Water Damage Repair, not Always Easy to Identify

Water damage repair isn’t always easy to identify but it is essential for home buyers, investors and other would be-owners to evaluate the quality of repairs in order to make sure there isn’t other damage lurking in the background.

Improperly performed water damage repairs may lead to numerous other problems. For example, mold may be growing in the walls or insulation due to an improperly repaired leak in the roof. Air vents could be contaminated with pollen or spores distributed throughout the home by mold in an entirely different part of the home. In a worst case scenario; improperly performed repairs may even mask hidden structural defects including rotting wood, termites and other pest problems. Learn how to avoid potentially costly repairs with these quick tips:

1.      Obtain a C.L.U.E. report on all homes prior to purchasing. CLUE reports are used by major insurance underwriters and include information about prior claims related to water damage or other problems.

2.      Pay for a more detailed inspection. It may be unscrupulous and even unethical but improperly performed repairs can easily be hidden behind new drywall, carpeting or paint. If you have reason for concern, protect yourself by having a complete inspection performed in any questionable areas of the home. Fiber optic cables can see into walls and other technology is often able to test the structural integrity of roof trusses, joists and other critical areas. While you are at it, a complete pest inspection is also a good idea since termites, carpenter ants and even mice prefer moist areas with access to a water supply.

3.      Ask about warranty or other information on repairs; for example, roofing repairs or new roofing materials often include a warranty on both workmanship and the actual roofing materials. Confirm the provider and other parties are still in service then verify their track record. Providers or materials lacking proper permits, licensure or receipts may be a cause for concern since off-market materials, illegal labor and other issues could represent short-cuts or quality issues.

4.      Verify that all required permits and inspections were performed! Failure to obtain proper permits and inspections is a big red flag which could indicate other possible problems.

5.      Always make sure water damage repair was performed by a qualified company; preferably one Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration like Kiwi Services of Denver.  Not only do you have the reassurance the job was performed correctly the first time around, but it reduces the risk of high insurance premiums and other problems caused by mold, mildew and contamination caused by water damage.

Denver water damage repair, restoration and extraction services provided by Kiwi.