The short answer
Document Everything First
Before touching anything, take photos and videos of every affected area. Write down what you see, including water lines, damaged materials, and any personal belongings that got wet. This record helps you track progress and gives your insurance company a clear picture of the situation.
Keep a notebook with dates, times, and any conversations you have about the project. Note which rooms are affected and how deep the water reached. This documentation becomes your roadmap as you work through the restoration step by step.
Secure the Property
Turn off the main water supply if a pipe burst or flooding is ongoing. Shut off electricity in affected areas only if it is safe to do so. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the building and call emergency services from outside.
Remove valuable items like electronics, artwork, and antiques to a dry area if you can do so safely. Move furniture away from wet walls and place plastic sheeting under anything that must stay. This prevents further damage while you plan the next steps.
- Take photos of each room before moving anything
- Shut off water and power if safe
- Move electronics and artwork to dry spaces
- Lift furniture off wet floors with blocks
- Open windows for airflow if weather allows
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Ask what your policy covers and what documentation they need from you. Keep a record of your claim number and the name of the person you speak with.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies cover water damage from burst pipes but not from flooding, so read your policy carefully. Ask about deadlines for filing claims and whether you need to get approval before starting any restoration work.
Get Professional Assessments
Local water damage pros can assess the full scope of the damage, including areas you might miss like inside walls or under flooring. They can identify hidden moisture and recommend the right drying and cleaning methods for your specific situation.
Ask the pros about the sequence of work, such as when to remove drywall, when to run dehumidifiers, and when to rebuild. A clear plan prevents costly mistakes and helps you understand what to expect during each phase of the project.
Create a Step-By-Step Timeline
Work with the pros to outline each phase, from initial water removal to final repairs. Prioritize safety and structural stability first, then move to cleaning and drying, and finally to rebuilding and refinishing. This order keeps the project manageable.
Set realistic expectations for how long each phase might take, but remember that drying times depend on materials, humidity, and ventilation. If you live in Milwaukee, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future reference. Build flexibility into your schedule for unexpected discoveries.
Need help right now?
Call (414) 348-0250 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (414) 348-0250Frequently asked questions
Should I throw away wet items right away?
Not always. Some items like porous materials such as drywall or carpet padding may need removal quickly, but personal belongings like photos or wood furniture might be salvageable. Ask the pros what can be dried and cleaned before discarding anything.
How do I know if my home is safe to stay in?
If the damage is extensive, especially if ceilings are sagging or the electrical system got wet, you may need to stay elsewhere until the pros assess the structure. See a doctor if you feel unwell from mold or contaminants. Your safety comes first.
What should I tell the restoration pros about the damage?
Share your documentation, explain what you know about the cause of the damage, and point out any areas you are concerned about. Be honest about what you have already done. This helps them plan the work and avoid repeating any steps.