Water damage can feel like chaos in slow motion — one minute your home is dry and cozy, the next you’re standing in a puddle wondering, “Where do I even start?” Don’t panic. Here’s exactly what to expect and how to navigate the process from that first drip to a fully repaired home. After stopping the source of the water, our Renton, WA water damage repair service company can be a great help to get your home dry and safe for you to live in.
Step 1: Stop The Water (Seriously, Right Now)
Before you do anything else, stop the source.
Burst pipe? Shut off your main water valve.
Washing machine gone rogue? Unplug it or turn it off.
Rainwater invading the basement? See if you can divert it away from your home.
You can’t fix what’s still flooding. So first — stop the water.
Step 2: Call In The Pros
Next, call an emergency water mitigation company — like First Response Water Damage.
Their first job is to assess how far the water has spread and create a mitigation and drying plan. A good mitigation company will also advise whether or not to involve your insurance company.
Why is that important? Because filing a claim unnecessarily can cost you more in the long run. Here’s what to consider before picking up the phone to your insurer:
How does your deductible compare to the cost of the damage?
Is this type of loss actually covered by your policy?
Have you filed a claim recently (which could affect your rates)?
Get the facts first, then make the call that works best for you.
Step 3: Begin Water Removal And Mitigation
Once the assessment is complete, it’s time to remove any standing water. Then, your mitigation team will start removing materials that can’t be saved — flooring, drywall, or even cabinetry if needed.
In Washington State, asbestos testing is legally required for certain materials like wall textures and flooring adhesives. Samples are taken now to ensure everything’s safe before demolition begins.
At this stage, dehumidifiers go in to control humidity and prevent “secondary damage” — things like warped wood, peeling paint, or mold growth.
Step 4: Testing And Results
Your asbestos samples go to an environmental lab, and results usually come back within 24 hours.
Negative result? Great — your team can continue with material removal.
Positive result? Specialized abatement contractors will safely handle removal before work continues.
Step 5: Demo — The Clean Kind
When you hear “demo,” you might picture sledgehammers and dust clouds. But in mitigation, a demo is more like careful disassembly.
The goal isn’t destruction — it’s preservation. Countertops, cabinets, and carpet are saved whenever possible. Any damaged materials are set aside for your insurance adjuster to evaluate.
Once the demo is complete, the workspace should look clean, organized, and ready for drying — not like a construction zone.
Step 6: Dry Time
Now it’s all about airflow and patience.
Your mitigation team will set up professional-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and ducting to target tricky spots. Dry time varies depending on:
A) How much water was involved
B) How long the area was wet
C) What materials were affected
D) How well the space can be contained for drying
Throughout the process, technicians will return regularly to monitor moisture levels, document progress, and adjust equipment to reach the proper dry standard.
Once your home’s structure is officially dry, the equipment can come out — and the real rebuild can begin.
Step 7: The Repair Estimate
During or just after drying, your contractor will create a repair estimate to send to your insurance adjuster for approval.
Insurance typically doesn’t require an estimate for the mitigation work (they’ll review the invoice directly), but they do require one for the rebuild before construction can begin.
Step 8: The Waiting Game
Once the estimate is submitted, it’s time for your adjuster to review and approve. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on complexity and workload.
Patience is key — approvals can vary, but staying in communication with both your contractor and adjuster helps keep things moving.
Step 9: Rebuild And Restoration
With funds in hand, it’s finally time to put your home back together.
Pro tip: If you’ve been thinking about upgrades — new flooring, updated finishes, or a fresh layout — this is the time to do it. It’s far more cost-effective to improve your space now than after everything’s closed up again.
The Bottom Line
Water damage is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Understanding the process helps you stay calm, make smart decisions, and get your home back faster.
When water strikes, quick action and expert help make all the difference. Brent Rice, the owner of First Response Water Damage, has been helping clients with water damage as a water damage repair specialist since 1989. We are a family- and locally owned business, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from the first phone call to the final coat of paint. Reach out to us any time you need help.
Contact us now for water, smoke & odor remediation!