First In Restoration knows it’s not just about protecting your home’s structure from water damage—it’s also about your personal items inside. As the best water damage restoration company in Georgia, First In Restoration has seen how unexpected water damage disasters can put personal belongings at risk. The damage from a busted pipe can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to check your insurance policy and ask your local agent: “Are my high dollar personal items actually covered in my homeowners insurance policy?”

What Qualifies as a High Dollar Item?

Think of high quality or “big-ticket” items in your home such as jewelry, fine art, designer bags, antique furniture, expensive electronics and even musical instruments. Most of the time homeowners assume these items are protected through their standard insurance policy but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. 

Standard Coverage Limits Might Not Be Enough

Homeowners insurance policies have coverage limits for specific categories like jewelry or electronics. Your policy may only cover $1,500 worth of jewelry—even if you own $15,000 in diamonds and gold. That leaves a big gap in protection with your standard policy.

How to Know If You’re Covered 

• Review the Policy: Look at the section about personal property. Check for sub-limits or exclusions.
• Check for Riders or Endorsements: These are add-ons that increase coverage limits on specific items through your policy.
• Talk to Your Agent: Ask your local agent if your high dollar items are fully protected with your policy and if something happened, what documentation would be needed in order to file a claim.

What to Do if You’re Not Covered for High Dollar Items Under Your Current Insurance

• Scheduled Personal Property Endorsements: These are itemized lists of your valuables that you’ve insured at full value.
• Separate Insurance Policies: For very high-value collections, a standalone policy may be the better route with better protection.
• Regular Appraisals: Insurance companies often require updated appraisals to make sure your items are still properly valued.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Coverage Solid

• Take clear, dated photos or videos of your belongings
• Keep purchase receipts and appraisals in a safe (preferable water and fire proof)
• Update your insurance when you inherit something valuable or make a large purchase.
• A home inventory app will help you stay organized

Why This Matters After a Disaster

If a disaster hits your home, your claim is only as good as your documentation and coverage. Don’t wait until something gets ruined to realize your policy isn’t enough.

Why Call First In Restoration?

At First In Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners recover from unexpected disasters that threaten both their homes and their valuable possessions. As the top water damage restoration company in Georgia, we’re IICRC certified, specialize in emergency plumbing, and are always ready to respond when things go wrong. If your valuables are at risk due to water damage or mold, don’t wait—call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com today.

Plumbing problems ma start out small, but fixing them immediately will help prevent major water damage. Even a leaky faucet can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. Here’s a guide on how to catch plumbing problems before they advance.

Detect Leaks Early

Initially leaks may be hard to notice, but if you can catch them early it will help you avoid expensive water damage. Here’s what how to spot leaks in your home:

• Wet spots: Look for water stains or damp areas. Where do you start? Check around bathroom and kitchen sinks, inspect pipes and appliances (make sure you look under the cabinets as well. If you find any suspicious areas you may have a leak.
• Water meter: Can’t seem to find a leak but you feel as though you have one? Use the shut off valve and turn off all the water in your house then check your water meter. If it’s still running, you most likely have a leak.
• Water bill: Notice a spike in your water bill lately? This could mean that you have a leak. Make sure you pay close attention to your bills so you can catch any changes in usage.

Prevent Burst Pipes

A busted pipe can cause a lot of damage very quickly, but there are ways to stop them from happening:

• Keep pipes warm: During the winter months consider wrapping your exposed pipes in unheated areas (like the attic or basement) with insulation. This helps keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Keep your home warm: In the winter, make sure your house stays warm, even if you’re not home (Never turn your heating unit off even if you won’t be home). Freezing temperatures can cause pipes (even new ones) to burst.
• Check your pipes: Look for cracks or rust on pipes. If you see any, it’s time to call a plumber to repair or replace your pipes.
• Turn off water: If you’re going on vacation, shut off the main water supply to prevent any leaks or burst pipes while you’re away. No one wants to come home to a water surprise!

When to Call First In Restoration Versus a Regular Plumber

If you see a plumbing problem that’s bigger than you can handle, it’s time to call a professional. Here’s when you should get help:

• If you see water damage: If you have noticed wet spots, paint peeling, swelling around pipes or walls, you probably have a leak. It’s time to call First In Restoration.
• If a small problem keeps happening: If you continue to have problems with the same faucet or pipe, it’s best to call a regular plumber and schedule a non-emergency house call. They can fix the issue before it gets worse.
• If you see mold: Mold will grow in areas that have been wet for a long time. If you see mold, it’s important to have it immediately and properly remediated. It’s time to call First In Restoration.
• If you have a major water issue: If a pipe bursts or there’s a lot of water flooding your home, that isn’t the time to try to DIY. Call First In Restoration immediately to stop the water damage and fix the problem.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage from Plumbing

If you experience a plumbing emergency, begin with these steps to stop the damage:

• Turn off your water: Find the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off to stop the water.
• Move Personal Belongings: Move your furniture and electronics away from the water to prevent (or further prevent) damage.
• Call First In Restoration: After stopping the water, call First In Restoration to fix the problem and begin remediation.
• Take photos: It’s important to document water damage (as well as personal items that were damaged) for your insurance company. This will help when you file a claim with your insurance.

Why Choose First In Restoration for Water Damage?

If you’ve had water damage because of a plumbing problem, don’t delay. Call First In Restoration the best water damage company in Georgia. We are ready to serve you 24/7. First In Restoration will quickly fix the water damage, clean up and restore your home to its normal condition.

Call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.

Water leaks are sneaky. Water damage often times go unnoticed, but they can create the perfect conditions for mold growth. Here are the top three hidden water leaks that can lead to mold in your home:

1. Leaky Pipes Behind Walls

Pipes hidden behind walls can leak slowly, causing moisture buildup without any noticeable signs. This is an ideal environment for a nasty little mold family. Keep your eyes out for water stains if you ever notice a musty odors.

2. Leaking Roofs

How old is your roof? Is it in good shape? A leaking roof can lead to water leaking into your attic or upper floors, which creates hidden leaks that will lead to mold and fungus growth. Check for damp spots on walls or stains on ceilings.

3. Faulty Appliances

Water-using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, even a fridge that has an ice dispenser can leak undetected, especially behind or underneath the appliance. This moisture over time can seep into floors or walls and will cause mold. Regularly check seals and hoses on your appliances.

How to Prevent Mold from a Hidden Water Leak

To prevent mold caused by hidden leaks, regularly inspect plumbing, roofs and appliances, but if you find a leak you must have it addressed immediately. If you discover mold, contact First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for expert mold remediation and water damage restoration.