What Happens If a Restoration Contractor Abandons a Job?

First, secure your property to prevent further damage. This might mean placing tarps, moving valuables to a dry area, or stopping the water source if it's still active. Your priority is to stabilize the situation while you seek new professional help. Act quickly, as mold can develop fast in damp conditions.

Then, contact another local water damage pro to assess the unfinished job. Explain the situation clearly and provide any documentation from the first contractor. The new pros can evaluate what work was done and what critical steps remain. This prevents the initial water damage from escalating into a much larger, more expensive problem.

The abandoning contractor may be in breach of your contract. You could potentially sue for the cost to complete the work and for any additional damage their departure caused. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your options for recovering costs. Legal action can be a lengthy process, so your main focus should remain on getting the restoration finished.

Financially, you might need to pay the new contractor out of pocket initially. If the first contractor was paid for work not completed, recovering those funds may require legal action. Discuss the abandonment with your insurance adjuster. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies may have provisions for contractor failure, but coverage is never certain.

Abandoned work can leave specialty items at risk. If you have water-damaged electronics, artwork, or antiques, inform the new restoration pros immediately. These items often require specific drying and cleaning techniques to prevent permanent loss. The longer they sit in a damp state, the lower the chance of a successful restoration.

For larger properties like a townhouse or a store with inventory, the stakes are higher. Stagnant water and humidity can ruin building materials and merchandise rapidly. The new pros will focus on extracting standing water and setting up industrial drying equipment to save the structure and its contents, preventing total loss.

• Point out electronics like computers and appliances.
• Identify any valuable artwork, paintings, or prints.
• List family heirlooms, antiques, or rare books.
• Note important documents and photographs.
• Mention inventory for a business or store.
• Highlight architectural features in a townhouse.