Your Rutland Store And Water Damage Cleanup

water damage cleanup rutlandAs we emerge from the global pandemic, retail is growing at levels not seen in over 15 years. In 2020, there were a total of 328,208 brick-and-mortar retail stores throughout the United States. Even with the pandemic disruption, retail sales grew more than 6% in 2020, well above the five-year average of 4.4%. And the obstacles on the horizon will require innovation but offer opportunities. For example,

  • Competition and innovation in the online marketplace could comprise 20% of US economy by 2026
  • Pandemic social distancing decreasing the number of window shoppers
  • Ongoing supply chain disruption

Many consumers will continue to go to physical stores for advice, customer service, to socialize, and to try out products. Despite the rise of online retail, physical stores will continue to help you find and keep customers and drive your brand. When your physical commercial property is at risk of water damage. you need to know that you can get any water damage issue handled properly – that’s why you can rely on GW Savage for all of your commercial water damage cleanup needs in Rutland.

Water Damage Restoration In Rutland

Risks

About a third of insurance property claims by businesses are a result of water damage from inside the building. After your employee safety, your biggest concern is damage to the physical structure of the facility. You have to keep your team and customers safe.

Potential damage to the merchandise inside the store is your next concern. When contaminated water enters the store, products and goods exposed to the contamination would have to be discarded. You’ll have to replace the floors and walls, as well. Luckily our water damage restoration experts can help you with these obstacles. 

Are The Losses Covered By Property Insurance?

You need insurance for the foreseeable risks. Typical commercial property damage insurance covers damage caused by internal factors: broken water pipe, faulty sprinkler system, defective HVAC system, backed up sewer system. Business personal property (BPP) refers to movable items owned by your business: office supplies, furniture, computers, machinery.

Work with your agent before you have water damage. Make sure that you adequately estimate the value of current inventory as well as the building. 

  • Water damage restoration generally entails removing damaged materials, replacing floors or walls as needed. Cleanup will include some preventative steps for mold.   
  • Inventory losses– read your documents to understand your responsibility for protecting undamaged items. Clarify the policies amount of coverage for  computers, inventory, equipment, tools, furnishings, and store fixtures.
  • Do your vendors or partners have valuables in your facility? Who is responsible if “their stuff” gets damaged? 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flooding is another situation entirely. Since it is seldom covered in your basic policy, Another option is to add a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This federally-funded program offers commercial policies up to $500,000 in property damage and $500,000 to restore the building’s contents. Policies typically provide coverage for:

  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems 
  • Damaged industrial machines and appliances (sewing machines, refrigerators,  specialized equipment)
  • Damaged display cabinets 
  • Broken windows, ruined floors
  • Debris removal
  • Professional drying and sanitation services
  • Resulting damage to building foundation

When it comes to navigating through the insurance claims process, our water damage restoration team can help you in that area as well.

Business Is Back With Water Damage Cleanup

G.W. Savage handles every aspect of the water damage restoration and repair process after a business loss. Every flood or fire will require a different level of service– depending on the scope of loss. Experienced project managers will help you quickly and efficiently get back on your feet. For more than two decades, they have provided IICRC-certified water damage restoration services in Vermont, Northern New York and Western New Hampshire.