If you’re dealing with water damage, you’re not alone. In fact, water damage is the second most common culprit behind insurance claims for property damage, after wind and hail.
Water damage can be caused by burst pipes, leaky roofs, overflowing tubs, and cracks in foundations, among many other things. But whatever the cause, the problem should always be dealt with quickly to prevent further damage and restore your home.
From identifying the root cause to remodeling the impacted area, we’re here to break down the water damage restoration process step by step!
1. Find the Source of the Water
Water damage can be minor or major. From mold growth due to excess moisture in the air, to standing puddles, to full-blown flooding, there are many ways for water damage to occur in your home. But regardless of the extent of the damage, finding the source is an essential part of the remediation process.
Here are some of the most common causes of residential water damage:
- A burst/leaky pipe
- Clogged gutters
- Broken appliences (ACs, water heaters, washing machines, etc.)
- A leak in the foundation or roof of your home
- Severe weather (hurricanes, heavy rain, etc.)
- Obstructed drains
2. Try To Stop the Leak
The first step after locating the source is to repair the leak to prevent future damage. If the issue is caused by a burst pipe or broken appliance, you should temporarily turn off your water so you can address the problem without additional moisture accumulation.
If standing water is present, it’s also a good idea to temporarily turn the power off in your home to prevent water from interacting with outlets or electrical wires.
3. Remove Wet Items
Damp items should be removed from the home as soon as possible. This is because leaving wet items in the affected area can increase the chance of damaging structural materials and causing mold. While some items may be salvageable if properly dried, others that have been completely drenched in water may need to be thrown out.
4. Dry the Area
With serious flooding, you may need to contact a professional to facilitate emergency water removal. However, in less extreme cases, you can usually dry the area out yourself. Once you’ve removed standing water and damp items, you can set up dehumidifiers for drawing out moisture from the air and fans for drying any additional water left on your home’s surfaces.
5. Call in a Water Restoration Professional
The impact water damage has on your home doesn’t necessarily disappear once humidity levels drop. Excess moisture can seriously damage the integrity of your home’s structural materials. From dry rot, to serious foundation issues, to mold growth, and much more, it’s essential to bring in a water restoration professional.
6. Call Your Insurance
Dealing with insurance claims for water damage can be frustrating, but it’s essential to call your homeowner’s insurance company after a leak or flooding. While some types of water damage may not be covered, it’s always worth checking.
7. Get Mold Testing
Flooding or excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which can cause further damage to your property and even pose health risks. In most cases, it’s a good idea to test for mold after water damage.
Common signs of household mold include:
- A musty or earthy smell
- Visible discoloration
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Asthma or allergy symptoms
- Chronic headaches, fatigue, or irritability
8. Restore and Remodel
Remodeling after water damage is the final step to getting your home back. Depending on the severity of the water damage and your goals for your home, you generally have two options:
- Restore the damaged area to its original condition, OR
- Remodel the damaged area with new materials and finishes
If you choose to remodel, this is a great opportunity to choose durable materials that will help protect your home from future damage. For example, choosing flooring for your remodel that is scratch- and water-resistant means you’re less likely to need to replace them again any time soon.
How To Choose a Good Water Damage Mitigation Specialist and Home Remodeler?
When choosing a design/build professional, you should always look for a company with years of experience, a portfolio of high-quality work, and great reviews and customer service.
As a trusted design/build company based in South Carolina, we do more than just correct structural issues. We make your home even better than before! Kamanski Construction provides customized design/build services to ensure you get the home of your dreams, even after severe water damage.
With a streamlined design/build process and an award-winning team, we’ll handle every step of the process so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautifully restored home.
Kamanski Construction is Your One-Stop-Shop for Water Damage Mitigation and Home Remodeling
No homeowner wants to deal with water damage. The process can be frustrating, stressful, and expensive. The last thing you need is to have to coordinate communication and scheduling between multiple different contractors on top of everything.
If you own a home in the Greenville, South Carolina area and are dealing with water damage, contact us to schedule a free consultation and let’s get to work restoring your home!
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Andray Shcherban is the owner of Kamanski Construction Inc., a second-generation family business that was passed down to Andray by his father, Vasiliy Shcherban. Andray began working at Kamanski Construction as a painter and handyman when he was 14 years old. Now Andray continues to work alongside his five brothers. Andray loves bringing value to his customers through renovating and building real estate for them. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his wife and kids on the farm or in ministry for the Lord.
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