Water damage in a home rarely stays contained to one area. When multiple surfaces are affected at the same time, including flooring, stairs, and a bathroom, the restoration process involves careful documentation, targeted drying equipment, and coordination with an insurance claim. This case study covers a water damage restoration project completed by Crew Restoration & Construction for Tammy in Sioux Falls, SD.
“The customer is working with Hansen at McKinney Olson to file a claim addressing damage to the hardwood flooring and mold in the bathroom. A fan was placed to aid in drying the staircase, and a dehumidifier was set up in the bathroom to stabilize moisture levels. The hardwood floor in the main living area requires full replacement due to water damage. Additionally, the customer has pre-existing water damage in the sunroom flooring from a prior loss, which was documented by the insurance company at that time. During that event, it was recommended that the entire floor area be renewed; however, no estimate was provided.”
From the Crew project notes
Project Details
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Service: Water Damage Restoration
- Completed: August 2025
Drying Equipment and Moisture Stabilization
The project notes describe two pieces of drying equipment deployed across different areas of the home: a fan on the staircase and a dehumidifier in the bathroom. On a typical water damage loss, this kind of targeted placement matters. Fans accelerate evaporation by moving air across wet surfaces, which helps lift moisture out of porous materials like wood treads and risers. A dehumidifier then pulls that evaporated moisture out of the air before it can resettle on walls, subfloor, or other materials nearby.
In a bathroom, where ventilation is often limited and surfaces are close together, a dehumidifier is a standard first step toward stabilizing conditions before any mold remediation work begins. Moisture readings are typically taken at multiple points throughout the drying period to confirm that materials are returning to acceptable levels. The goal is to reach equilibrium with the surrounding environment before any repairs or replacements are made, because installing new materials over still-wet structure can lead to further damage down the line.
Hardwood Floor Assessment and the Role of Documentation
The notes indicate that the hardwood floor in the main living area requires full replacement, and that a prior loss in the sunroom was separately documented by the insurance company. This distinction matters in the claims process. When a home has experienced more than one water event over time, adjusters and restoration professionals work to separate what belongs to the current claim from what was part of a previous one.
On a typical loss involving hardwood flooring, the assessment looks at whether the boards have cupped, buckled, or separated at the seams. Hardwood is particularly sensitive to moisture because the wood fibers swell when wet and can warp permanently if drying is delayed or incomplete. When damage has progressed to the point where the structural integrity of the floor is compromised, replacement is generally the appropriate path rather than refinishing or spot repair.
Documenting pre-existing conditions thoroughly protects everyone involved. A restoration contractor’s role in this process often includes photographing affected areas, noting prior damage separately, and providing scope-of-work details that an adjuster can use to evaluate the current claim accurately.
Mold in the Bathroom: Why It Follows Water
The project notes reference mold in the bathroom alongside the active water damage. This is a common combination. Mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours of a moisture event in the right conditions, and bathrooms, with their limited airflow and porous grout and drywall, are a frequent site for growth. When mold is present at the same time as active moisture, the remediation process generally cannot begin in earnest until the source of moisture is controlled and drying is underway.
Standard mold remediation in a bathroom typically involves containing the affected area, removing compromised materials, treating surfaces with appropriate antimicrobial agents, and verifying through testing or visual inspection that conditions have been resolved before reconstruction begins. Crew Restoration & Construction also offers dedicated mold remediation services for situations where mold is the primary concern.
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If your home has water damage affecting flooring, stairs, or a bathroom, Crew Restoration & Construction is ready to help you document the loss and begin the restoration process. Call us at (605) 965-2727 or email [email protected] to get started.