Water Damage Survival Guide
Answers to your questions and resources for all your water damage restoration needs.
Abbotts Cleanup & Restoration
Water Damage Restoration
Water Damage. Now what?
Water damage is disruptive to your normal pattern of life and can involve a lot of emotional stress. People often feel frustrated and annoyed at having to deal with water damage. The added pressure of needing to make good decisions doesn’t help! In some cases, these are decisions that you will be living with for years. We have put together this Water Damage Survival Guide to help you navigate the chaos and complexity of water damage restoration.
Water Damage Emergency Action
When the water starts rising, panic often sets in. Here are the things to do – and not do – to get you quickly and safely on the road to recovery. Learn More.
Categories of Water Damage
Not all water damage is created equally. The amount of water is one consideration but the type of water will also determine the the severity of the damage. Knowing the category of water damage is one the primary considerations for how to safely clean it up. Learn More.
Water Damage Facts
Many people think they can grab some towels and a bucket to clean up water damage. Unfortunately there are some potential hazards and safety issues that can determine your success. We’ve outlined a few facts about water damage that are important to know. Learn More.
Selecting a Contractor
Water restoration is a job that demands prompt attention. This does not mean, however, that you should hire the first restoration contractor that knocks on your door. Take your time and exercise due diligence to hire the right water restoration contractor for your job. Here are a few things for you to consider.
Reputation
A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.
Credibility
Building customer confidence with licensing, certifications and insurance
Experience
Masters of our their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
Availability
Consistently approachable and responsible, so customers never feel ignored.
Professionalism
Providing service you can trust with honesty, reliability and respect.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Property Damage
Water is one of the biggest threats to homes and businesses. From rain and snow to municipal water mains, from appliance leaks to frozen pipes, water damage is one of the most common – and one of the most costly – types of property damage. Approximately 1 in 50 homes have water damage each year. While most homeowner’s insurance policies provide some coverage for water damage, there are many exceptions. Here are a few important things to know…
Does Your Homeowner’s Policy Cover Water Damage?
Water damages account for a large percentage of home insurance claims each year. Because water damage can come from a number of different sources, it gets classified in various ways and can fall under multiple areas of coverage. For example, storm flooding is entirely different from water damage due to appliance leaks. These types of things can make navigating the claims process a bit tricky, and may even leave you feeling confused about whether or not your homeowner’s policy actually covers water damage. LEARN MORE
Documenting Your Damage
Regardless if your water damage is from rain, snow or plumbing leaks, documenting your damage particularly important. Follow these tips to record both the damage and your cleanup efforts for your insurance company. LEARN MORE
Insurance Bill of Rights
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. It entitles you to certain rights and imposes certain obligations. This Bill of Rights has been prepared so that you may better understand the policy you have purchased – and how it relates to the repairs you need as a result of your fire damage. Standard Homeowners Policies generally contains the same provisions throughout the United States and Canada. Understand your rights and obligations under its terms. LEARN MORE.
Colorado Insurance Consumer Freedom of Choice
The Colorado Insurance Consumer Freedom of Choice bill was signed into law on September 13, 2007. This law prevents insurance companies from controlling – directly or indirectly – which restoration company you use to restore your property. People often wonder why such a law was necessary. The reality is that insurance companies are in business to make a profit. When you file a claim, the insurance company has a conflict of interest. They have a responsibility to you, the policyholder, but they also have a responsibility to the shareholders to minimize the payout on your claim so they can make more profit. This conflict too often resulted in insurance companies taking advantage of policyholders.
Under this law, you have the right to choose your own restoration contractor, you have the right to have your claim paid promptly and you have the right to know if your insurance company has a business arrangement with your restoration company. The bottom line is that you have the right to choose an independent contractor that ensures your insurance company acts in your best interests. LEARN MORE.
A few good questions will help you avoid unnecessary repair bills in times of chaos
Typically, your homeowners policy will cover water damage but it depends on the nature of the incident and there are often limits that selected when you purchased the policy. Additionally, if damage is caused by the actions of another – like an appliance installation specialist or routine city maintenance – you may be covered under their policy. A few good questions will help you avoid unnecessary repair bills. LEARN MORE.
Need an expert?
Abbotts is standing by 24/7 to help with your water damage emergency.
The Stages of Water
Damage Restoration
STEP 1
Emergency Response
STEP 2
Cleanup & Mitigation
STEP 3
Estimate Preparation
STEP 4
Property Restoration
STEP 5
Claim Management
Understanding Water Damage Property Restoration
Water damage restoration is complicated by a variety of factors including the amount of water, the type of water and the type of material impacted. The restoration process can range from drying and dehumidification to demolition and rebuild. The one thing that never changes is ‘the sooner the better’. The more quickly you can mitigate and cleanup the water damage, the better it will be for you, your property, and your wallet. It is important to take immediate action but it needs to be the right action so that you do not do more harm than good.
More Videos
Water Damage Video Playlist
Sewage Cleanup Video Playlist
How Restoration Works Video Playlist
Insurance Restoration Video Playlist
Blog Topics
Abbotts Water Damage Survival Guide
After the Flood
Sewage Backup Guide
Apartment Water Damage Responsibility
Impact of Home Water Damage
Quick Tips on Reducing Water Damage Claims
Documenting Water Damage