Sources of Water Damage

Today we're talking about leaks and water damage. Our reader asks;

"I know that there are a lot of things that can cause water damage but what are the biggest ones? How can I prevent them from being a problem?"

Water damage can happen very quickly and seemingly without warning

It's true that there are almost unlimited sources for water damage, leaks and flooding can come from almost anywhere. However, the key to preventing most water damage incidents is in maintenance and observation.

Two huge sources of flooding are burst pipes and broken appliances. Visually checking pipes for signs of damage and making sure any exterior pipes are insulated can help prevent this. Worn and damaged pipes can get progressively worse over time and uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst. Regularly inspect appliance water supply lines for signs of damage and to make sure they aren't becoming dislodged at all.

Roof leaks are another common source of water damage. Always inspect the roof at least twice a year. In Sierra Vista, before and after monsoon season are good times to perform these checks, this will help to identify and repair any damage before the summer rains come and then identify any damage that the storms may have caused.

While there is any number of other possible causes for water damage in a home in addition to those listed above, the best method for prevention is to make sure that the home is properly maintained. Addressing potential problems before they cause damage is always easier (and less expensive) than trying to clean up the damage of a water disaster.

What to Know When Hiring a Contractor

Be Cautious of "Cash Up Front" Requirements

Some jobs are simply beyond the scope of the average homeowner. Whether the size is too big, or requires specialized equipment or experience, there are some things that most homeowners need to call in a professional for.

When hiring a contractor, most homeowners find themselves faced with a number of different companies they can choose from. Each of these companies will do nearly everything they can to convince a homeowner that they are the best choice for the job. This may be done trying to convince the homeowner that the company has the best quality work or materials, or that they're the least expensive or even that they can complete a project in the shortest amount of time. While each of these approaches will appeal to different customers there may still be some important things that the homeowner doesn't know, doesn't even know to ask, and may not be volunteered by some contractors.

If you are looking at hiring a contractor for remodeling a room, performing home repairs or doing just about any other work on or around your property, do you know what information you need to know about your contractor?

The first, and perhaps most obvious, question to ask is if the contractor is properly licensed. There are different types of licenses, such as commercial or residential licenses or licenses for specialized types of work as a few examples, and it is important that the contractor has the correct one for your project.

Get quotes from multiple contractors, particularly on large jobs. Be cautious of any contractor who is significantly lower than any others, this can be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners and may not actually be properly insured or keeping all his licenses up to date.

Always get the ROC (Registrar of Contractors) number of the contractor prior to signing any agreement. This will allow you to look up their license online to make sure that it's up to date and see if they've had any complaints against them. Alternately, you can look them up by business name prior to even meeting with them.

Please refer to the ROC website for more information on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and their consumer tips and information when hiring a contractor as well as a video on hiring a contractor. To get your home renovation or improvement project started with a licensed, bonded and insured contractor in Sierra Vista, Arizona, visit mrfixitsv.com or call Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC at 520-227-8194 today!