Help Planning Project to Address Water Damage

[nosferatomb]

Hello all! First time home owner here who enjoys DIY a lot, but have my first issue that is way above my current, novice experience. I would love to do a decent part of this project but I want safety to be the number one priority so may not be able to do much.

In short: I am hoping to get guidance on developing a plan to address water damage that happened in my main bathroom. Insurance will be my last resort as, unfortunately, I made the incorrect assumption the initial water intrusion around my bath/shower combo was addressed but I was incorrect. My mistake now will cost me dearly and I have accepted it. A plumber confirmed the pipes are fine but tiles/floor have been letting water in, possibly for months. I know for sure, the LVP floor right outside of the bathtub has been letting water in (possibly from when my partner is taking a shower as she often forgets to tuck the curtain properly). The side tile wall has let water through the tiles, since the insulation is wet on that wall (plumber cut a hole to check in). The ceiling below the bath has stains as well. So clearly I must have a significant area affected.

I understand this will be expensive no matter what, but I have no interest in spending money solely for aesthetics or non-functional components. I also am hoping that after the serious repairs are done, I could DIY any parts of this projects that would not compromise the safety of family in the home. My guess is that may only be painting the walls, perhaps some aesthetic portions that could be redone if I mess up?

I have very little idea of the appropriate people, I think my options based on initial research are: 1) hiring a general contractor, 2) hiring a handyman with experience in this area, 3) hiring individual contractors myself. My understanding is a GC will be the most expensive but lowest risk. The handyman should have a lot of experience with these repairs if I go that route. Hiring individual contractors myself has the most risk, but potential rewards in the job being done better than a handyman with potential savings from going with a GC. In all cases, I am only considering licensed, bonded and insured options, I am assuming it would weed out most unskilled people? What should I look for and ask of these professionals or the specific professionals you would you all suggest?

I have already asked friends, families for contractors but most recommendations have been unlicensed workers. They have done great work per the recommendations, but I have read the risks are very high if I don’t know the person and the work. I have thought about asking neighbors but in the past most have also been unlicensed. At this point I am just going through Google Searches, my local builders association and looking/asking for license. Any other suggestions?

I will attempt to attach some images of the issue but am unsure how these will come out.

 

[PJB12]

Hi Nosferatomb,

Honestly, I think your best option is to start with the insurance company. Typical policies will repair the damage, but if it is from a pipe they won't cover repairing the pipe, just what got damaged.

It's free to ask. They will send an adjuster the inspect. The adjuster will most likely be able to tell you specifically what caused the problem. (Note that insurance companies use licensed and insured trades-people.)

If the adjuster determines the cause is something you wish to handle or contract, you're under no obligation to continue the claim.

Note that somehow water problems tend to escalate. Since you mentioned wet insulation, you might encounter mold. You may also find that flooring or other structure needs to be replaced. (The 3rd photo looks like the sole plate is wet. Is it OK still?) It could get very involved. Or, the repair may turn out simple and quick.


If you hire the job out yourself, it would be best to try to find the cause first. By doing that, you can determine what type of trade(s) you need to bring in. Finding the cause is where the insurance adjuster comes in handy. Even if they don't cover the repair, the person will say "The cause is this".

And, with water plumbing you won't endanger your family. At worst, you will make a mess. Feel confident about your do-it-yourself skills. You can pick up new skills- and some aspects of DIY are fun.

A good source for trades-people is House of Worship bulletins. I don't know about others, but Roman Catholic bulletins usually have ads with tradespeople. You can look at lots of the bulletins on line.

A scary source for workers is Craigslist. Some are licensed and insured. Some are trunk slammers.

If you know what trades you need, the local supply house will be a good source for references. They know who is good and who is a hack. For example- If you need a tile person, try the tile wholesaler. If you need carpentry work, try the order desk at a lumber yard (not a home center).

I hope this helps and be sure to let us know how things progress!
Paul

 

[havasu]

Just a word of caution. If you call your insurance even to ask about a water damage claim, they will push the button that will follow that home for 5 years. It happened to me. My previous owner filed a claim a year before I moved into this home. When I went to apply for homeowners insurance, I was placed on a extremely high deductible for the first 5 years, and it was not disclosed by the title company. This act should have been criminal for the lack or regard by the title company, but the laws protect them.

 

[PJB12]

Just a word of caution. If you call your insurance even to ask about a water damage claim, they will push the button that will follow that home for 5 years. It happened to me. My previous owner filed a claim a year before I moved into this home. When I went to apply for homeowners insurance, I was placed on a extremely high deductible for the first 5 years, and it was not disclosed by the title company. This act should have been criminal for the lack or regard by the title company, but the laws protect them.

Wow! That's a gyp, Havasu.
I'm glad in our state we have laws preventing this practice. The insurance companies can not raise rates (or make existing deductible levels cost more) at the next renewal if no claim was completed (as in money paid out). Of course, they find 6 million other excuses to raise rates: Inflation, Tort Judgement Escalation, Medical Cost Increases, Materials Cost... (Funny thing- They never mention Increased Profit as a reason.)

 

[opplumbinghubks]

Hello all! First time home owner here who enjoys DIY a lot, but have my first issue that is way above my current, novice experience. I would love to do a decent part of this project but I want safety to be the number one priority so may not be able to do much.

In short: I am hoping to get guidance on developing a plan to address water damage that happened in my main bathroom. Insurance will be my last resort as, unfortunately, I made the incorrect assumption the initial water intrusion around my bath/shower combo was addressed but I was incorrect. My mistake now will cost me dearly and I have accepted it. A plumber confirmed the pipes are fine but tiles/floor have been letting water in, possibly for months. I know for sure, the LVP floor right outside of the bathtub has been letting water in (possibly from when my partner is taking a shower as she often forgets to tuck the curtain properly). The side tile wall has let water through the tiles, since the insulation is wet on that wall (plumber cut a hole to check in). The ceiling below the bath has stains as well. So clearly I must have a significant area affected.

I understand this will be expensive no matter what, but I have no interest in spending money solely for aesthetics or non-functional components. I also am hoping that after the serious repairs are done, I could DIY any parts of this projects that would not compromise the safety of family in the home. My guess is that may only be painting the walls, perhaps some aesthetic portions that could be redone if I mess up?

I have very little idea of the appropriate people, I think my options based on initial research are: 1) hiring a general contractor, 2) hiring a handyman with experience in this area, 3) hiring individual contractors myself. My understanding is a GC will be the most expensive but lowest risk. The handyman should have a lot of experience with these repairs if I go that route. Hiring individual contractors myself has the most risk, but potential rewards in the job being done better than a handyman with potential savings from going with a GC. In all cases, I am only considering licensed, bonded and insured options, I am assuming it would weed out most unskilled people? What should I look for and ask of these professionals or the specific professionals you would you all suggest?

I have already asked friends, families for contractors but most recommendations have been unlicensed workers. They have done great work per the recommendations, but I have read the risks are very high if I don’t know the person and the work. I have thought about asking neighbors but in the past most have also been unlicensed. At this point I am just going through Google Searches, my local builders association and looking/asking for license. Any other suggestions?

I will attempt to attach some images of the issue but am unsure how these will come out.

View attachment 34053View attachment 34054
View attachment 34055

Your bathroom has significant water damage caused by leaks through the tiles and flooring, which has likely affected the subfloor, insulation, and the ceiling below. Start by removing the wet insulation and using fans and a dehumidifier to dry the area thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Since the damage is extensive, professional help is necessary to ensure the repairs are done safely and correctly.

A general contractor is the simplest option but tends to cost more, while hiring individual specialists (like a plumber or drywall expert) can save money if you’re willing to manage the project. Make sure to hire licensed and insured professionals and ask about their experience with water damage repairs. Once the structural work is done, you can handle simpler DIY tasks like painting or baseboard installation. For contractors, check platforms like Angi, Thumbtack, or local supply stores. To prevent future issues, ensure proper waterproofing when retiling and consider installing a shower door to stop water leaks.