Who To Call for Water Damage

No homeowner wants to find water in their home from a flood, roof leak, or plumbing leak, but if you do, knowing who to call for water damage is crucial for getting your living space back to normal quickly. You should call a water damage restoration specialist for the fastest results and the smoothest transition back to a problem-free home.

Benefits of Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Specialist for Water Damage

Hiring a water damage restoration specialist is the best way to deal with water damage in your home for a few key reasons.

• They can handle everything from start to finish: First and foremost, water damage restoration companies are equipped to handle water mitigation and water damage remediation. They can remove standing water, dry out your living space, remove damaged materials, and complete build-back. Without a specialist, you’d need to hire multiple companies to tackle all of these items.

• They tend to be more affordable: You’ll avoid trip fees and minimums from multiple contractors because your specialist can get everything done themselves.

• They can work quickly: Water damage restoration specialists are used to responding to emergencies, so they’re more likely to be able to get to your repairs sooner than other pros. They may also take less time to handle water damage restoration given their specialized experience.

• They’re often familiar with insurance protocols: Specialists work with insurance providers on a daily basis and can often expedite the repair process by aligning with your provider’s contractor requirements.

They can make recommendations for the underlying issue: Water remediation specialists can investigate the source of the damage and make recommendations to fix the problem for good.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Treat and Repair Water Damage?

General contractors can normally handle water damage restoration, but there are a few reasons to go with a specialist instead. General contractors will add between 10% and 20% to your total because they subcontract out the individual parts of the work.

General contractors also work on a fixed schedule and handle emergency repairs far less often than water damage remediation specialists, so you’re more likely to have to wait for an opening. Water damage can worsen quickly, and mold can start growing within just 12 to 24 hours, so expediency is key.

How Do Water Damage Restoration Specialists Treat Water Damage?

Most specialists will follow a similar water damage restoration process when they begin treating your home:

• Stop the leak: First, your pro will stop the flow of water into your home to prevent the issue from worsening.

• Remove standing water: Next, they’ll remove any standing water using water pumps or shop vacuums and then mop up any puddles.

• Dry out the area: Once the bulk of the water is out, they’ll run dehumidifiers and blower fans for 24 to 72 hours to dry everything.

• Remove damaged material: Your expert will demolish any unsalvageable materials and haul them away.

• Clean and sanitize: Next, they’ll clean the area, sanitize it, and treat any mold growth.

Restore your living space: Finally, they’ll complete the necessary build-back to get your living space back to normal.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?

Water damage restoration costs an average of $3,800, and most projects fall between $1,350 and $6,300. The extent of the damage and the square footage are the most significant cost factors to consider. Expect to pay between $3 and $7.50 per square foot for restoration work.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Given the high cost of water damage restoration and the fact that it’s often an unexpected expense, it might be tempting to do the work yourself. However, it’s best to hire a local water damage restoration specialist to get the work done. They’ll be able to act quickly to avoid mold growth and worsening damage, assess the extent of the issue accurately, and treat your home accordingly. They will often provide more professional-looking finishes for the build-back.