After experiencing a flood, it’s crucial that you take swift and decisive action to repair and restore your home as quickly as possible. Doing this can prevent further damage from happening and allow your family to safely resume living there.
Understanding what restoration companies can and cannot do is also essential, especially as some restoration firms are preferred contractors of insurance carriers.
Hire a Restoration Company
Restoration companies specialize in repairing and reconstructing properties damaged by fire, water, mold or other disasters.
They possess the appropriate qualifications, equipment and certifications to complete these jobs properly and quickly. If your home has been affected by flooding it’s essential that you hire the appropriate restoration company as quickly as possible. This will minimize damage while saving both time and money in the long run.
Before making your choice, it is recommended to develop a list of restoration companies in your area offering the services you require. Seek referrals from past clients and learn about their experiences working with that particular restoration firm.
Likewise, verify their credentials such as license and insurance coverage to make an informed decision.
When calling a restoration company, make sure they can respond immediately and promptly to any emergencies that arise. A prompt response time will help minimize property damage by shortening exposure times for bacteria and moisture.
Once a restoration company has assessed the damage, they will present their client with an estimate that details the work that must be performed and its associated cost. They will review and sign off on this contract before beginning restoration efforts.
Once restoration work has been completed, the restoration company will issue an invoice and forward it directly to their client. Payment should be made as per their contract or invoice payment cycle.
If the restoration company is working on an insurance claim, they will work directly with both their client and insurance agent or adjuster to ensure the claims process runs smoothly, providing any required documentation and providing any necessary support to submit their claim.
Restoration companies often specialize in mold removal as part of their services. Mold can grow after flooding and it is essential that it be dealt with quickly in order to prevent further property damage. A restoration company will be able to find and remove mold before disinfecting all affected areas.
Repair and Rebuild
At the initial stages of flood restoration, drying out is of utmost importance. To do this effectively and quickly, professionals employ fans and dehumidifiers that remove humidity from a space.
After a flood, it’s wise to wear masks and gloves in order to protect against contaminants like sewage that may float around in the water. In addition, professional clean up services should handle cleanup and repairs in an efficient manner.
Once the standing water has been eliminated, you must disinfect any surfaces exposed to flood waters. This step is essential as mold and bacteria thrive in moist environments. A bleach solution of half a cup in one gallon of water should kill bacteria and other contaminants efficiently – although beware as excessive bleach could corrode metals and ruin appliances!
Once surfaces have been disinfected, it’s time to repair and rebuild. This can be an extensive and costly process if your home was severely damaged by flood waters.
Depending on the severity of flood damage to your home, you may require replacement carpeting and flooring; wall repair; cabinet and electrical system installations or upgrades; new cabinets or electrical systems installation or upgrades.
File an Insurance Claim
If you have flood insurance, your insurer will send an adjuster out to assess the damage.
He or she will take photographs of water levels inside and around your house as well as standing water levels inside and around it, taking photographs before taking measurements, checking electrical systems and appliances in case they need replacement, and taking notes regarding conversations between you and adjusters regarding dates, times, and other factual data.
Once an adjuster inspects your home and property, he or she will give an estimate for repair costs. With this information at hand, you can begin making any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
At every stage of rebuilding, it’s crucial that you work closely with both your restoration company and contractor to keep the project on schedule and utilize only high-grade materials that make your home as sturdy and safe as possible.
Furthermore, now might be a good time to reevaluate your homeowners’ insurance policy; knowing whether flood damage was covered, how quickly claims were paid out and any future changes might help determine whether a different insurer would save money on premiums in the future.
Don’t Forget About Air Testing
When your home becomes flooded, it’s important to keep in mind that its aftermath extends far beyond just cleaning and redecorating – it could also affect your health.
Your air quality should also be tested by a professional after flooding has subsided, since mold spores thrive wherever moisture has collected unchecked – this includes your ventilation system. Mold spores can also cause respiratory infections if left to thrive for too long, so having your air tested afterward is the only sure way of protecting yourself against their harmful effects.
Prior to reentering your house after floodwaters have receded, remember that these waters may contain contaminants such as sewage and chemicals which could cause infection, illness or even death. You can click here: https://portal.ct.gov/Post-Flood-Key-Facts-About-Infectious-Disease for more information.
When entering again it is advisable to wear rubber boots, gloves and an N95 mask; check for downed power lines or gas leaks and follow the advice of your insurance representative by waiting until they inspect your property first before commencing restoration efforts on it yourself.
If the water reached your electrical panel, outlets, and switches it is imperative that they are cleaned and inspected by a certified electrician as soon as possible to determine if they are safe to use before being connected again.