Water damage can be a devastating experience for homeowners as it often leads to not only structural issues but also the potential loss of personal property. When faced with such a situation, it’s crucial to act swiftly and efficiently to minimize the damage and ensure a smoother insurance claim process.
In this guide, we will show you the essential steps to take after water damage occurs. From documenting the initial damage to working with a licensed plumber and water restoration experts, we’ll help you minimize further damage and maximize your chances of a smooth insurance claim process. So, let’s dive in and learn what to do to protect your home and personal belongings in the event of water damage.
What should I do after a water loss occurs and I’m planning on filing an insurance claim?
1. Take Pictures of the Water Damage
You should first photograph the water damage to the dwelling as well as photograph the water damages to your personal property before you touch anything. Take overview pictures documenting the damaged areas and then zoom in to document these same areas up close. You want to specifically document the water damage to the ceiling, walls and flooring as well as the water damage to your personal property items.
2. Find the Leak
After you have photographed the water damage you want to figure out what is the cause and origin of the water damage. What is leaking? You want to call in a licensed plumber as soon as possible to find the source of the leak so he can repair the leak. If it is not plainly visible where the leak is originating from then you may want to call in a Restoration company first before the plumber. A restoration company can use their moisture reader to pinpoint and access the leak for the plumber. This is very beneficial so when the plumber arrives he knows exactly what is leaking and has access to the area to make the necessary repairs. It’s very important you obtain a written explanation from the plumbing company on their letterhead addressing the cause and origin of the leak so it can be documented for the insurance company.
3. Mitigate the Water Damage: Take the Steps to Prevent the Water Damage from Getting Any Worse
Once the cause and origin of the leak is documented and the plumbing repairs have been completed you as the insured have a duty to mitigate the water damage. This means taking the necessary steps to prevent the water damage sustained to the dwelling from getting any worse. This also means to prevent any further water damage to your personal property items. A restoration company like Shepherd Restoration knows exactly how to document the sustained water damage to the dwelling and to your personal property. A restoration company will also be able to extract water from the dwelling, cut out any wet material as well as set up fans and dehumidifiers to start drying out the dwelling.
4. Document Your Expenses and the Water Mitigation Process to Submit Them to the Insurance Adjuster
The restoration company can mitigate further potential water damage until the insurance adjuster is able to inspect the damages to your home and/or personal property. It’s important to keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses for labor or materials incurred in connection with mitigating your water damage as the insurance company should reimburse you for all of these reasonable expenses.
Keeping good documentation of your incurred costs as a result of the mitigation process is very important if you want to be reimbursed for these costs by your insurance company. A photo says a thousand words so good photographs of the water damage before you touch anything is extremely important in documenting your water damage.
In the face of water damage, time is of the essence, and taking the right steps can make all the difference. At Shepherd Restoration, we understand the unique challenges that water damage can pose to your property. With our expertise in water damage restoration, we’re here to support you throughout the entire process, from documenting the damage to working with your insurance company. Our dedicated team is equipped to handle every aspect of the restoration, ensuring that your home and personal property receive the care they deserve.
Our dedicated team of experts specializes in water damage restoration in Pawleys Island, Murrells Island, and Myrtle Beach, SC, and we are ready to help you navigate this challenging situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for immediate help. By choosing Shepherd Restoration, you’ll have the peace of mind that your home and personal property will be in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you for your water damage restoration needs.