Dry out that basement fast, or risk costly mold problem

July’s record rainfall in Indianapolis, following the wettest June in Indiana history, has left many Hoosier homeowners struggling with flooded basements.

That water can do thousands of dollars in damage — and some of it might not be covered by insurance.

Ignoring the water damage or moving too slowly to address it can lead to mold and even more expensive, long-term problems.

And attempting to dry out a flooded basement on your own can be difficult — maybe even futile.

So what can you do?

Here are a few tips from a water damage restoration professional:

•Ditch the cardboard boxes. Items stored in your basement have a better chance of surviving a flood if they are stored in plastic tubs or totes.

•Invest in a backup power supply for your sump pump. If your power goes out, an occurrence that often accompanies the storms that have dumped more than a foot of rain on Indy this month, the pumps designed to keep your basement dry will not work.

•Review your insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage. A secondary policy is sometimes needed to cover sump pump failure. You also may need flood insurance to cover water that enters your home through windows or doors, as opposed to seeping in through the ground. You probably need at least $25,000 coverage for a basement.

•Don’t delay in addressing flooding — and consider a professional service that is registered with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. Insurance often covers much of the cost and consumer shop vacs and dehumidifiers are not always effective. If you don’t begin a dry-out within three days, you risk mold infestation, which can be even more costly and harmful to your family’s health. Insurance often covers much of the cost. And be aware that consumer shop vacs and dehumidifiers are not always effective.

“The sooner you get to it the better you are,” said Joe Spears, water department manager for Carson’s Restoration in Indianapolis.

“Its been the wettest July on record, and our calls show that in the form of flooded basements. We’ve seen everything from sump pump failures to floodwater rushing into basements.”

Spears said the damage he has seen this summer ranges from damp carpets to a basement filled with more than 7 feet of water. The majority of the problems he sees are the result of sump pump failures, often the result of power outages.

Costs for drying out a basement, he said, can run from about $3,500 to $7,000 — and that does not include repairing any damage or replacing lost items.

Figuring out how to address a wet basement can be tricky, he said, and damage can sometimes be hidden behind drywall or beneath carpets that feel dry.

“Most people don’t experience it often enough to know everything they need to do, or who is good or not,” Spears said.

Tim Maniscalo, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana, said consumers need to be smart and do some homework, even though they might be racing against the clock. They also should be wary of scammers, who often try to capitalize on weather disasters such as flooding, hail and wind storms.

“The thing we see the most in these situations are the ‘storm chasers,’ ” Maniscalo said of consumer complaints. “They are not from the area. They may not be insured or bonded. A lot of times, they won’t have any (company) markings on their vehicles. And often, they will want money upfront.”

The biggest red flag, Maniscalo said, is an unsolicited knock on your front door.

“These people will just show up at your door and, usually, have a great deal for you,” he said.

Maniscalo said consumers should be wary of high-pressure pitches or offers of “special” prices available only if you immediately agree to the deal.

Although many scammers ask for a portion of the cost upfront, some reputable companies also will ask for some money down when you sign a contract. If you sign up for such a deal, Maniscalo said, just make sure you know whom you are paying and that they have an established presence in case you have a problem with their work.

Tim Evans is The Star’s consumer advocate. Call him at (317) 444-6204 and follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.

Home repair-related complaints are one of the most common issues reported to the Indiana attorney general’s office. In 2014, the attorney general’s office received more than 800 complaints related to home improvement; it has received 390 complaints this year. The attorney general’s office encourages people to follow these tips to avoid getting scammed by a home improvement contractor:

• Do your research. Know how much the service costs and what you need done, and get multiple price quotes from different contractors if possible. Even with time-sensitive issues such as flooding, don’t rush into a decision or be pressured by a contractor.
• With flooding or leaks, be aware that the area must be dry for repairs to be made and to prevent mold from forming.
• Check to make sure the contractor is locally licensed, bonded and insured. A performance bond provides the most direct protection for the consumer. Bonds that cover municipal code compliance may be helpful but would not offer direct monetary recovery for an aggrieved consumer.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau and the attorney general’s office to see whether complaints have been filed against the contractor.
• Opt for the local, well-established contractor rather than the door-to-door “storm chaser.”
• Get a contract in writing that details what work is to be done and when it will be finished.
• If the contractor came to your door unsolicited, make sure you receive a notice from the contractor of your ability to cancel the contract within three days for a full refund before signing any contract.
• Never pay for the entire project before the work begins. Do not pay more than a third of the total cost as a down payment.