DIAL: 800 - WATER DAMAGE AND THEY JUST MAY HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

There's no question that accidents are expensive. First there is the loss of property to contend with.

If any valuable records or collectibles are lost in a water or fire related disaster then the loss is irreplaceable. A family's peace of mind is another cost that cannot truly be accounted.
Finally, there is the cost of restoring a home, which can be an added insult to injury.

Step-By-Step Cleaning Method

Paying a professional service to clean your home after flood or fire damage can be costly. Start looking by dialing 800 - Water - Damage. Depending on how significant the damage is, a restoration specialist can charge hundreds of dollars.

Many homeowners have decided that the cost isn't worth paying-especially after losing so much money because of the water damage itself. Therefore, they try and clean up the area themselves. This can be done. Anyone can clean a flood damaged home if they take the time to do a quality job and use caution. The task can be broken down step by step:

(1) extract any standing water.

(2) Blot out and mop the remaining splashes and spills.

(3) Completely, thoroughly, clean the affected areas with detergent and a little bit of bleach.

(4) Dry.

(5) Dry again. It is very important after cleansing your home furnishings to remove all of the moisture. Some have used fans to dry carpets, some use special heating dryers and others use dehumidifiers to remove extra moisture.

(6) When in doubt, throw it away. If the flood damage is so severe that its noticeably still dirty or foul smelling after repeated washing than it might be beyond restoration.

(7) Put on your gloves and protect your eyes, nose and mouth. We are talking about bleach here. Provided the average homeowner can complete these tasks, and then cleaning your own home after flood damage might be a reasonable move.



Electrical Repairs

However, when it comes to repairs and remodeling, then it becomes more and more likely that the typical homeowner must rely on someone with professional experience. When speaking of electrical repairs, like stoves, phones, outlets and appliances, then safely restoring the system is as easy an equation as life and death.

Not knowing what you're doing when it comes to drying and repairing flood damaged electrical systems can leave you a candidate for electroshock. Believe it-even appliances that have no electricity can still be a shock hazard. Electricians are much more expensive than cleaning specialists. It pays to be a self-employed electrician at this point.

Remodeling

Finally, in remodeling. If you thought electrical work was expensive, be reminded that remodeling a house can cost thousands of dollars. Why would you want to remodel a house? Why not just make it clean? Sadly, it's not always that easy.

Rain and fire damage can destroy walls and ceiling tile. Flood damage can leave behind moisture behind walls or on top of the ceiling. If mold develops then it could mean replacing an entire area of drywall if it is rotted, cracked or infested with mold.



The safe thing to do in extreme cases of flood damage is to contact a restoration service and get an evaluation of the danger. If it becomes apparent that your house has suffered major foundation damage or mold contamination, then most services have arrangements to work out with their customers.

Some local, state and federal authorities also provide assistance to residents whose home has been flooded. Inquire about the possibility of disaster relief.

And yes, during tragic times like these it pays to have lots of friends.