Water Damage Restoration FAQ
If your property has recently suffered water damage, chances are you have
more than a few questions on what to do next. Don't worry—we have
the answers. Take a look at these frequently asked questions to get a
better idea of what to expect as you get ready to hire a restoration company.
Do you have further questions that are not answered here? Feel free to
give us a call at
833-379-3696.
What is the average for water damage repair costs?
It’s quite difficult to estimate a cost for water restoration because
of the many unique situations involved with a water cleanup project. Costs
can vary anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of
dollars. It all depends on the area that is damaged and the extent of
the damages in each area.
What are the typical signs of water damage?
Although an area may look dry, looks can be deceiving. An area can have
water damage, but the damage can be hidden behind the walls, ceilings,
or other areas that hold high amounts of moisture. Situations like this
can cause long-term mold-related problems. So, if you've experienced water
damage, all impacted areas should be checked by professionals with the
proper equipment.
How long does it take mold to grow after a water damage incident?
Mold grows immediately. Depending on the situation, it will take anywhere
from 24-48 hours to grow and become visible. Government standards recommend
water damage be resolved within 48 hours. If this does not happen, there
is a high potential for mold growth. Allowing mold to grow can cause additional
damages and costs to repair your home.
Can I remove items after water damage has occurred?
It depends on the situation. In some cases, you may remove unaffected items
from your home as long as you are certain there is no damage to them.
However, you need to be careful. All your items should be inspected by
a professional to assure the insurance is adequately compensating you
for your damages. So, even if those damages are not immediately visible,
we would suggest waiting for a professional if you can. Speaking to an
insurance adjuster would be the best course of action to determine your
unique situation and how to deal with it.
What is that smell in my home after water damage?
That smell is likely mold. Water combined with other contaminants will
create multiple smells, but what most homeowners usually smell first is
the mold. When hiring LimeGreen Water Damage & Restoration for your
water damage restoration, you don't have to worry about smelling the mold
for long. We quickly come in and inspect and test to find the source of
the smell and eliminate it. When restoration work is done properly, there
should not be any smell left.
How is my furniture treated after a flood?
LimeGreen Water Damage & Restoration works very hard to restore your
old furniture to like-new condition. We understand that much of that furniture
has sentimental value, especially if it is a family heirloom. Our technicians
will put forth their best effort to salvage the furniture. Unfortunately,
in some cases, items cannot be restored to a usable condition. In these
cases, it's best to replace the furniture with a similar item. We act
as a mediator to find solutions that please both homeowners and insurance
companies.
How long does it take to repair my home after water damage?
The repairs generally take a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity
of the damage. Some may take longer if special items need to be purchased
or are on backorder.
Is there a difference between restoration and reconstruction?
Restoration is the entire process of restoring your home or business back
to its original state. Reconstruction is the part where we help you repair
your home after the flood has been cleaned up.
Does your restoration company work with my insurance company?
Yes! In our opinion, all quality restoration companies should work with
your insurance company on your behalf. Depending on the job, your restoration
company may use a standard insurance billing software to price the job
for time and materials. LimeGreen Water Damage & Restoration has worked
with many major insurance carriers to complete jobs for homeowners and
businesses in Encino and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Will my insurance company work with LimeGreen?
LimeGreen Water Damage & Restoration has worked with numerous insurance
companies over the years. It's completely at the discretion of the customer
to select a restoration company to complete the work. Most restoration
companies use a software called Xactimate. This program is an insurance-approved
software for the restoration industry with the cost structure that most
insurance companies accept for flood and water damage jobs. We are committed
to ensuring you receive everything you are entitled to during the restoration
process. We assure you that you're working with a mitigation company that
has plenty of experience using the insurance industry systems.
Will my insurance be billed directly?
Yes, normally, we will bill your insurance company directly. Your only
responsibility will be your deductible. The only time you are going to
pay anything additional is if you opt for upgrades.
Who takes care of the repairs after a water cleanup?
Some restoration companies handle the repair work in-house, while others
use third-party vendors. It doesn't matter as long as the repair work
is up to code and done properly.
How fast do you usually arrive at a job?
We dispatch all vehicles within 15 minutes of the call. Usually, we are
texting the technicians while we are still speaking with you on the phone.
This allows us to mobilize as quickly as possible. We typically arrive
and are working to fix the problem within 45 minutes of your call.
What is the insurance deductible?
The insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket
for the damages. The deductible is an agreed-upon amount predetermined
between the homeowner and their insurance company. Insurance deductibles
vary by policy. If you are unsure, you should call your insurance company
and find out what your plan deductible is before proceeding.