WATER DAMAGE IS A HUGE PROBLEM WHEN LEFT UNATTENDED
When a pipe breaks, or a leak occurs, damage can be
extensive. Not only is it a hassle trying to get the area mitigated and
repaired, but it can be very costly.
Choosing the right waterdamage restoration company is in proper order. In most circumstances, the homeowner feels the need to get help as soon as
possible. They’d like a professional
water damage company to come out and dry the affected
area and to begin repairs. Nobody wants to wait and let mold grow and a
musty smell fill the air.
There are so many water
damage companies popping up that the task of finding
a good one in short order might be overwhelming. Some rely on the fact
that the homeowner is panicked and take
advantage of their need for urgent repairs. Once the bill arrives,
there are all kinds of surprises, and there’s no going back. Find out what is being provided and what is
not before signing. Sometimes, this
might be difficult if you are out of town.
As water
damage problems don’t wait for us to return home
before they strike. Ask for
references. How long has the company
been in business? Are they a BBB affiliate
or registered with the BBB, or other local chambers of commerce? Do your homework.
The insurance carrier will only pay what
they deem reasonable. If the fireand water damage restoration company bills an
unreasonable, excessive amount, guess
who gets stuck with the balance, and the water damage company could
potentially file a lean on the home.
As an example, certain materials might not be billable or
redeemable by any particular insurance company.
Thus, knowing how your policy reads, and the intricate by-laws that
pertain to waterdamage loss may be of benefit, as each
insurance carrier has different policies in print. As the old saying goes, read the fine print
before signing.
In order to avoid being caught in a similar situation,
the homeowner should contact their insurance
company’s claims department right away. They will provide
the necessary information to help you file the claim properly and know what to
expect when hiring a professional restoration company.
Once a water
restoration company is decided upon to help in your
emergency, the insurance carrier will resolve all payment directly, and the homeowner
as well as the restoration contractor, will avoid possible conflicts in payment
resolution if these matters are considered up front and out in the open.
Most waterdamage contractors secure a down payment of some sort
to ensure that the homeowner is serious about getting the work done and there
are upfront operating costs to get any water damage loss started.
If you experience water loss in your
home, don’t panic. Contact your insurance
carrier’s claims department, get the necessary paperwork, claim number, contact
information and find a good, reputable waterdamage restoration company that will get your home back to
normal by industry standards and you will rest assured that your work will be
done correctly.