On average, water damage repair will cost a US homeowner $2,928 for each incident.
There are a lot better things you could be spending that kind of money on.
Read on for five useful tips for homeowners on how to avoid high water damage restoration service costs and get water damage cleanup done fast.
1. Get Quotes From Water Damage Repair Professionals
Call in a professional to assess the extent of the water damage. If the situation isn’t an emergency, try to get quotes from at least two water damage repair companies to compare prices and services.
Professionals like this water damage restoration company based in Great Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky offer repair services for flooding, hardwood floor drying, and sewage lines and sump pump failure.
2. Clean up Before the Repair Person Arrives to Save Money
Remove excess moisture and clean the area around the repair site before your repair professional arrives.
If you do the initial water damage cleanup, the repair person won’t have to do it. They’ll finish the job quicker, so they’ll charge you less.
Cut off water sources and electricity to the area or your home. Soak up any pools of water. Turn on your dehumidifier, if you have one, and set up some fans. Remove any porous objects from the area, such as wooden and fabric-covered furniture or rugs and carpet.
3. Replace Damaged Personal Goods and Repair Structural Damage
After your service provider has completed the water damage restoration service, think about what else you need to repair on the periphery of the water damaged area.
There might be furniture or personal property that needs replacing. Soggy wallpaper, moldy ventilation systems, water-damaged electrical outlets and wiring… even expanded wall joists and warped wood flooring.
If it was a blackwater (sewer) issue, then it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaning company to sanitize your entire home.
4. Remove Dangerous Mold
Most water damage repair companies also offer water damage mold removal services. Since mold can be dangerous to your health, it’s a service worth considering.
Visible mold is easy to spot and usually means you have a serious water damage problem. Less common signs of mold include noticing a mushroom-like scent, having frequent headaches or nosebleeds, and battling cold and flu-like symptoms.
5. Prevent Water Damage With These Strategies
Some key strategies for avoiding water damage repair in the first place include:
- Keeping your basement dry.
- Getting annual plumbing inspections and fixing any leaks.
- Regularly cleaning your gutters and drains.
- Sloping your landscaping so water runs away from the house.
If you’re putting your house on the market, be sure to check for any signs of water damage. It will show up on an inspection report and reduce the value of your home.
Consider Home Insurance for Peace of Mind
In every water damage repair situation, contact your home insurance provider to see what water damage restoration services they cover.
Don’t have home insurance? The peace of mind provided by home insurance might make it worthwhile. Look into different plans to see if they work for your budget and personal situation.
For more useful home repair tips that save you money, browse our Home Advice section.