Water Damage

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Q: There are water marks in the ceiling of our family room, which is directly under a bathroom. Which type of handyman should I call to work the problem-a plumber or a carpenter?

A: You need to find some general contractors who remodel bathrooms. They are licensed to complete or coordinate projects including three or more trades, including plumbing, flooring, carpentry, painting, drywall, etc.

Although you technically need a repair, it is the same process as a remodel to replace building materials. A contractor will have to figure out what is leaking in the bathroom (sink, tub, shower or toilet), possibly tear out some drywall, flooring and/or wood to repair the plumbing, then put everything back together and repair or at least repaint the ceiling downstairs.

When having water damage repaired, it may be difficult for contractors to give you firm bids without being able to see the full extent of the damage. You may need to hire one contractor to tear up the area and give you a bid to make the repairs, then have a couple more come in to give you their bids. Or else the contractors may give you their "best guess" bids and quote you an hourly rate plus materials in case they find more damage than they anticipate. Both approaches are commonly accepted practices.

To locate some reputable contractors, please visit our site at: http://www.servicemagic.com, click on "Remodels" and submit a service request for "Remodel a Bathroom." Explain in the additional details box that you need some water damage repaired in a second story bathroom and the ceiling below so we can match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

You may also call our customer service department at: (800)474-1596 to request referrals.

Good luck!

Kathy Maynard

-- Tips courtesy of ServiceMagic.com