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When you find water damage, your first order of business is to keep everyone on the property safe, so if you have standing water, evacuate if it’s safe. If possible, find the source of the water and stop it, which could mean shutting your water main to prevent pipe leaks. Next, you should notify your insurance company and immediately call a water damage restoration professional. They will work with you and your insurance company to create a solution to fix the issue and file an insurance claim for the cost of the damage.

The three methods or phases of water damage remediation are mitigation, remediation, and restoration. Mitigation is an emergency response that can include shutting off your water main or patching a hole in your roof from a fallen tree limb. Remediation includes drying the affected area, removing damaged materials, and dealing with any resulting mold growth. Restoration includes the build-back required to return your property to its previous condition. All three methods should be a part of any water damage remediation plan.

When hiring a water damage restoration company, you should confirm that the remediation plan includes fixing the underlying problem, dealing with resulting mold growth or rotted materials, and any making any build-back necessary to restore your property to its previous condition. Each phase of the remediation plan should include specific testing and inspection details to ensure the work is done properly and in a way that doesn’t prevent the restoration cost from being denied by your insurance provider.

If you find evidence of water damage in your home, your best option is to call a local water damage restoration company immediately. You could call a plumber first if you know that the issue is stemming from a plumbing pipe, but in many cases, a company that specifically handles water damage will be able to find the source of the damage and recommend a specific repair. Water damage restoration pros will also be able to develop a plan to remove any damaged material and restore your home to its previous condition.

The average water damage restoration cost is around $3,500, but it’s not uncommon to see prices fall between $450 and $15,000. Your project cost will depend on the extent of the damage, the source of the water, whether or not mold has grown in the affected area from the moisture, and the emergency level of your water problem. Keep in mind that your insurance company may cover some or all of your restoration expenses if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers the specific issue.