The First Call: Getting Help Underway
On August 25, 2026, the homeowner contacted Encore Construction to report a leak in her home. Arko handled the initial call and arranged for a specialist to assess the situation. The reported leak involved the third-floor shower and may have continued for approximately five hours. With water spreading beyond the shower area, our team needed to determine the extent of the damage and identify the necessary mitigation work.
Initial Inspection
During the initial inspection on August 26, 2026, Andrey Melnik identified moisture in the drywall behind the third-floor shower tile. He marked the affected area for further work. Water had also spread into the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom behind the kitchen. Significant moisture readings were recorded in portions of the ceilings in all three rooms, as well as in the wall separating the kitchen and bathroom. These areas were marked with blue tape to identify the locations requiring attention.
The inspection notes also described moisture throughout much of the basement ceiling and carpet, along with smaller sections of wall above a window. These areas were marked with tape as well. The inspection findings helped determine which materials required removal, where drying equipment needed to be installed, and which areas required ongoing moisture monitoring.
Drying and Cleanup
The mitigation process involved removing damaged materials, preparing the affected areas, and installing drying and air-filtration equipment. Our team then monitored moisture conditions to determine when the equipment could be removed.
Preparing the Affected Areas and Removing Damaged Materials
On August 28, 2026, Andrey Melnik completed demolition work in the kitchen and basement and removed the affected insulation. He also covered an opening in a third-floor closet with plastic. These steps prepared the spaces for drying and helped us address materials impacted by the water intrusion.
Setting Up Drying and Air-Filtration Equipment
After the demolition work, we installed drying and air-filtration equipment in the affected areas. The kitchen setup included one dehumidifier, four LPA units, and one HEPA unit. In the basement, our team installed one dehumidifier, one air scrubber, and two LPA units. We also added more LPA units along the exterior walls to support the drying process. Our technicians monitored moisture levels to track the drying progress.
Final Moisture Check and Equipment Removal
On August 31, 2026, Andrey Melnik reported finding no remaining moisture in the affected areas. He completed the equipment tracking sheets, removed all drying equipment, and took down the containment barriers, completing the documented mitigation phase.
Insurance Documentation
Hailey Schivo prepared the mitigation estimate and coordinated the supporting documentation. The final mitigation invoice was submitted to the insurer and paid in full. Reconstruction remains a separate phase.
Home Repairs and Reconstruction
With water mitigation complete, the project moved toward reconstruction. A related reconstruction project was opened on October 6, 2026, and the reconstruction team assigned project manager Andrey Melnik to prepare the scope.
Reconstruction is scheduled for late October 2026, once the reconstruction funds are released by the insurance company.
