Sink or Swim: How to Avoid the Hidden Costs of Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage can be a homeowner's most dreaded scenario. It can occur suddenly, without warning, and can cause extensive damage to your property and belongings. The costs can quickly add up, and the damage can be devastating, inconvenient, and stressful. One of the major concerns for homeowners is the hidden costs of the cleanup, which can go unnoticed until it's too late.

This article discusses the common causes of water damage, the hidden costs of cleanup, and most importantly, how to avoid them. We'll provide expert tips and advice on everything from regular maintenance and inspection to choosing the right water damage restoration company. Use our tips to stay afloat and avoid sinking under the hidden costs of water mitigation.

Common Causes of Water Damage

There are many scenarios that can leave your property with water damage. Here are the most common:

Natural disasters: Flood water, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall leave a lot of properties with extensive water damage. Being prepared and taking precautions before a natural disaster are the best ways to avoid having to do extensive repairs.

Plumbing issues: Burst pipes and clogged drains can cause water damage if not addressed promptly. Leaky pipes are especially insidious as they can go undetected for a long time. Regular maintenance and inspection of your plumbing system can help you identify and prevent these issues.

Appliance malfunctions: Malfunctioning appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers can cause water damage if not maintained.

Human error: Accidents happen, and sometimes they can cause water damage. Leaving faucets on, overflowing bathtubs and forgotten garden sprinklers can all lead to water damage. Taking precautions and being mindful of potential hazards can help prevent these types of accidents.

Potential Hidden Costs of Water Damage

Flood cleanup after water damage can be expensive, and the costs can add up quickly. In addition to the obvious costs of repairs and restoration, there are several hidden costs that can catch homeowners off guard. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:

The cost of temporary housing: Water damage may make your home unlivable, so you may need to find temporary housing until repairs are completed. It's no surprise that a hotel or short-term rental can be a costly expense that may catch you by surprise. Hopefully, you have understanding friends in the area who can put a roof over your head.

The cost of property replacement: Water damage can ruin your belongings and furnishings. Replacing these items can be expensive, and some types of damage are not guaranteed to be covered by insurance.

The cost of mold remediation: Water damage can lead to the growth of mold, which can be hazardous to your health.

Structural damage: Moisture in the infrastructure of your property, such as wooden beams and joists, can lead to expensive structural damage that may not be covered by insurance.

The cost of legal fees: If the water damage was caused by a third party, you may need to pursue legal action to recover your costs. Legal fees are almost always unexpected and can add up quickly.

Insurance coverage: You've been paying your insurance diligently, but are you covered against the bursting pipe or clogged drain that lead to water damage? Always take the time to understand your insurance policy, so you know you are covered for expenses you are most likely to face.

Hidden electrical damage: Cabling, light switches, receptacles, and other parts of your electrical system can be damaged by water leaks. This can lead to expensive replacements or repairs. Get your electrical system professionally inspected after flooding to ensure that any hidden damage is identified and addressed promptly.

These hidden costs can be a significant burden for homeowners, and they can add up quickly. It's important to be prepared and to have a plan in place to handle them.

Prevention is Always Cheaper Than the Cure

Preventing water damage in the first place is the best way to avoid the hidden costs of cleanup. If you are diligent around your property, a lot of water issues can be solved before they need more than a mop and bucket to clean up. Here are some tips on how to avoid hidden costs:

Regular inspection and maintenance: Regularly checking your home, appliances, and plumbing system will alert you to issues before they become big expensive problems. Make sure to address small issues, like a clogged drain or a small leak in a pipe, to avoid further damage requiring expensive repairs.

Timely and effective water damage mitigation: If water damage does occur, it's important to take immediate action to mitigate the damage. This can include removing standing water, drying out the affected area, and disinfecting to prevent mold growth. Addressing the damage promptly will prevent it from spreading and causing further damage and more expenses.

Adequate insurance coverage: Make sure your insurance policy covers water damage and related costs, including temporary housing, property replacement, and mold remediation. It's also important to review your policy regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Prevent carpet damage from spreading: Place aluminum foil or parchment paper between furniture and wet carpets or rugs. Remove colored items such as books and magazines from carpets, and hang draperies with coated hangers to prevent contact with wet floors. The inks and dyes from these items can leach into the carpet, making it more difficult to save it from an untimely end.

Work with a professional and experienced restoration company: It's important to work with professionals that have the experience to deal with water damage in all its forms. They also have access to industrial strength equipment like fans and dehumidifiers to quickly dry out a property and can expertly assess the damage for an accurate cost estimate.

Water damage can be costly and stressful, but with the right precautions, you can avoid the hidden costs and stay afloat. At Best Option Restoration, we are dedicated to providing expert water damage cleanup and restoration services to help you get your life back on track.

How to Avoid the Hidden Costs of Water Damage Cleanup with Best Option Restoration

If you’re experiencing water damage in Denver, Arvada, Thornton, Broomfield, Boulder, or the surrounding areas, Best Option Restoration can help you. We are aware that water damage can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and our goal is to instill peace of mind throughout the project and restore your property in the most efficient way possible. We have many years of experience in restoration reconstruction and all our general contractors are licensed and insured. If your property has been damaged due to water, fire, or mold we will give you the personalized service and expert marksmanship needed to get the job done right. To learn more about our services, call us at (720) 620-3272 or contact us online to receive an estimate on your project.