Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing significant structural damage to the home and putting the family’s health at risk. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to repair your home after water damage.
This article provides all the information you need to know to repair your property after water damage. It provides a guide on how to file an insurance claim, highlights the differences between water damage restoration contractors and water damage repair contractors, and explains the benefits of working with a general contractor for a water damage insurance claim process.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners with reliable general contractors, we get inquiries all the time about what to do when there is water damage – read below to learn more about how to restore your home after water or flood damage and get back to living comfortably in your home.
Different Types of Water Damage Homeowners May Encounter
There are a number of different causes of water damage in the home and it’s important to identify the water source to prevent additional damage. Some of the common causes include:
1. Plumbing problems: Leaks, burst pipes, clogged sewer lines, and faulty water supply lines can all cause water damage.
2. Natural disasters: Heavy rains, floods, hurricanes, and storms can cause serious water damage to homes.
3. Appliance malfunctions: Faulty washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other household appliances can cause leaks and floods.
4. Roof leaks: Damaged or poorly maintained roofs can allow water to seep into the home, damaging ceilings, walls, and floors.
5. Clogged gutters: When gutters get clogged with debris, water can overflow and damage the home’s foundation, walls, and basement.
6. Poorly sealed windows and doors: If windows and doors are not properly sealed, water can seep in and cause damage.
7. Condensation: Moisture buildup from high humidity, poor ventilation, and temperature changes can cause water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.
It is important to address any water damage promptly to minimize the damage and prevent mold growth. If water damage is extensive or involves hazardous materials, it is best to seek professional help.
Mitigation – How to Repair Your Home After Water Damage
Restoring a house after water damage, whether it’s from a flood, leak, or water intrusion, can be an involved process. Here are some of the steps required.
- Safety first – Before starting any work, make sure to shut off the water and turn off the power and gas supply to your home. This will help prevent any accidents or further damage to your property.
- Assess the damage – Take a walk around your home and inspect the extent of the damage. Look for signs of mold, moisture, and damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Remove water and dry the affected area – Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. Then, use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry the affected area as quickly as possible. This will help prevent mold growth and further damage, otherwise, the damage may get worse.
- Remove damaged materials – Remove any damaged materials, such as drywall, insulation, or carpeting. These materials can harbor mold and bacteria and need to be replaced to prevent further damage to your home and health.
- Disinfect the area – Use a disinfectant solution to clean the affected area thoroughly. This will help kill any bacteria and mold spores that may have started to grow.
- Fix any leaks – If the damage was caused by a leak, fix the leak as soon as possible. This will help prevent future damage and save you money in the long run.
- Monitor for mold – Keep an eye on the previously damaged area for any signs of mold growth. If you see any, take action immediately to prevent further damage to your home and health.
Related: 9 Ways Your Home May Be Hiding Damage
How To File a Water Damage Insurance Claim
If your flood insurance or homeowners insurance covers water damage, filing a water damage claim is a helpful way to cover the cost of remediation and restoration. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
1. Contact your insurance company – The first step in filing a home insurance claim is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with details about the damage and the cause of the damage.
2. Document the damage – Take photos and videos of the damage to your property. This documentation can help support your claim and make the process easier.
3. Mitigate further damage -Take steps to mitigate further damage to your property. This could include removing standing water, placing tarps over damaged roofs, and turning off the water supply to prevent further leaks.
4. Review your policy – Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what it won’t cover. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but may not cover damage caused by neglect or wear and tear.
5. Meet with an adjuster – Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage to your property. Be prepared to show them the damage and provide any documentation you have.
6. Obtain repair estimates – Obtain estimates from a water damage contractor or restoration company for the cost of repairs. Provide these estimates to your insurance company.
7. Complete the restoration – Use the settlement to complete the necessary work and restoration to your property. Keep all receipts and documentation related to the work completed.
Water Damage Restoration Contractors vs. Water Damage Repair Contractors
When it comes to addressing water damage in your home or property, there are two types of specialists you may encounter: restoration contractors and repair contractors. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between the two.
Water damage restoration contractors specialize in the cleanup and restoration of properties that have been damaged by water. They have the necessary expertise and equipment to extract standing water, dry out affected areas, and remove any damaged materials, such as carpeting or drywall. Restoration contractors typically focus on restoring the property to its pre-damaged condition and may also provide mold remediation services.
Water damage repair contractors, on the other hand, focus on restoring or replacing specific components that have been damaged by water, such as flooring, walls, or cabinets. They may also work on repairing or replacing damaged electrical or plumbing systems. Repair contractors typically work to fix specific areas of damage and may not provide extensive cleanup or restoration services.
Working With A General Contractor For A Water Damage Insurance Claim Process
Another option for the type of contractor you can work with for water damage restorations and fixes is general contractors. Here are some benefits of working with a general contractor for a water damage insurance-related process:
- Comprehensive services – A general contractor can oversee and manage the remediation process, from initial inspections, cleanup, and restoration to final repairs and finishing touches. This can save you time and hassle by having one point of contact for all aspects of the repair process.
- Experience with insurance companies – A general contractor who has experience working with insurance companies can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. They can work directly with your insurance adjuster to provide estimates, documentation, and any other information needed to process your claim.
- Time savings – By working with a general contractor, you can save time and effort by having them manage all aspects of the repairs process. They can handle scheduling, ordering materials, and coordinating with other contractors, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
When selecting a general contractor (or any type of contractor) to work with your water damage claim, it’s important to choose a licensed and insured contractor with experience in water damage restoration. They should also be able to provide you with a detailed estimate and timeline for the fixes and be able to work directly with your insurance company to process your claim.
For help finding the best contractor to fix and restore your house after water damage, get in touch with GreatBuildz. We can help match you with one of your licensed and reliable pre-vetted contractors in the Los Angeles, Southern California, Orange County, and Ventura County areas.
Contact us today at (818.317.3567) or visit our website to learn more.
Water Damage Restoration and Repair Contractors FAQ
What is water damage restoration?
Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning up and restoring homes or buildings that have been damaged by water. This process involves finding the source of the water damage, drying out the affected areas, remediating the damage, and preventing mold growth.
When should I call a water damage restoration contractor?
You should call a water damage restoration contractor as soon as you notice any signs in your home or building. The longer you wait to address the damage, the more severe the damage may become.
What types of water can cause water damage?
There are three types of water: clean water, gray water, and black water. Clean water is from a clean source, such as a faucet or water supply line. Gray water is from sources such as washing machines or dishwashers. Black water is from sewage or other contaminated sources.
Does homeowners insurance cover H2O damage?
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually cover damage that is sudden and accidental, such as a burst pipe or overflowing washing machine. However, they generally won’t cover damage caused by maintenance issues or flooding. You may need to purchase flood insurance or a separate water damage endorsement to be fully covered.
What steps should I take if I experience water damage?
You should shut off the water source if possible and contact a damage restoration contractor. You should also take photos of the damage and contact your insurance company to start the claims process.
Can water damage cause mold growth?
Yes, it can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home or building. This is why it’s important to address any damage as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
What should I do if my insurance won’t cover the damage?
If your insurance won’t cover your property damage, you may need to cover the cost of the repairs yourself or look into other forms of financial assistance, such as grants or loans.
What does mitigation mean?
Mitigation is the process of reducing the severity of water that has caused damage by taking immediate action after the water event occurs. This may include drying out the affected area, removing any standing water, and addressing any structural or electrical issues. The goal of mitigation is to prevent further damage and minimize the cost of repairs.
