Water damage often happens unexpectedly. Whether it’s from flash flooding, a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flooded basement, it can be messy to clean up and cause a lot of damage. If you know the right approach, you can contain the water and prevent further issues, but you need to act fast. Let’s look at how to get rid of water in your St. Louis house, how to fix water damage, insurance coverage, and how to sell a water-damaged house.
Water damage is a common issue in houses.
Water damage is one of the most common claims for homeowners insurance companies. In fact, “every year, approximately 1 in 60 insured homes seeks a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing,” according to ConsumerAffairs.com. They go on to report that “...the average U.S. household claim for water damage and freezing exceeds $12,500.”
Houses in areas of extreme weather and houses with older plumbing and appliances are most at risk. Once water gets into your home, it can cause damage by soaking into structural materials like wood framing and drywall, and can cause mold and mildew growth, warped floors, and rusted metal.
Steps to take if water enters your house
If water appears in your home, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage.
- Stop the water flow: Stop the water from entering your home. If it’s flooding, place towels and blankets in front of doorways and other areas where water is entering. If you have a roof leak, cover furniture with plastic, and try to contain the water with pots and buckets under the leaks. Shut off the water supply if there’s a burst pipe.
- Notify your insurance agent: Contact your St. Louis insurance company right away. They can provide advice and guidance on what to do and go over your policy with you.
- Remove the water: Turn off your power at the breaker box if water is higher than an inch. Wear rubber boots and gloves for safety reasons, and use available tools to remove standing water, including fans, wet/dry vacuums, mops, and towels.
Inspect the damage.
After all the water has been removed, inspect the area for damage. Some damage will be hidden away under floors and behind walls. That’s one of the reasons it’s advisable to hire a professional inspector, which is often covered by your insurance policy. They have special tools that can look inside walls and under floors, and other tools that can detect hidden moisture.
Another danger of dampness in your house is mold, which can grow in as little as one or two days. Mold can cause health problems and even more damage to your St. Louis house. Although you can remove mold yourself if it’s minor, bigger jobs may require professional mold remediation.
According to HomeAdvisor, “Mold remediation costs range from $500 to $30,000 depending on the location and extent of the mold grown.” The type of mold is also considered in the cost, as well as the equipment needed.
Restoration work
Water damage restoration services may be needed and are usually covered by your insurance policy. Ask your agent about your coverage. Damaged materials such as wood, flooring, and drywall may need to be removed and replaced.
Water damage professionals will also sanitize and deodorize the affected area.
Flood insurance in St. Louis
Most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover damage from a flood. If you live in a St. Louis flood zone, your mortgage company may require you to buy a flood insurance policy.
According to MoneyGeek, “The average cost of flood insurance in the US is $767 annually. Missouri’s cost of flood insurance is $1261 per year. Flood insurance may be more expensive in Missouri due to more flood-prone areas in this state.”
How to sell a house with water damage
When there’s significant water damage to a house, it may be difficult to sell the traditional way. This is mainly because mortgage loan companies can decline to approve a loan on a St. Louis house that has major issues. Plus, in Missouri, sellers must provide a written statement listing any issues with the house, including water damage or past water damage. This is called a Statement of Disclosure. According to Houzeo, “95% of homebuyers discover issues with their properties after the closing process. 60% of sellers do not disclose defects in their homes to potential buyers. Hiding defects whether intentionally or not can lead to potential lawsuits in Missouri.”
But there’s an alternative way to sell your house without needing to fix water damage or any other issues. We Buy Ugly Houses®, a St. Louis off-market house buyer, buys houses “as is,” meaning we buy houses that have leaking roofs, old plumbing, eroding house foundations, or other issues. We provide sellers with fast offers and a convenient, hassle-free sale, all backed by top-notch customer service. Our amazing seller reviews highlight our commitment to customer service and professionalism.
How to sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®
Just contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly St. Louis property buyers. We’ll come to your house, take a tour, and answer your questions. Sometimes, we can provide an offer the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. Let us know if you need more time, and we’ll try to arrange that. We don’t charge commissions or have hidden fees, and we pay typical closing costs. Our offers are typically discounted below market value in exchange for speed and convenience.
We understand the problems of selling a water-damaged house, and we can provide a great solution. Contact us today to learn more.
