So, your house just got hit with water damage? Maybe a pipe burst, maybe the washing machine went rogue, or maybe a storm flooded your basement. Either way, it’s a total mess. And your brain’s probably doing somersaults trying to figure out what to do first.
Don’t worry. We’ve helped hundreds of Sonoma County homeowners through this exact thing. At Bravo Restoration & Construction (BRC), we’re your friendly neighborhood water damage pros. And we’re here to walk you through it, step by step, no fluff.
Whether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM, this guide has you covered. And if you’re already searching “water damage repairs near me in Sonoma County”, just bookmark this.
Step 1: Find the Source and Shut It Down
Alright, first things first, where’s the water coming from?
If it’s an overflowing sink or busted pipe, go shut off the water as fast as possible. Like, right now. Most homes have a main water shutoff valve, find it and twist that thing off.
If it’s storm water? Stay safe. Don’t wade into anything deep or sketchy. Just step back and call for help.
Hot tip from BRC: Know where your shutoff valve is before something goes sideways. Label it. Practice turning it off. Future-you will thank you.
Step 2: Make Sure Everyone’s Safe
Water damage isn’t just about soggy carpet, it can mess with your electrical system or be full of nasty bacteria (especially if it’s from a sewer line).
Here’s how you can stay safe during disaster:
- Turn off power in flooded areas if it’s safe to do so.
- Don’t touch standing water unless you know it’s clean.
- If the ceiling is bulging or the floor feels soft, get out of there and call us. Safety first, always.
BRC tip: We’re trained to assess dangerous situations. Let us do the risky stuff.
Step 3: Call a Pro (That’s Us)
Look, we get it. You might be thinking, “Can I DIY this?” And for small spills, sure. But anything major? Call a restoration company. Fast.
Water damage is sneaky. It seeps under floors, behind walls, into places you can’t even see. And that hidden moisture? It’s a mold party waiting to happen.
Need restoration near you? Call BRC. We’re local, fast, and know exactly how to stop this from getting worse.
Step 4: Start Taking Photos and Notes
This part might feel like a hassle when your living room looks like a lake, but trust us, future-you (and your insurance company) will appreciate it.
- Snap pics of everything that’s wet or ruined.
- Take videos if possible. The more, the better.
- Make a quick list of damaged stuff, furniture, flooring, electronics.
Don’t throw anything out just yet! Your insurance might want to inspect it.
Good news: We help our clients handle the insurance maze. If paperwork freaks you out, we got your back.
Step 5: Get the Water Out
Okay, now we deal with the puddles. Open windows, turn on fans, run dehumidifiers, whatever you can do to start drying things out.
But let’s be real, if your whole room’s soaked, household fans aren’t going to cut it.
Why Call BRC?
- We bring in industrial gear: massive fans, dehumidifiers, moisture meters.
- We don’t guess if something’s dry. We know.
- We use thermal cameras to spot hidden moisture so mold doesn’t sneak in later.
Step 6: Rip Out What Can’t Be Saved
Some stuff just isn’t worth saving. If your carpet padding, drywall, or insulation’s soaked, it’s gotta go.
But before you start tearing walls apart with a hammer, pause. If you remove too much or mess with something structural, you’ll just add more to your repair bill.
Step 7: Mold Check (and Fix If Needed)
This is where things get real. Mold starts growing fast. Like, 24-48 hours fast. And it doesn’t care if your house smells like lavender candles, it’s still going to try and take over.
What to watch for:
- Musty smells that won’t go away
- Black, green, or white spots on walls or ceilings
- Allergy symptoms getting worse indoors
Whatever you do, don’t just spray bleach on it and walk away. That only gets the surface. Mold spores go deep.
Our crew?
- Certified in mold remediation (like, officially certified, not YouTube certified).
- We kill mold at the root and make sure it doesn’t come back.
Step 8: Time to Rebuild
Once everything’s dry and cleaned up, it’s time to put your house back together. This part can actually be kind of exciting (hello, new floors!).
What you might need:
- Drywall replacement
- New flooring
- Paint, cabinets, trim work
- Electrical or plumbing repairs
BRC handles it all. No juggling a plumber, a flooring guy, and a painter. One team, one plan, one less thing on your plate.
Why Folks in Sonoma County Trust BRC
So you might be wondering, why us?
Here’s what makes BRC different:
- We’re local. We live here, we work here, and we care about our neighbors.
- We’re a woman-owned business led by Nicole Humber, an industry-award-winning powerhouse.
- We answer the phone 24/7. Seriously.
- We work with insurance companies all the time. No stress, just results.
- We care. A lot. Not just about the job, but about you and your family.
Our crew doesn’t just show up with tools, we show up with empathy. Because we know that water damage isn’t just about walls and floors. It’s about your home.
You Got This (And We’ve Got You) – Call BRC!
Water damage is stressful. It’s messy. It’s overwhelming. But it’s not something you have to deal with alone.
At BRC, we’ve helped people pick up the pieces more times than we can count. And every time, we show up with the same goal: fix the damage, support the people, and make it feel like home again.
Need help? Call us anytime at (707)837-0675. Or contact us online now! Day or night, we’re ready.
Let’s get your home, and your peace of mind, back.