Water damage restoration is a complex, multi-step process that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage and potential health hazards. It’s crucial to begin the water damage mitigation process as soon as possible to avoid compromising your insurance claim. Here’s a detailed look at the process:
The Water Damage Mitigation Process
Water damage restoration companies typically follow a seven-step approach:
- Initial Inspection: The process begins with an inspection and assessment of the damage to determine the appropriate actions needed before restoration begins.
- Contain and Mitigate Water Damage: The company will identify the source of the water damage and prioritize mitigating any further damage. This might include shutting off your water supply and electricity for safety reasons. They will then remove standing water and any materials such as wet rugs, clothing, and furniture from the affected area.
- Water Extraction and Drying: Standing water is removed using various methods, including buckets, mops, towels, and specialized water vacuum cleaners. Industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows are used to aid the drying process.
- Removal of Water-Damaged Surfaces: After removing standing water, the next step is to remove items that suffered water damage. This might include water-saturated surfaces such as drywall, ceilings, and floors. Failure to remove them might lead to mold growth, which can spread throughout your home and become a health hazard.
- Clean, Disinfect, and Deodorize: Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing items might prevent them from being thrown away and can reduce health hazards and eliminate bad smells.
- Post-Job Monitoring: Post-job monitoring of the drying process, including inspections for mold growth, helps ensure your property is up to standard and that no further water damage mitigation actions are necessary.
- Repairs and Reconstruction: Once the structure is dry, work can commence to repair structural damage and replace other building materials.
Choosing the Right Water Damage Restoration Company
Choosing the right water damage restoration company is crucial. While water damage restoration companies do not need to be licensed or have water damage restoration certification in California, it’s safe to assume that reputable, established companies will have a license from the Contractors State License Board. They should also ideally be certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
The Average Cost of Water Damage Restoration
The national cost average for water restoration is between $1,200 to $5,000. However, the cost can be as low as $350 for simple remediation caused by an overflowing toilet and as high as $50,000 for black water extraction in a basement.
In conclusion, water damage restoration can be a complex, time-consuming process. If you have a large or complicated water damage claim, it’s recommended to contact a reputable public adjuster. They can help you get the best settlement offer from your insurance company and guide you through the process.
