Is a Water Damaged House Safe to Live in After Flooding?

You might be wondering if your home is safe to live in if it has been affected by a flood regardless of it has been caused by a bursting pipe or natural disaster. Well, this all depends on the stability of your home during and after water damage. As a homeowner, you should answer the following questions honestly.

Home Status

Where did the flood originate from? The flood came from somewhere, therefore, it is important to find the source. The answer will determine if it is ideal to continue staying in the house or seeking accommodation elsewhere is the best option. Water that is clear coming from washing machines, water heaters, and sinks doesn’t pose any danger. However, contaminated water, for example, gray water, sewage, and water as a result of natural calamities is hazardous.

Which rooms were affected by the water damage? There are various rooms in a home that are less significant than others. You can stay in your home if the water damage only affected the unused rooms. You will have to find alternative ways to work around water-damaged craft-rooms, dens, laundry rooms, home offices, garages, and bedrooms. In case the bathrooms and kitchens, which are the most significant rooms in a house, are lost to water damage, then this can cause a major problem.

The Process of Restoration

Are homeowners willing to give up their privacy so professionals can restore their homes? The teams responsible for water extraction and the teams responsible for water restoration will be moving in and out of the home while removing and adding things without notice.

Are homeowners willing to give up their peace and quiet? The team extracting the water and getting rid of mold and mildew as well as clean up and restoration will utilize noisy equipment to do this job. This will definitely make it hard to watch television, listen to music, or talk on the phone.

Is the homeowner willing to put his/her health at risk to stay there? In some cases, chemicals will be required to clean up water damage and avoid the growth of mold and mildew. As a result, family, individuals, and pets will be breathing in toxic fumes and mold spores. The continued inhaling of toxic fumes and mold can lead to health hazards in the future.

Once you’ve answered these questions, get in touch with the home insurance provider to file a claim. A professional working for the insurance provider will carefully assess the extent of the damage. The level of coverage will be based on the findings and the policy of the homeowner. Request for ALE otherwise referred to as additional living expense coverage. ALE covers the homeowners’ relocation during the period of restoration. Sadly, the homeowners will receive this coverage only if the insurance provider is convinced that the home is unsafe.
Getting accommodations during this trying time is quite difficult. But continuing to stay in the house during the process of cleanup and restoration can put the safety, privacy, and well-being of the inhabitants at risk. Nevertheless, in case the homeowners stay in the home during this process, reach out to a company like ours who will be able to manage work with family.