If you experience water damage in your home, it’s important to start the repair process as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the steps involved in repairing water damage can be confusing, especially when dealing with an insurance adjuster and restoration company. Knowing what to look for and who to contact about water damage is key to completing repairs in a timely manner.
If you think you have water damage in your home, follow these steps to start the repair process:
Check for signs of water damage in your home
When you find water damage in your home, it’s crucial to assess the severity of the damage. Start by identifying the source of the water and determine which materials have been affected. For example, if you notice a leak in the ceiling of the ground floor in a two-story house, it may indicate water damage on the second level’s floor.
Water stains on drywall may suggest there is a leak above the wall, which might be seeping through to the studs, insulation, and electrical fixtures. This can lead to significant internal damage, demanding immediate attention. While drywall repairs can be handled relatively easily, replacing rotted studs calls for professional expertise.
By promptly addressing and repairing water damage early, it can help prevent headaches and save you a lot of money. If water damage is not fixed promptly, it worsens and can lead to the growth of mold. This can be harmful to both your family and pets.
Water damage repair cost
The cost of repairing water damage to your home can vary, depending on the area of your house that has been affected and the materials—including floors, ceilings, walls, bathrooms and kitchens—that need to be replaced.
Repairing water-damaged floors on the second level can be a significant expense and time-consuming process, taking up to five weeks to complete. The required work to remove and replace the floor, along with the cost of beams, plywood, and flooring materials, can be substantial.
On the other hand, ceiling repairs generally come with a more affordable price tag, often amounting to just one-fifth of the cost of a second-level floor repair. If the water damage from the second floor has caused ceiling issues on the first level, combining the repairs can lead to cost savings.
If water damage is contained within the drywall, repairs are usually less expensive. But, if water has damaged anything deeper, such as the studs of insulation, the repair will require more time and materials. Whatever the situation, ESR Disaster Hero water damage restoration professionals can ensure the damage has not compromised the structure of your home.
Repairing more extensive water damage
Drying out water-soaked carpeting resulting from an overflowing toilet or burst pipe can indeed be a costly endeavor. To remove water from carpet, lift it up, separate the pad and foundation, and dry the area completely.
Estimating the expenses for repairing water damage in bathrooms or kitchens can be challenging due to their unique configurations. However, it’s essential to recognize that the work required to repair or replace fixtures and appliances is often extensive and comes with a significant price tag.
Similarly, damage behind a tiled surface or tub may warrant a complete re-tiling of the entire surface after the underlying damage has been repaired.
Homeowners insurance water damage coverage
Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover certain types of water damage, like an overflowing toilet, burst pipe, or water and sewer backups. However, coverage may not extend to damage resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance. This means that if you haven’t properly taken care of your property and the water damage is a consequence of that, the insurance might not cover it.
Insurance coverage for water damage from storms or floods can vary. Some insurance providers lump this type of water damage into the same category as sudden water damage, like a sewer backup. Others offer coverage as a separate plan, along with other “acts of God”.
As a general rule, insurance covers the damage if it just happened. However, if you claim the damage after a certain amount of time has passed, it is less likely that it will be covered. Always consult your homeowner’s insurance provider to determine if they cover the damage in your home. Either way, ESR Disaster Hero can provide you with a quote for the repair.
How to get a repair quote
Both an insurance adjuster and a restoration company can give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair the water damage to your home. However, a restoration company can also provide a detailed plan of action for completing the repairs.
To complete the process, you need to talk to your insurance provider and a disaster restoration company. Your insurance provider will send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage and determine what is covered by your policy. They will provide an estimate of the repair costs and explain your payment obligations.
ESR Disaster Hero proudly serves Tulsa, Broken Arrow and nearby areas. Our experienced professionals are equipped to handle any water-damaged home or commercial building. If you discover you have water damage in your home, contact ESR Disaster Hero immediately and our skilled team will swiftly remove damaged materials and fixtures and initiate the repair process to get your home back to pre-damaged conditions.
