If you have had water enter your house from a burst pipe, flooding, or leaky roof, you know what a mess it can be. But knowing what to do during an event like this can limit the damage if you act fast. Let’s look at how to manage water entering your house, insurance, how to repair water damage, and how to sell a water-damaged house
Water damage is a common issue in houses.
According to ThisOldHouse.com, “Water damage consistently ranks among the most common causes of home insurance claims. Anything from coastal flooding to corroded pipes can leave water in places it doesn’t belong, and the longer that water lingers, the costlier the damage will be to fix.”
Fort Worth homes may suffer water damage from occasional freezing pipes in winter, leaky roofs, burst pipes, and flood damage from heavy storms. Even improperly installed water sprinklers can erode your foundation or cause wood rot on the exterior of your house.
Steps to take if water enters your house
If you find water in your house, or under your house’s foundation, act quickly to minimize damage.
- Stop the water source: Try to stop the water entry. If a pipe has burst, turn off the main water supply. Place blankets and towels in front of doorways and other areas where water is seeping in during a flood. If water is coming in through your roof, cover furniture with plastic, and try to contain the water with pots and buckets under the leaks.
- Contact your insurance agent: Your agent will have good advice for you on the steps you need to take next. The agent will also let you know what your policy covers.
- Remove the water: Use whatever tools are at your disposal, including wet/dry vacuums, towels, mops, and fans to remove standing water. If water is getting high, turn off the power at the breaker to prevent shocks and fires. Wear rubber gloves and boots.
Take stock of the damage.
When the water has been removed, take stock of the situation and look to see what damage has been done. Keep in mind that some of the damage may not be visible.
It’s advisable to have a professional inspector come to your Fort Worth house and examine the affected area. These professionals use special instruments like moisture meters and thermal cameras. They also use borescopes, which can see inside walls and under floors.
Mold can grow quickly in damp situations, often in as little as a day or two. You can remove mold yourself with proper precautions if the damage isn’t too extensive. If the job is too big, call in mold remediation specialists. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for mold remediation in Ft. Worth is around $2,096 but can cost as much as $5,000 for large areas. Ask your insurance agent if this service is covered under your policy.
Restoration work
Homeowners insurance often pays for restoration services, so ask your agent about your policy. Materials that have been damaged may have to be removed and replaced, such as drywall and flooring.
Surfaces should be professionally sanitized and deodorized. Some damaged structural elements may need to be replaced.
Flood insurance in Fort Worth
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a flood area, your mortgage company may require you to buy a flood insurance policy.
According to ValuePenguin, “The average cost of flood insurance in Texas is $791 per year for a policy with around $274,000 of total coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance quotes in Texas can range from $235 per year to more than $5,000 per year, based on where you live, how your home was built and the property's elevation.” Get in touch with the NFIP to get a quote for your address.
How to sell a house with water damage
Water damage to a house may mean it will be difficult to sell on the open market via a real estate agent. Keep in mind that in Texas, a statement of disclosure is required when selling a house. This statement gives buyers written notice of any defects with the house or anything that has been fixed.
If you decide that selling your house without making any repairs is the best choice for you, consider selling your house to We Buy Ugly Houses® in Ft. Worth. We buy houses in all sorts of conditions, even houses with extensive mold issues, leaky roofs, or cracked foundations. Selling a house to us is simple and convenient, with no commissions, no hidden fees, and a fast closing. We also pay typical closing costs. Our offers are usually discounted below market value in exchange for speed and convenience. Our company focuses on excellent customer service, which is reflected in our amazing reviews.
Selling to We Buy Ugly Houses is hassle-free. Just contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Ft. Worth franchisees. We’ll come to your house, take a tour, and answer your questions. Sometimes, we can provide an offer on the same day. If you accept our offer, we can possibly close in as little as 3 weeks. Let us know if you need more time, though, and we’ll try to arrange that.
We understand the complications of selling a water-damaged house, and we can help! Contact us to learn more.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
