In the water mitigation and restoration industry, our primary goal is to protect your property. A crucial concept to understand is the "Duty to Mitigate" - a standard clause in most homeowners insurance policies that requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss occurs.
Your insurance company not only expects, but legally requires you to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Most insurance policies include specific language about this responsibility, stating: "Reasonable Repairs: We will pay the reasonable cost incurred by you for the necessary measures taken solely to protect covered property that is damaged by a Peril Insured Against from further damages."
When water damage occurs, every minute counts. Within just 48 hours, mold can begin to grow in wet materials, with visible mold growth typically appearing within 3-7 days depending on conditions. If you delay mitigation to shop around for estimates, you risk not only additional property damage but could also void parts of your insurance coverage. Under the Duty to Mitigate clause, if you fail to act reasonably quickly, your insurance company may reduce or deny coverage for any damage that occurred after the initial loss.
It's important to understand that getting multiple estimates before emergency water mitigation isn't just impractical - it could violate your policy's requirements. Different building materials retain moisture differently, and the full extent of damage often isn't visible until we can properly inspect affected areas. The number of drying days and equipment needed varies for each situation - there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
In Georgia and most other states, restoration companies aren't legally required to provide fixed estimates before starting emergency mitigation work. Instead, many use time and materials (T&M) contracts or itemized cost structures, with insurance companies typically accepting these billing methods when charges align with industry standards, including the IICRC S500.
Did you know?
In Georgia, for home projects over $2,500, a general contractor license is required. Also, many insurance and property management companies require IICRC certification for restoration specific work.
While a fixed estimate isn't required, we do recommend getting a written agreement that outlines the pricing structure before work begins. This ensures transparency and helps prevent future disputes. Your insurance policy will typically cover reasonable and necessary costs incurred during emergency mitigation (though these are subject to your exact policy and should be reviewed personally).
The best approach is to prepare before an emergency occurs:
- Review your insurance policy, understand your Duty to Mitigate responsibilities, and any potential coverage limits
- Identify a trusted water mitigation company in advance
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
- Keep your insurance agent's contact information readily available and be ready to contact them to report the loss promptly (some policies require notification within specific timeframes)
R4 Restoration provides professional water mitigation, mold remediation, and other services to protect your property. We prioritize building long-term relationships with our customers through trust and excellent service. Contact us to learn more about our emergency response services or to discuss your property protection needs.
