Our Process
Our Process
Water damage can be quite an unsettling experience for you and your family, which is why we are committed to honest communication and transparency every step of the way. Your comfort and sense of security is important to us, which is why we’ve provided a very detailed step-by-step guide to what you can expect when you contact us.
First Contact
We understand the urgency associated with water damage events, which is why we always respond quickly and with great seriousness. From the moment you call us, you can expect someone at your home within 1-2 hours. Within that time, we will work to understand the details of the water event and assess whether it is safe for you to remain at the site of the event.
Site Inspection and Damage Review
When we arrive on site, we’ll immediately begin a detailed inspection, which will be used to generate a thorough damage assessment. We’ll do our best to give you a rough estimate of the costs associated with the restoration process and be patient with you as we answer any questions you may have. The reason why we can only give you a rough estimate of the costs is because many unexpected things can come up in the process of a water restoration job. For example, it may take longer to dry the area than anticipated, or there may be new discoveries along the way such as mold growth or new affected areas. It is important that you feel comfortable with your water damage expert and that you are in constant communication every day once the job starts to prevent any surprises along the way.
Once You’ve Retained Our Services
We start by sealing off the affected area, with a 2-3-foot safe zone to prevent cross-contamination. We will also move your furniture and belongings to help prevent further damage. Depending on the type of water contamination, whether the water comes from a roof leak or busted pipe, or a hazardous source such as a sewer backup or flood water, we approach the extraction a little differently. Our goal is to salvage as much of the surface area as possible if the source of the water damage is clean water. In the case of contaminated water, we have to be more cautious by demolishing and removing affected surfaces that are considered damaged.
Water Extraction
The water extraction process is determined by the type of flooring that has been affected, the amount of water that has been sitting in that location, and the amount of time it has been there. For example, surface areas that have been in contact with water for more than 48 hours are at risk of mold growth and must be treated based on the S520 mold remediation standards.
There is a different process for extracting water for any type of flooring, including carpeting, hardwood floors, tile, etc. We use a variety of extraction machines, depending on the amount of water and the location of the water event. For example, we might use a portable extraction machine for a standard water damage project in a smaller apartment. For a larger job, we might use a truck mount to extract larger amounts of water in a shorter timeframe.
Humidity Control and Drying
After we have removed all the water we can, we will begin to dry the underlying surface areas. To do this we use industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. Sometimes, if the drywall is still in a salvageable status, we can create cavities in the walls and dry the studs behind the drywall without causing too much damage and demolition.
After water damage, it’s important to control the humidity in your home to eliminate residual moisture. We will test the moisture in your home and utilize the dehumidifiers and industrial air movers to help decrease the moisture. Our monitoring equipment lets us survey the moisture levels in your home, floors and walls to ensure they’ve reached acceptable levels and to establish positive airflow.
It is at this stage where it will become evident if further demolition is necessary. When wood and drywall take in water, they can quickly breakdown, warp and droop. This water will often increase your home’s risk for mold. To prevent this from happening, high risk areas will need to be demolished so that they can be properly dried.
Decontamination and Cleaning
Cleaning up after flooding in your home is a daunting task, and we work to make it easier. It’s very likely that you will need professional grade cleaning treatments to fight the growth of bacteria throughout the affected areas in your home. Fabric furniture and clothing can quickly develop an odor that will need to be removed professionally. At Bright Restoration, we’ve handled hundreds of water damage cases and we are happy to advise you on which personal belongings can be salvaged, versus which belongings are unsalvageable. From antimicrobial treatments to regular disinfectant, there’s a way to clean most of your possessions. Luckily, we’re able to provide you with these services including professional odor removal!
Restoration
At Bright Restoration, we know that the process of restoring your home continues long after the drying is completed. It may take time to return your home to its previous condition and could require steps to prevent additional damage. In some cases, flooring may need repair and walls may need to be repainted. Whatever the circumstance, we can streamline your process by tackling both the water mitigation and your home restoration needs.
Water Damage Scenarios
Flooding can happen at any time, leaving you knee-deep in water damage. Every circumstance is different, which is why we customize solutions to fit your property. Uncertain about the origin of your water damage? Check for the following common water damage scenarios.
Our Work Process
Water damage can be quite an unsettling experience for you and your family, which is why we are committed to honest communication and transparency. From the first contact to water extraction to drying we’ve customized our process to meet your needs and restore your home.
Claims & Insurance
Water damage is difficult to deal with, even without the pressure of filing an insurance claim. We have over a decade of experience working with claims and insurance companies, and we’ll become your trusted partner, helping you to navigate the process with your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your water damage restoration cost is completely dependent on the severity of the damage. The final price tag will be determined by a variety of factors such as: cost of cleaning, the size of the damaged area, the type of water causing the damage, the cost of labor and restoration materials. The national average water damage restoration cost is $2,580. Of course, your restoration may cost as little as $1,000 or in excess of $8,000. To put these prices in perspective, drywall that was damaged with category 1 water could cost around $2,000 to repair. By contrast, a basement flooded with category 3 water, also known as black water, may cost $7,000 to repair. The only way to get an exact cost estimate is to reach out to a water damage restoration professional who will inspect the property. Visit our costs page for a more detailed explanation.
From your walls, to ceilings, to underneath wet flooring, water stains are a common problem for homeowners. To help you locate your water damage, we’ve put together a list of common water damage locations.
Do you suspect mold in your home? If you’ve recently experienced water damage or even minor flooding, you should be on the lookout for mold. Any situation that creates moisture, such as spills underneath the refrigerator, leaks under sinks, and damp basements will create the ideal environment for growth. Mold needs moisture and an organic substance called cellulose to grow. Cellulose can be found in almost any building material in your home, such as wood, carpeting, furniture, drywall and even your furniture. If you cannot see the mold, but you can smell an unpleasant, musty odor, it’s likely that there is mold hiding out of sight. Visit our common areas of mold growth page to learn where mold is most likely hiding in your home.
What Our Clients Say
“Michael dealt with our insurance company for us and got them to pay us for the entire project including the repairs! which saved us a huge headache! We were truly blown away by his level of professionalism. Water damage restoration in Los Angeles is a stressful process, but this team made sure that we were happy with the process every step of the way. So pleased with the work!”
“With the storm that hit LA recently, part of our ceiling in the living room caved in and unleashed all kinds of havoc. We were recommended Bright Restoration by a friends and we weren’t disappointed. From the moment these guys came to our home, we could tell they were experienced and professional. We felt safe in their hands every step of the process and you will too. Thanks, guys!”
