How to Rebuild a Business Hit with Water Damage

Featured image by Dmitry Kalinovsky

Water damage refers to various losses caused by water entering where it shouldn’t. Losses can occur quickly, or it may take some time for the full extent of the damage to become evident.

Depending on the type of water and the material affected, the timeline for damage can vary significantly. For instance, the effects may be felt immediately if a storm or a flood is the cause. On the other hand, if the water damage is caused by a slow leak, such as a pipe or a roof leak, the effects may take some time before they become evident.

Furthermore, water damage can be different depending on the type of material that it affects. For example, wood flooring and drywall may warp or swell over time when exposed to moisture, while carpet may start to rot and fabrics may become mildewed.

Water damage can come from multiple sources, such as floods, hurricanes, plumbing problems, roof leaks, and so on. Regardless of the source, however, the effects of water damage can be far-reaching and costly. They can cause structural damage to walls, ceilings, and floors; damage to electrical systems and equipment; and growth of dangerous mold and mildew.

For businesses, owners may be forced to close their doors temporarily while repairs are made. They must also consider their employees’ and customers’ health and safety. In addition, the disruption of daily operations may lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs, and reputational harm. If you’re in Oregon, consider services offered by companies like Summit Cleaning & Restoration Portland Oregon to address water damage effects quickly and effectively.

Steps for Rebuilding Your Business After Water Damage

If your business has recently been affected by water damage, you may be feeling overwhelmed about how to rebuild it. Read on to find out how to make the most of this difficult situation and get your business back on track.

1. Assess the Extent of the Water Damage

The first thing to do after learning your business has suffered water damage is to assess the extent of it. When determining this, there are several criteria to consider.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to determine the source of the water. If the damage is due to a broken pipe or flooding, the extent of the damage may be more severe than if it was simply due to water from a leaking faucet. It can also be that it originated from more concerning sources such as sewage and groundwater. In this case, taking more serious actions may be necessary.

Additionally, it would help if you considered any potential risks to your customers or employees. For instance, if the damage was due to a sewage backup, it’s vital to assess potential health risks and take action to ensure everyone’s safety. Doing so may mean testing the water for bacteria and other contaminants before beginning any cleanup. Testing will also reveal any toxins present in the water and help you identify the appropriate cleanup and decontamination procedures to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

This is equally true in assessing the severity of any potential mold or mildew growth. If the damage is extensive and there are potential risks to your customers, you may need to close your business until it is safe to reopen.

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It’s also important to inspect any electronic equipment in the area and determine whether they are safe to use. Electronic equipment exposed to water can pose a shock hazard. It must be adequately inspected for damage and dried before use.

Lastly, assess the possible restoration versus replacement costs of the damaged equipment, tools, and machinery. When determining the repair versus replacement costs, you should consider the labor costs, materials costs, potential risks, and time needed for restoration or replacement.

You may also need to inspect documents, furniture, artwork, or other items affected by the water, and determine what can be salvaged and replaced. If ever restoring things is possible, it can be a less expensive option than replacing them. Additionally, restoring items may be preferable from an aesthetic point of view, and such a step can keep an item’s sentimental value.

However, when the water damage is severe and there are potential health risks associated with restoring items, it may be necessary to replace them instead. This approach can be more cost-effective than restoring them.

2. Contact Your Insurer

Water damage is one of the different business insurance claims you may need to file. That’s because when your business has suffered from water damage, your insurer is a vital resource to turn to. They can help you assess the extent of the damage, provide coverage for some of the costs, and ensure you get the help you need to rebuild. Depending on the policy you have in place, your insurer may cover repairs, replacements, or even temporary relocation while the repairs are taking place.

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When dealing with your insurer, it’s essential to take the time to explain the full scope of the water damage and its effect on your business. Review with them the initial assessment you made. Additionally, check your policy to see what coverage is available and how much you can expect to receive. By understanding your policy details, you’ll be better prepared when dealing with them. Finally, document any conversations with your insurer so you can reference them later if necessary.

3. Develop a Restoration Plan

While it may be sensible to clean up immediately to avoid further damage, it may also be essential to first have a plan in place. A restoration plan is a detailed, step-by-step outline of all the actions you’ll need to take to restore your business to its former state. It can help you better manage the process and ensure everything runs smoothly. It also gives you security knowing that you have a clear roadmap to get your business back on track.

When developing a restoration plan after water damage to your business, there are several factors to consider:

• Establish a budget. Estimate how much it will cost to repair the damage and any necessary replacements or upgrades. This step may also consider rebuilding your business on your own, or hiring water restoration companies to do them for you.
• Identify any potential risks or problems that could arise during the restoration process. It would help if you considered other safety concerns related to water damage, such as standing water, slippery surfaces, or hazardous chemicals. Make sure to include strategies for dealing with these issues.

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• Create a timeline. Determine how long it will take to complete the restoration and set milestones for each process step.
• Take steps to ensure the safety of your employees and customers throughout the process.
• Consider the effects of any necessary repairs on your operations. Make sure to factor in any downtime or disruption of services that may occur during the restoration.
• Prepare yourself for unexpected issues. It is essential to remain flexible and ready to adjust your plan if something unforeseen occurs.

By developing a comprehensive restoration plan, you can help ensure that your business will be restored quickly and efficiently. Doing so can also help minimize the disruption to your operations caused by water damage and keep your employees and customers safe throughout the process.

4. Implement the Restoration Plan

Once you’ve developed a restoration plan, it’s time to implement it. This process will involve different steps depending on the type and extent of the damage. To begin, you’ll need to create a list of tasks that need to be completed. Then add a realistic timeline for their accomplishment. Consider prioritizing tasks by importance and urgency and assigning each task to an individual or team.

When implementing the restoration plan, it’s also essential to remember that not all tasks can be completed on time. There may be delays due to a lack of materials or workforce. It’s also important to recognize that some functions may require more effort or time than initially anticipated. As such, it’s essential to be patient and flexible as you implement the restoration plan.

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External factors that may affect your implementation also include weather or availability of materials. Structural issues can cause delays or the need to modify the restoration plan. Thus, it’s important to remain prepared and flexible to manage the restoration plan’s implementation effectively.

Another important area to consider is ensuring that all safety protocols are followed during restoration. This includes ensuring that all workers wear protective gear and that they dispose of all hazardous materials correctly. Additionally, ensure that workers do any electrical or plumbing work safely. You won’t need to give this area a great deal of attention if you’re hiring trustworthy water restoration experts. They’re usually licensed and follow protocols set in the industry.

Finally, it’s essential to be proactive. This area includes scheduling regular meetings with contractors and suppliers to review progress and discuss any challenges that may arise. Moreover, make it a habit to update your insurer during the implementation of the restoration plan. Having insurers is one of the many options to manage disaster recovery. They can have additional advice and information about the process and can assist if necessary. Informing them of the progress of the restoration plan will also ensure that you’ll receive payments or reimbursements promptly.

Following these steps, you can successfully implement your restoration plan and start rebuilding your business after water damage.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your business after water damage can be a long and challenging process. Still, it’s crucial for restoring your company to its former success. Therefore, taking the time to contact your insurer, assess the extent of the damage, develop a restoration plan, and implement the plan are all essential steps in rebuilding your business.

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