can only be confirmed on site, which is why certified crews re-measure every day until the structure hits a dry standard.