Water damage to homes and businesses is common in Gainesville. Floodwaters, hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains, and even a burst water pipe or water heater can all cause extensive damage that requires quick repair (or you risk the growth of mold). At Maven Construction Group Inc., we’ve seen it all while performing water damage repairs in Gainesville, FL. To better aid home and business owners for a potential water damage claim, we’ve put together a list of five tips to help prepare for insurance claims.
It’s critical to know the worth of belongings in your home when filing a claim — it adds up fast! The best way to do this is to create a detailed inventory of valuable items in the home, separated by room. For example, in the dining room, list the chairs, china, crystal, cabinets, carpets or rugs, etc., writing down the number of each item, the cost to replace, and, if accessible, the serial number. Creating this inventory ensures that the home is properly covered in case of unexpected water damage. When you purchase valuable items, add these to your home inventory right away.
Being a Florida resident means severe thunderstorms and hurricanes are a too-common occurrence. Preparing your home for these events is key to preventing water damage. If you think there’s a possible water leak in the home, contact Maven Construction Group Inc. right away.
Water damage doesn’t wait for you to be ready — stay on top of it by having large buckets or pails specifically to capture leaking water. It’s vital that these containers are sturdy and reliable, so the water won’t seep through to other surfaces in the home such as hardwood floors or carpet. Even a small amount of water can cause mold or mildew.
There are a few ways to block rain from seeping through the roof and causing water damage. Most important is to look for missing, cracked or loose shingles on the roof or other roof damage; if left untreated, water can weaken fundamental structures like ceilings and walls, as well as cause mold damage.
Over time, a home’s gutters become clogged with leaves and all kinds of debris if not cleaned frequently. This build-up causes excess rainwater to collect and increases the chance of water damage from a roof leak.
Water damage doesn’t just appear out of nowhere — it has to have a source. Knowing where to inspect for water damage waiting to happen can save time and money before filing a claim. Common sources of water damage include:
You never know when disaster is going to strike, so keep essential documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, the house deed, etc., in a fireproof safe. Other valuables, such as electronics, priceless mementos, photographs, etc., should be kept in elevated areas, such as an attic, high cabinets, or a closet.
If the water damage gets so bad as to endanger you and others living in the home or apartment, it’s smart to have an emergency safety kit to tide you over until everything settles and can be sorted with the insurance company. Some items to include are the basics such as water and food as well as a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, and any special items needed for those living in the home.
The most significant step you can take is to be ready. Establish a plan and record details of what happened. Never assume that a certain type of water damage is covered under your home insurance policy — be diligent and understand your entire policy. Don’t forget to ask what deductible limit you have on water damages and if there’s a limit on that specific policy.
You can lessen the extent of water damage by immediately calling a Florida water damage restoration company. After a detailed inspection, technicians pinpoint the source of the leak and stop it. Next, they siphon the water and dry the room with industrial-size vacuums and dehumidifiers. The technicians make note of items that have water damage for an insurance claim. Then, they clean, deodorize, and put into storage the belongings that survived. Lastly, specialists devise and execute a plan to restore the building to its original condition.
If water damage occurs, Maven Construction Group Inc. can carry out restoration efforts. From small leaks to flooding, we have the team and tools to fix water damage at any scale. We strive to bring every home or business back to its original condition. We can also inventory, clean, and store your personal effects as well as.
For more information about our water damage remediation services, or if you have questions about insurance claims, contact Maven Construction Group Inc. to request a quote.
Locally owned and operated in Gainesville, FL, Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor, Angie’s List Certified Contractor, and is accredited and A-rated by the Better Business Bureau. Maven has delivered the best damage restoration and reconstruction services in North Central Florida for more than 15 years.
Certified General Contractor Lic # CGC1519003 Certified Mold Remediation Lic # MRSR2344