Find the Best Water Damage Restoration in Tampa, FL

Fire and water damage restoration companies in Tampa

Residents living in low-lying areas near the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay know the risk of water. Neighborhoods like Interbay, MacDill, South Tampa and Bayshore flood when a thunderstorm passes through on summer afternoons. In Lithia and Riverview, the Alafia River has been known to swell and cause problems for new housing developments.

There aren’t many basements in Tampa, so when heavy rains, tropical storms and flooding occur, the main floor of the home is the most frequently damaged. Beyond the threat of natural disasters, there are also leaking roofs, burst pipes and fires to worry about. Common water damage restoration services in Tampa are water removal, cleaning and mold prevention.

Even minor leaks shouldn’t be ignored. If you don’t have water removed and damaged surfaces restored, you could face problems with rot and mold. Complications will escalate quickly in Tampa’s humid climate, so don’t put off getting professional water damage restoration.

Water damage restoration professionals need to be retained immediately, especially if there’s standing water. It’s essential to stop the flow of water and remove any existing water with hoses, air movers and dehumidifiers as quickly as possible. You’ll also want to remove personal items and pets from the damaged areas.

Fire damage restoration in Tampa

Many water restoration companies will also handle fire restoration. Fires can create severe destruction in a home, but many homeowners don’t realize the damage that occurs as a result of the blaze. There will be water, fire and smoke damage to clean and repair after a house fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that homes can be dangerous after a fire, even if the fire seemed minor. There may be broken windows and holes in roofs and walls where firefighters had to access the property. It’s likely your home will be uninhabitable until it’s effectively cleaned and restored.

Fires leave behind soot, ash and odors in the home. Stains don’t always show up right away so it might be days later that homeowners notice walls and ceilings are turning yellow. Homeowners may even see discolored walls and charred surfaces in areas not directly touched by the fire. Particles, vapors and toxic gasses will be present but not necessarily visible.

Large amounts of water are frequently used by emergency services to put out fires, and this can end up causing water damage. There will likely be electrical damage and hidden problems such as soot and ash building up in your plumbing and HVAC unit.

To clean and repair the home, proper ventilation and commercial cleaning products are critical. Be sure to get a complete estimate for all the repair work your home will need.

How much does water damage restoration in Tampa cost?

The amount Tampa homeowners pay to restore their properties after a fire or flood will depend on a number of factors.

Factors affecting your water or fire damage restoration costs

Types of damage	Cost factors
Source of damage	Simple water leaks: under $1,000. Water clean-up: $1,200 - $2,000. Damage from catastrophic floods: up to $10,000 to clean and restore.
Type of property damage	Repairing drywall is less expensive than tearing up floors and treating subfloors.
Scope of the damage	Drying out a bedroom may cost less than $500, but, if a 3,000 square-foot house needs drying, water removal and repairs, the cost can go up to $10,000 and maybe more.
Mold removal and mitigation	This can cost between $500 and $5,000.
Debris removal	Debris adds hundreds of dollars to a repair bill.

Homeowners insurance may cover your fire or water damage, depending on whether the damage was caused by a covered peril. If it was, work with a restoration company that will bill the insurance company directly.

If the cause is not covered, you will likely be charged by the amount of space that needs cleaning and extent of the repairs. Some water restoration companies in Tampa will charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, but most will look at the size and scope of the project and provide you with a quote.

Hiring a water damage restoration company in Tampa

The state of Florida does not require water restoration companies to be licensed, but certifications can be helpful when you’re deciding which company to hire. Look for companies that are associated with and certified by the following organizations:

• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
• Restoration Industry Association
• National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors
• International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants

Once you’ve found some companies, take the time ask them a few questions. It’s critical to hire someone quickly so you may not have long to evaluate companies, but taking a little bit of time to weigh your options can save you money and hassle later on. Ask:

• Do you work directly with insurance companies?
• How soon can you remove the standing water in my home?
• How long will this process take?
• Will you take care of everything from cleanup to mold mitigation or will I need other contractors?
• What types of equipment and supplies do you use?
• Can I live in my home while you’re working?
• How much do I need to pay upfront?

Make sure the company you choose also carries all the necessary insurance to protect you from liability if a worker is injured.

Based on the information you’ve gathered, pick a company that you feel comfortable trusting with the job and let them give you a written quote before they begin work. This quote will let you know what to expect on your bill and protect you from any surprises later on.

If your problem was caused by a sewage blockage or a plumbing issue, check out the Don’t Flush It! Initiative from Hillsborough County to educate yourself and protect your plumbing system from further incidents.