How Emergency Flood Repair Services Work

When your property has sustained serious flood damage, your immediate goal is to start rebuilding as quickly as possible. That’s not always an easy process, since flood waters can damage building materials, ruin electrical systems, and allow harmful fungal and bacteria to grow.

Water damage restoration services specialize in addressing these hazards. While companies have different capabilities and limitations, most will provide services such as:

• Water Removal
• Damage Analysis
• Full-Home Sanitization
• Electrical Repair
• Plumbing Repair
• Drywall Repair and Replacement

Some services also offer painting, retiling, and other services intended to restore your home to like-new condition. If the cause of flooding was preventable — for instance, if your property flooded due to a burst pipe — the company may provide you with advice for preventing additional problems in the future.

Finally, if you have flood insurance, your restoration company will work with your insurer to control your out-of-pocket expenses. Working with a reputable water damage restoration service can provide peace of mind in a disaster, and through careful research, you can find a company that will help you get back to a normal life as quickly as possible.

What to Know When Your Home Floods

The average cost for flood repair ranges anywhere from $1.40 to $18.75 per square foot, and services for a single home can easily cost thousands of dollars. Some of the factors that affect the cost of repairs include:

• Type of Water Damage
• Types of Building Materials
• Structural Repair Costs
• Location of Water
• Extent of Electrical Damage
• Decontamination Needs and Mold Treatments
• Specialized Repair and Reconstruction Needs

Depending on your location, you might find several companies in your area charging very different rates for similar services. Cost isn’t the only important factor to consider — first and foremost, you’ll want to find a company that can handle the job — but comparing quotes is important for staying within your budget (or your insurance provider’s budget).

Finding Water Damage Restoration Companies Online

A great restoration team can be enormously helpful, but an inexperienced team will only add to your stress. After contacting your insurance provider, you should look online for local companies that specialize in emergency flood repair.

Whether or not your insurance covers the necessary repairs, you’ll need to collect quotes and find information about each service before making your decision. Some tips for starting this process:

• Find several different companies. While you’ll want to move quickly, you shouldn’t stick with the first restoration service you find. Use online resources to find several companies, then compare them carefully.
• Look for companies that have relevant qualifications. Check with your insurer to see whether they require certain credentials or certifications. A common credential is the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification), which is provided by a non-profit certifying body within the restoration industry. Companies with this certification meet the industry’s established standards.
• Find out what each company offers. As discussed above, some water damage restoration companies will restore your home to a livable state — others will simply remove the floodwater and sanitize building materials. Make sure you understand the company’s capabilities and limitations.

Most reputable companies won’t provide on-the-spot quotes, but when you’ve narrowed your selection to a few services, you can schedule estimates. Be sure to ask about timelines, and if you’re working with an insurance company, inform them before signing any paperwork.

Researching Your Options After a Home Flood

Flood damage can be costly, disruptive, and even dangerous. If you’re dealing with an emergency, hiring a professional team of restoration specialists can help you move back into your home while keeping expenses under control.

Before scheduling quotes, do plenty of research. Look for at least 3-4 services in your area. Make sure they specialize in water damage restoration and check for credentials. Look for reviews from past customers, and if possible, get several in-person quotes. Online resources can make this research much easier and less stressful — and a qualified restoration company can give you tremendous peace of mind after a disaster.