Water damage in your home can be a major inconvenience and can cause significant financial and emotional stress. When you are a member of a homeowner’s association or a condo association, dealing with the nuances of your association’s insurance coverage can add to your troubles. But don’t panic, there are several steps you can take to minimize the damage and get the situation under control.
1) LOCATE THE SOURCE
Flooding, broken or corroded pipes, appliance malfunctions, construction-related defects, and excessive humidity can all cause water damage. Even if the damage seems minimal, it’s essential to take action as soon as you notice it. A small leak may be a sign of a bigger problem. Once a leak or pipe burst starts, your belongings may be exposed to irreparable damage, and you may be at risk of environmental hazards like mold. Take photos of the damage and the source of the leak and keep them for documentation. If you can’t find the source of the leak, contact a professional to investigate.
2) NOTIFY YOUR HOMEOWNER’S OR CONDO ASSOCIATION
As soon as you find the source of the water damage, contact the party responsible for building, maintaining, or renovating your property. Homeowner’s associations and condo associations generally offer insurance covering water damage in common areas or damage caused by ruptured pipes and pre-existing plumbing issues. Keep a written record of any correspondence with your association, in case they fail to give you access to the coverage your insurance guarantees.
3) INFORM YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER
Depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the repairs and remediation. Make sure to be as detailed as possible when contacting the insurance carrier and take note of the repairs they will and will not cover, so that you can later make sure your coverage rights are protected.
4) CALL A REMEDIATION EXPERT ASAP
The remediation process is critical to resolving water damage. Though your homeowner’s or condo association may put you in touch with an expert, make sure that the remediation company is legitimate before allowing them to assess your home. Remediation experts can be expensive, so in addition to keeping receipts of any damage repair, make sure to keep any appliances, furniture, valuables, or perishables that have been damaged by the leak. You may be able to claim reimbursement for this damage down the line.
The financial burden of remediating water damage can be immense, but with the right steps and a little bit of preparation, you can minimize the damage and get back to normal. If you find yourself in a legal dispute with your association or insurance company, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in construction law may be helpful in recovering your losses.
Call Houston Restore Pros Today!
If you are facing any water damage, don’t hesitate to call Houston Restore Pros, we’re always here to help, 24/seven! We have 30+ years of experience in the water restoration industry and have helped countless homeowners in Houston and the surrounding areas recover from floods.
We work closely with insurance companies to make sure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently, and we will do everything we can to get your home back to normal as soon as possible. Give us a call today and let us help you through this difficult time, we’re here for you 24/seven, 365 days a year!