If you’ve never run a water job, it can sound complicated. It isn’t, once you see the flow. Here’s what a typical residential water mitigation job looks like from start to finish.
The call
A homeowner, landlord or property manager calls about water. You calm them down, get the facts, find out who’s paying and set the appointment. A good intake call sets up the whole job.
Day 1: inspect, document, extract, set up
- Make sure the water source is stopped.
- Photograph everything before you touch it.
- Take moisture readings to map how far the water spread, including behind walls and under floors.
- Get the scope and payment terms signed.
- Extract standing water and remove what can’t be saved, like wet baseboards or soaked drywall. Check for electrical lines before you cut.
- Set air movers and dehumidifiers.
Days 2 to 4: monitor
Come back every day. Take readings, log them, adjust or move equipment, and update the customer. Most drying takes about three to five days, depending on the materials and how much water there was. Daily updates are what build trust and referrals.
Final day: confirm dry, pull equipment
When your readings show the materials are dry, take final readings and photos, pull the equipment and walk the customer through what was done. If you found mold along the way, that may become a separate job with its own rules, depending on your state.
After: invoice and follow up
Invoice right away with your documentation attached, and put it on a follow-up schedule until it’s paid. The job isn’t done until the money is in your account.
Restoration is a process business
Every step above can be turned into a checklist, and that’s what separates people who make money from people who just stay busy. The 6-Figure Launchpad gives you the SOPs and templates for every stage, built from 5,000+ water jobs.
Keep reading: How Plumbers Can Make Six Figures With Water Damage Jobs · What Equipment You Need to Start a Water Restoration Business
