Do I Need to Leave My Home During Water Damage Restoration?
We’ve worked in the property restoration industry for years, and have helped hundreds of homeowners navigate crises from sewage to fire and smoke damage. With all of that experience, it’s still just as difficult to see our neighbors dealing with property damage as it was the first time. We believe that empathy is a vital part of what we do. Compassion drives us to work quickly, effectively, and honestly for the sake of the homeowner.
When water damage strikes your home, we understand that a million questions flood your mind. For a lot of homeowners, the number one concern is whether they’ll have to leave their home during the water damage restoration process. The possibility of that could even keep you from reaching out to a property restoration expert. We want to give you some answers to that question that could guide you into making the right decisions in restoring your home.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can feel confident about what to do next.
What Does Restoration Mean?
"Restoration" is the process of fixing your home after it’s been damaged. You may also know it as “mitigation.” We’re going to focus specifically on water damage restoration — including sewage — to simplify things. The entire process involves cleaning, drying, repairing, and sometimes even rebuilding the damaged parts of your home. Water and sewage damage can wreak havoc on the aesthetic and structural integrity of your home.
Here’s what our process usually looks like:
1. Free Inspection and Consultation
Our damage inspection and consultation services are 100% free, no-strings-attached. Seriously! No matter how big or small the water damage is, reach out to us for a free inspection that will give you a clear diagnosis and peace of mind. Our professionals will quickly arrive at your home and look closely at the damage. They use special tools like 3D cameras, moisture meters, and infrared devices to check for any water trapped behind walls, under floors, or in other materials. They’ll show you the recorded findings with full transparency so you know exactly what’s going on with your home.
2. Drying and Cleaning
If water damage is found, our team can immediately begin removing it by installing industrial-grade dryers, dehumidifiers, and air-tight containments. They’ll sanitize any material and surfaces that could be contaminated by sewage or dirty water and even filter the air to ensure no mold spores begin to form. Our team monitors the entire process with meters and will provide daily check-ins for you to know how the restoration is progressing.
3. Final Check and Cleanup
Our standards for dryness and sanitation go far above the industry guidelines because we believe in treating every home like it was our own. So that you aren’t left guessing, we’ll show you the readings firsthand so you can know that your home has been fully restored. Our air-tight containments are a staple that we install at every home so that the damage and any tools or cleanup remain in the designated area before we come back to remove everything.
Can We Stay at Home During the Damage Mitigation?
Now that you know what the restoration process looks like, let’s talk about whether or not you can stay in your home until it's complete. The answer depends on:
1. How Bad the Damage Is
If it’s a small area, like a kitchen sink leak, you might not have to leave at all. But if the damage is extensive — like a burst pipe in the ceiling or sewage damage that has spread — it may be safer to leave until the work is done.
2. Safety Concerns
If our team detects mold or sewage particles in the air, it could make you or your family seriously sick. We use powerful cleaning tools and air machines, but it’s still best for you to be somewhere else until the readings come back safe.
3. Noise and Disruption
Restoration work can be disruptive. Machines like fans and air scrubbers run 24/7 to dry the area and can be loud. If necessary, workers may need to tear out walls or floors and use hammers, drills, and saws. If you work from home, have small kids, or pets, the noise and general commotion could be a problem.
4. Utilities Might Be Off
Sometimes, your power, water, or gas has to be turned off during the restoration process. If that happens, it will naturally be difficult to live in the house without the use of any utilities for more than a few hours at a time.
5. How Long It Will Take
Small jobs might only take a few days, but homes with extensive damage can stretch to a week or two. Upon the free inspection and consultation, our experts will give you an accurate estimate of how long your specific restoration will take so you can decide what’s best for you.
How Provision Helps You Decide
At Provision Property Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of families across Georgia after water, fire, and sewage disasters. We know how stressful this time is, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.
Here’s what we do to help you decide whether to stay or leave:
We do a full inspection. We tell you exactly what’s damaged and what needs to be done.
We explain your options. We’ll help you understand what parts of the home will be worked on and how noisy or dusty it might be.
We build clean, sealed-off areas. We use special barriers to block off damaged spaces and keep dust and germs from spreading. This might let you stay in your home while we work in another room.
We work around your schedule. If you do need to leave, we’ll help you plan the best time to do it.
Will Insurance Pay for Temporary Relocation?
Some homeowners insurance policies will pay for a hotel or rental if your home is too damaged to live in. This is categorized as “loss of use” or “additional living expenses.”
Provision isn’t just a restoration company that swings hammers — we’re also insurance experts. If you’re not sure what your policy covers, we’ll check it for you. Simply reach out to us for a free inspection and ask about your options when it comes to insurance. We’ll even talk to your insurance company directly, so you don’t have to. We work with all providers!
How to Get Started
We try to make things as stress- and commitment-free as possible. Remember, a free inspection and consultation costs you nothing! Here’s what happens when you reach out to us:
You call us (or submit a form online).
We send a team right away to check the damage and talk through your options.
We give you a free consultation and answer your insurance questions.
We start working as soon as you're ready. Our team can often begin mitigation within hours of your call.
We handle the paperwork. We deal with your insurance company, document all the damage, and file the claim for you.
We keep you updated during every step of the process.
Whether you stay in your home or not, Provision will take care of everything.
Your Partners in Water Damage Restoration
Listen; you don’t have to go through this alone. Water damage is a common crisis that affects countless homes across Georgia every year. We’ve personally helped hundreds of families get back to normal with confidence and care. We’re absolutely committed to delivering a 5-star experience to every family completely lost in the difficulties of water, sewage, or fire damage.
We know your home is more than just walls and a roof. It’s where you live your life and make your memories. That’s why we treat every project with care, just like we would if it were our own home. So if you’re looking around at your damaged home right now and feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Then, reach out to us and we’ll gladly:
Answer your questions
Help you decide if you need to leave
Do a free damage inspection
Talk to your insurance for you
Start fixing the damage right away
There’s no pressure and no commitment when you call. We promise! We just want to help you make the best choice for your home and family.
Don’t let property damage take over your life. Reach out to Provision today and take the first step toward getting your home—and your peace of mind—back.
