For educational purposes and public information. When do you call a water damage restoration company? When do you need a contractor? How do they work together? Informational article. 

Thses are common questions asked by homeowners and building owners when they face a water damage restoration issue, such as a flood, broken pipe, sewer backup, roof leak, toilet overflow or hot water heater failure. Often times homeowners will return home to find a celing caved in and two inches of water throughout their home. While this may appear to be significant damage, more than likely a lot of structure and contents can be saved through proper drying. Often times tihis drying will enable the homeonwer and insurance company to save significantly in terms of repair dollars. More importantly, the drying done, regardless of the ability to save the drywalls, is likely important and necessary to prevent the conditions to faciltate mold growth. 

When homeowners have a water event, regardless of severity, they are well served to call in a professional water damage restoration and mitigation company. These companies can measure moisture levels, dry out structure and contents, and provide assurances that the are is in fact dried properly. Many can provide guarantees that structures are dry. Many companies can assist with the rebuild where permitted by the insurance company, and/or bill for or employ a contractor directly. They can also recommend an insurance approved contractor where permitted. The important first step to remember is that the first call should be to a qualified restoration company, as often times some small contractors do not have the training in proper drying techniques, and may recommend more extensive tear-out and demolition, ultimately costing the customer significantly more. While some homeowners might believe that insurance is paying, so it doesn't matter what the final cost is; in actuality nothing could be futher from the truth. The liklihood that a homeowner has his coverage dropped, may in part be measured by the frequency and severity of past insurance paid claims.

Once the proper drying has been accomplished, a rebuild contractor can be employed for sheet rock work, base boards, or repairing any wall cavities that were exposed in the damage and subsequent drying. While some real hardwood floors can be saved if the damage is acted upon fast enough; may manufactured floorings must be removed and replaced.

Note that all water losses are different in size and scope and the above is only a guideline. Suffice it to say that a reputable mitigation company, preferably one that is IICRC Certified, (see our blog http://www.servicemastermobilealabama.com/The-Definitive-Guide-for-Water-Damage-Restoration.html ) can solve a multitude of problems at the outset, and may be able to assist with your reconstruction needs; but nonethelss should be your first call to make certain that your indoor environment remains safe and free of microbiological activity.

We have a wealth of information on our site http://www.servicemastermobilealabama.com , and we would consider it an honor to serve you if you ever find yourself in need of water damage restoration in Mobile, AL; Daphne, AL; Fairhope, AL; Orange Beach, AL; or anywhere in Mobile or Baldwin County Alabama. ServiceMaster ADVANCED, "The Master of Disaster" (251) 653-9333 in Mobile, and (251) 928-1028 in Daphne and the Eastern Shore.