A.D. Cantelmo Property Management
Our Business is Property Management in Orange County California
How do you handle water damage?
There is nothing more ominous to a Property Manager, or
Landlord then to hear that a property is flooded. The first response at that
point can be the difference between a complete disaster and just a mess.
Who do you call first?
Just understand that this situation is going to cost money
and if you try to think about how you are going to minimize the cost, you are
taking too long to act. Your first response has to be to call a water damage
restoration company to start the process of getting the water out and removing
any wet material. That is the best way to minimize the cost. The next call
should be to your insurance company, because as much as you may hate to do it,
the cost of restoring the property can be more than a Landlord can afford and
for some it could end the Landlord from being in the investment property
business.
It's out of your hands
Once you make all the calls, it is out of your hands and you
go with the flow and advice the professionals are giving you. Cutting corners
with water damage will cost you much more in the long run, then taking the hit
up front and just getting the job done. Yes your insurance premiums will go up
and yes, your property will go on a so called black list for insurance, but
unless you are willing and able to pay the cost out of pocket, you need to deal
with the insurance, remember, that why you have it.
How to minimize damage before an event happens
First, look at the insurance policy you have and check on
your deductible. If your deductible is too high, you better make sure you are
able to cover if the worst happens. See what it would cost you to bring that deductible
down. The next step is getting rid of the carpet. Tile will save you in the
event of a flood and if you take the tile one row up the wall, you will
minimize the damage tremendously. Now I’m not saying, go out and change all
your carpet right away, but when it is time to do so, then think about tile,
not wood or Laminate. Wood is great for your personal residence; tile is what
you should have in your rental property. Next, check all your plumbing hoses
every year. Behind the toilets, under the sinks, the water heater, dishwasher
and washing machine. Anywhere water comes from, check to make sure there is a
good connection and all the hoses are in good condition. Last, make sure you
encourage your Tenants to let you know of any leaks that they see, no matter how
small. A small leak can turn into a huge leak very quickly. Always remember
that water will find its way through the least resistance and eventually make
it bigger.
In the Property Management business, you learn very quickly
that problems will occur no matter how hard you try to prevent them, and acting
quickly will save time and money, but any delay will cost big.
A.D. Cantelmo Property
Management Specializes in Property Management in Orange County
Ca.