Max Water Restoration Service
6550 Long Point Rd # 203A, Houston, TX 77055
(713) 571-2292
You have hired a professional to clean up after a water damage emergency. This could be anything from a washing machine overflowing to flooding caused by excessive rainfall. What is my responsibility, as the home owner, in the restoration process. In other words, when should I let the professionals 'do their job' and when should I step in. It can be fairly intimidating to confront the people you expect to be more knowledgeable than yourself. As a general rule, I do not have to how to fix an engine in order to know that it is not running properly.
Listed below are four areas which you, as the home owner, should become familiar.
Number 1: Know the company with which you are doing business. For example: if you hire a crew to replace a water heater, does the company they work for have insurance or are they bonded in case something goes wrong. You may end up paying for water damage that was caused by your contractor. While you may eventually win in a court battle, can you afford to be 'out of pocket' for the time required to resolve the issue? A legitimate company will gladly produce their credentials when asked. If that company or individual is reluctant, it should be a red flag in the vetting process.
Number 2: Time is money. The typical water damage recovery should take about 3 to 4 days. This can vary a little by the size and scope of the project, but this hold true for the average size home. Restoring the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is obviously going to take longer no matter how many people you throw at the project. If the contractor takes more than 5 to 7 days, it may be an indication they do not know what they are doing. This is the time to ask questions and maybe even consult another professional. The longer your possessions and property remain wet or damp will increase the probability of further contamination and loss. Carpets may need to be replaced instead of cleaned, etc.
Number 3: The drying process cannot begin until all standing water is removed. This includes small puddles of water or soaked carpet. It takes much more energy and time to evaporate water than to suck it up with a vacuum. A competent professional will not place any air moving equipment in an area until this standing water is removed. If you walk around and still have squishy carpet, insist the water be disposed of before the fans are applied. If you can see water sitting on the concrete floor, bring it to the attention of the contractor. This simple step is what can turn a 3 day project into a 6 day project. From personal experience, this is the area that is most neglected by water damage restoration companies.
Number 4: This next observation can be used when dealing with any type of professional. The best contractors are also teachers. They are not afraid to share information that will help you as the home owner. This also helps build a long-lasting relationship in case they are ever needed again. For example: If carpet has been contaminated during the water damage, can it be saved or does it need to be replaced? Even more important, is the pad salvageable? You as the home owner need to know the reasons behind these decisions in order to make a good decision. What are the available options? A good contractor will give this information freely.
The information discussed above is to help you, the home owner, become more involved in your restoration process. There is a time and place for you to step in and take charge, however do not micro manage. Be informed enough about the process to know when things are not proceeding in a timely fashion.
There are some places that water just doesn't belong--including pouring into your home. To keep water from entering your house, or to help restore your home after water damage, call your local basement waterproofing and water damage restoration professionals today!
Is your basement flooded so frequently that one of these days you're afraid you might find a group of fisherman down there? It may be funny to think of a man in a straw hat hooking a catfish right next to your basement steps, but a flooded, damp, or leaky basement can put you, your family, and your home at serious risk. Water and moisture not only encourage mold growth and may carry potentially harmful pathogens, but long-term water damage can actually weaken your home, causing structural foundation problems that could be irreversible. If your basement is doing its best impression of a pond or swimming pool, don't hesitate to call your local basement waterproofing contractors to ensure your continued safety and the long-term health of your home.
Your local basement waterproofing professionals can approach waterproofing your basement in a variety of ways. After determining your home's specific problem areas, these experts will choose which method or combination of methods will be your best defense. Some of these basement waterproofing techniques include:
Applying hydrophobic epoxy to basement cracks to stop leaks
Waterproof paint
Installation of a basement drainage system with a French drain and sump pump
Spray-on waterproof membranes
Installation of an exterior membrane
A waterproof, dry basement is the first step toward basement remodeling, which can change your gray, dank basement from an ominous dungeon to a place for friends to gather and laugh! Imagine how much better your basement will look with a billiards table, a new drop ceiling, and bright walls, and then pick up the phone and call your local basement remodeling contractors to help you make it happen. Using a variety of handyman services, your basement remodeling contractors will take your newly dry basement and transform it into a playroom, a bar and dining area, an office--whatever you want!
Even after basement waterproofing is performed, there is still an outside chance that water can damage your home. Unpredictable tragedies such as serious floods, burst pipes, and water damage from extinguishing a fire are sad but serious possibilities. If you have experienced water damage, you may feel like there is no hope for your property. But when you call your local water damage restoration specialists, there is a greater chance that your soaked, saturated property can be made safe and livable again. Using dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, pumps, and other water damage restoration equipment, your local flood damage restoration professionals will dry out walls, carpet, furniture, and even remove moisture from the air. Then sanitizing and deodorizing processes will remove all pathogens and unpleasant smells left behind. Your local flood damage restoration pro will even be able to remove stains, replace irreversibly damaged walls and ceilings, and more!
Water in your home only belongs in your sinks, tubs, and showers. If you require basement waterproofing or water damage restoration services in order to enjoy every room your home completely and safely, call your local water removal and prevention services today!