5 Common Water Damage Restoration Mistakes to Avoid for Businesses

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

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5 Common Water Damage Restoration Mistakes to Avoid for Businesses

Fixing water damage in your office requires knowing what will hinder your progress. Here are common water damage restoration mistakes to avoid for businesses.

You open your office door to see water pooling on the carpet, soaking up the wallboard, and seeping into your office furniture. But you still have a business to run. What should you do?

Water damage restoration takes time. But if you watch out for these common mistakes, you can avoid hassles with vendors and insurance companies and get the process moving.

Read on to see five water damage restoration mistakes you can avoid.

1. Not Carrying Insurance

According to one study, water and freezing damage is the second most common reason for a business insurance claim, and water damage can cost an average of $17,000. Even if you think you're insured, read the policy carefully to check.

Some policies will cover water damage to offices if there's a sudden accident such as a burst pipe, but not cover flooding or mold remediation. You may need to purchase additional flood insurance or other coverage for emergency situations.

2. Forgetting to Call Your Insurance Company 

When you see water damage, call your insurance company right away. Your insurance company can walk you through what's covered in your situation, and also recommend vendors. Make sure you know what water remediation services will be covered because otherwise you might end up having to settle a bill for services that the insurance company doesn't pay for.

3. Not Documenting Damage

Even though you want to get everything cleaned up quickly, you also need to document your losses. Keep in touch with your insurance company as the work is done, and document everything: photograph and write descriptions of every flooded carpet, stained wall, and every ruined piece of furniture. Your remediation company may be able to help you compile this list.

When you're tallying up the cost of the damage, provide as many details as possible. If your business still possesses receipts for items that were destroyed, attach them to your claim. 

4. Taking a Low Insurance Settlement

After the incident occurs, your insurance company will usually send out an adjuster to assess the area and estimate the damage restoration costs. If their offer seems low, ask your remediation expert to make their own estimate and negotiate with the insurance company. You may also want to hire an independent adjuster.

If you use one of your insurance company's recommended vendors, the two companies can settle the amount directly. The insurance company will pay the vendor directly for their remediation work so that you don't end up getting billed by the vendor yourself.

5. Acting Too Fast

Although you want your business workspace to be put back together as soon as possible, let your damage restoration service take time to thoroughly dry, clean, and disinfect the damaged area. The remediation company will also need to check for water in wall cavities, sockets, recessed lights, and cables to make sure your electronic systems are completely free of moisture.  Allowing your company to do a full inspection and cleaning will help prevent musty smells or future damage.

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Expert

If your business needs water damage restoration, contact us. We'll work with your insurance company and get you the service you need. Your business will be operating again in no time!