Last year, New York City saw over 8,000 flood damage insurance claims—many of them preventable.
When your home is hit by floodwater, the clock starts ticking. What you do in those first few hours can be the difference between a smooth recovery and a financial nightmare. But sadly, most homeowners don’t know the right steps to take, and the mistakes that follow can cost thousands.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common (and costly) mistakes NYC homeowners make after a flood—and show you exactly how to avoid them. Let’s keep your home, wallet, and sanity intact.
Contents
Not taking action immediately
When a flood devastates your home, it’s normal to panic and take time to digest everything. However, when you don’t act immediately, the damage will worsen, exposing you to the risks of mold and structural damage.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and the spores will develop within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to moisture.
As soon as you notice damage – even if it’s a small flood – you should take immediate action. Contacting a water damage restoration service quickly means a team of professionals can address the issue immediately and prevent the damage from worsening.
Not recording the damage
Many homeowners make this mistake because they want to immediately start cleaning up, but it’s essential to document any damage.
Why? Because your insurance company will need to see evidence of the damage before accepting your claim.
Failing to provide photographs and videos of any destroyed items could result in the adjuster offering a lower amount of money.
Before touching anything, collect visual evidence of any damage to your property, including the property’s structural elements, walls, flooring, and personal belongings.
That way, it’s much easier for your restoration service to explain the damage and ensure the insurance company pays what you claim is worth.
Attempting DIY repairs
When expensive repairs are staring you in the face, it’s easy to think you can save money by repairing the damage on your own. However, when you lack professional skills and don’t know how to spot hidden damage, you can worsen the problem.
DIY efforts can also be dangerous and compromise your safety – especially if water damages the electrical components of your home.
While choosing professional restoration companies means you’ll spend more, it also guarantees that a team of certified technicians will handle all of the repairs.
Ignoring mold hazards
Another common mistake is homeowners thinking that removing standing water will prevent mold from growing. Unfortunately, moisture can accumulate under the floors, inside insulation, and behind walls, leading to the accumulation of mold spores.
While spotting and eliminating visible mold is possible, hidden spores are much harder to find. A professional mold remediation service will test the air quality and use moisture meters to find mold.
They’ll then be able to treat it and prevent the long-term health risks of mold exposure.
Throwing Away Damaged Items Too Quickly
Floods can destroy your personal belongings, but throwing them away immediately is a bad idea. Even if the items are ruined, you should still document them and take photographs before disposing of them.
Remember to read your policy and ask your insurance company whether they need to see valuable items before, as it will ensure that you receive a suitable payment.
Forgetting safety hazards
Floods are serious events that can result in long-term damage to your property. However, they also cause a variety of safety hazards, including increasing the risks of gas leaks and exposed wiring.
Floodwater can conduct electricity and cause serious shocks, but it might also compromise your building’s structural elements.
There’s also the risk of contaminated water, which contains chemicals, bacteria, and sewage – all of which can cause health issues and allergic reactions.
It’s always best to avoid entering your home unless the authorities and utility providers say it’s safe to do so. If you do need to enter, wear rubber boots, protective clothing, and gloves.
Working with professional restoration companies means you won’t need to worry about safety, as qualified technicians know how to secure your home.
Not understanding your insurance policy
NYC homeowners should also know that a standard home insurance policy typically doesn’t cover flood-related damage.
Many homes in New York are in high-risk areas, which makes them eligible for the National Flood Insurance Programme, which provides financial support.
Even if you have insurance, it’s important to review the policy and see which items are covered. You’ll also need to understand the limits, exclusions, and deductibles, as these define how much you’ll pay.
Not taking steps to prevent future damage
Once your property is repaired and back in its pre-loss state, you might think everything’s fine. However, if damage occurs once, it can happen again.
Addressing the root cause can prevent further issues and strengthen the property’s defenses against floods.
For example, vulnerabilities in your basement or old plumbing systems can make your home more prone to flooding over time, while weaknesses in the roof increase the risks of rainwater leaking into the building.
Choosing a professional remediation service means the technicians will assess your property and advise on measures to take.
Not getting support
Experiencing a flood is traumatic, and many homeowners make the mistake of trying to handle it alone. When you don’t seek professional help, the issue can worsen, leaving your home more prone to damage.
Getting support from a professional restoration service gives you access to a team of dedicated experts.
At Manhattan Flood Restoration, we specialize in supporting clients through all stages of flooding, including the initial inspection, removing standing water, mold remediation, and reconstructing your property.
The bottom line
Recovering from a flood – no matter how big or small it is – can be tough, but now you know which mistakes to avoid, it will be much easier. And, if you need some support along the way, at Manhattan Flood Restoration, we specialize in professional water damage restoration services.
Our experts can arrange an on-site visit, or we can send an emergency team to your property immediately. Please call our 24/7 helpline at (800) 874-8146 or use our contact form for advice.
