The First Call: Getting Help Underway
On September 5, 2026, the homeowner contacted Encore Construction to report the water damage. Jason Lokhmatov conducted the initial mitigation inspection at the property in Bellingham. He stabilized the affected areas and arranged for a mitigation crew to return within the next two days to begin further work.
Initial Inspection
Jason found buckled flooring and wet drywall, and the bathroom required extensive removal of damaged materials. The property was tenant-occupied at the time of the water damage.
During the initial inspection, Jason investigated the source of the water affecting the home. Further investigation confirmed that the leak originated from a water heater in the neighboring unit. Since both units belonged to the same owner, the damage was handled under a single insurance claim.
On September 8, Skylar Fish found that moisture was still coming up through the concrete near the hallway closet, prompting continued monitoring and further investigation. On September 10, Skylar documented that shutting off the water the previous day had helped reduce the moisture coming through the concrete. Most of the framing in the bathroom and kitchen was drying, but the hallway along the bedroom wall remained wet.
Drying and Cleanup
The mitigation crew removed damaged flooring, drywall, and insulation across the affected rooms. Technicians set up containment and drying equipment while continuing to monitor moisture entering through the concrete near the hallway. Mitigation was officially completed on September 15, 2026.
Preparing the Work Areas
With several rooms affected, our team needed to remove damaged materials while keeping the work areas manageable. Containment was installed in affected spaces, and appliances and fixtures were detached where necessary to provide access to wet flooring, drywall, and other materials. The work included the kitchen, hallway, bedroom, and bathroom, with additional attention to the utility areas. We also used HEPA vacuuming and a plant-based antimicrobial treatment after opening affected areas. These steps helped prepare the exposed surfaces for continued drying and later repairs.
Removing Damaged Materials
The extent of the damage became clearer as we opened up the affected areas. In the kitchen and hallway, the documented mitigation work included removing approximately 280 square feet of wet drywall and 213 square feet of non-salvageable floating flooring. Trim was removed, and the dishwasher and electric range were detached to provide access to the work areas. Our team also removed debris and cleaned the exposed surfaces.
The bedroom required a smaller but still necessary removal of damaged materials, including approximately 11 square feet of wet carpet pad and affected trim. The area was cleaned and treated before drying continued.
The bathroom needed more extensive work. The team removed approximately 62 square feet of non-salvageable vinyl flooring, 20 square feet of wet insulation, and 64 square feet of wet drywall. The sink and its P-trap, washer and dryer, toilet, and cabinet were detached as needed to reach the affected areas. Removing these materials allowed access to damp surfaces that couldn’t be properly addressed from the outside. It also helped prepare the rooms for the drying process and the reconstruction work that would follow.
Monitoring Moisture and Adjusting Drying Equipment
Drying continued over several visits as technicians checked moisture levels and adjusted the equipment to suit the conditions in each area.
On September 8, Skylar Fish took moisture readings and measurements and repositioned the air movers. The hallway near the closet remained particularly damp, with moisture still coming up through the concrete. On September 10, most of the framing in the kitchen and bathroom was reported to be dry, but the hallway along the bedroom wall still needed attention.
On September 11, Andrey Melnik discovered fresh water seeping around the base plates and showed the affected area to the homeowner. He also placed a dehumidifier in the room to address the newly observed moisture.
The drying process continued over several days, with room drying lasting eight days and the dehumidifier running for nine days. The team monitored moisture levels throughout the affected areas and adjusted the equipment as needed to help the remaining damp areas dry.
Insurance and Payment
American Family Insurance covered the mitigation work. Encore Construction submitted the required materials on September 17, 2026, and the insurer confirmed receipt the following day before sending them for third-party review.
The project was approved on September 30 and moved into the reconstruction stage on October 6.
Home Repairs and Reconstruction
The reconstruction plan focused on restoring the damaged rooms by replacing flooring and baseboards, repairing and repainting drywall, and reinstalling appliances and fixtures removed during mitigation.
In the kitchen, living area, hallway, pantry, and closets, the planned work included new laminate flooring, drywall repairs, trim and door work, and resetting the refrigerator, dishwasher, and range. The bedroom was scheduled to receive new carpet and padding, while the bathroom and utility areas required new vinyl flooring, drywall repairs, repainting, and the reinstallation of fixtures and equipment, including the vanity, toilet, washer, dryer, and water heater. The scope also included selected work in the bathroom and utility area of the neighboring unit, such as resetting equipment and repairing baseboards.
Reconstruction remains in progress.
