It’s always a mess when a pipe bursts or the basement floods, but it’s especially frustrating when it happens right before you were going to list your home for sale. Learn what to expect from a water damage restoration company and what restoration services are provided to get your home dried out and in shape for listing.

Rapid Response

You must address water damage immediately to avoid further damage to your home. Standing water, damp drywall, and soaking-wet carpet are health hazards because they can get moldy quickly. Thankfully, you can expect a water damage restoration company to come out quickly to inspect your home and assess the scope of the damage.

License and Insurance

Before signing a contract, make sure you double-check that the water damage restoration company is licensed and insured. Some companies only dry out and clean the home and remove damaged materials. They don’t replace drywall or structural elements unless they have the proper licensure to do that kind of contracting. Find out what work the company will do and what it won’t.

Preventing Further Damage and Getting the Water Out

The water damage restoration company will do what’s necessary to prevent the damage from getting worse. They’ll often bring in dehumidifiers and fans to speed drying, and they’ll use special vacuums or pumps to get the water out.

Drying Out the Home

Fans and dehumidifiers will continue to run until moisture levels show the home is dry. Restorers may measure moisture levels several times during the process as they empty dehumidifiers and move fans around to circulate air through the home.

Removing Damaged Materials

Carpet and carpet padding that has been soaked is most likely unsalvageable. The restoration company like 1-800 Water Damage will pull it out and dispose of it. If an area was flooded, they’ll make cuts in the drywall to determine if there’s a danger of mold growth. They’ll remove waterlogged wood, which could get moldy and may warp. Upholstered items that were damaged will be assessed to see if cleaning is possible or if discarding the item is the best option.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Floodwater and sewer backups contain contaminants that can cause serious illness. A water damage restoration company should thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas of your home. Odors may linger, and the restoration company will also make recommendations about how to purify the air in the home. Persistent damp smells may mean mold has appeared despite efforts to dry the home, and additional inspections might be necessary to ensure mold isn’t growing inside walls.

You may be able to do some of the work of cleaning up after a water main break, heavy rainstorm, or a burst pipe yourself. However, heavy damage will require help from professionals. Cleanup and disinfection is critical to maintaining a healthy, livable environment in your home. When the cleanup and restoration is done, you’ll be ready to stage your home to show it at its best and list it for sale.