Whether or not you need to leave your home during the restoration process depends on the severity of the damage, the type of water involved, and your tolerance for noise, dust, and disruption. Some Seattle-area homeowners are able to stay home with minimal inconvenience, while others may need to temporarily relocate for health and safety reasons.

Here’s how to decide what’s best for your situation.

When You Can Stay in the Home

If the damage is minor and contained to a small area, and the water is classified as clean (Category 1), you may be able to safely remain in your home throughout the restoration. This is especially true if:

The affected area is isolated from main living spaces
Equipment is running only in one room
You’re not sensitive to noise or changes in temperature
There is no mold or sewage contamination present

Drying fans and dehumidifiers can be loud and run 24/7, but some homeowners in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area choose to stay home and close off the space with plastic containment barriers.

When You May Need to Leave

You should consider relocating if:

The damage is extensive and affects essential living areas like bedrooms or kitchens
Category 2 or 3 water is involved, especially if there is a risk of bacterial contamination
Mold is detected and needs professional removal
Construction, demolition, or sanitization work is producing strong odors, dust, or chemicals
You have young children, elderly residents, or anyone with respiratory conditions

In these cases, remaining on-site may pose a health risk or create added stress during an already difficult time. Our team will let you know if relocation is advised based on your unique situation.

How Long Will I Be Out of My Home?

If relocation is necessary, the duration depends on how long it takes to:

Complete water extraction and drying
Remove unsalvageable materials
Sanitize the space
Perform any necessary repairs or rebuilds

We aim to get you back home as soon as possible. Typical restoration projects range from 3 to 14 days, although larger rebuilds may take longer.

What If I Have to Leave? Will Insurance Cover It?

Many homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This can include:

Hotel or temporary housing
Meals
Laundry services
Extra transportation costs

We help document your loss and work with your insurance company to verify and support your ALE claim.

We Make the Process Easier

At Eco Water Restoration, we understand how disruptive water damage can be. That’s why we help you understand your options from day one. Our Seattle-based team provides clear recommendations based on health, comfort, and policy coverage so you can make the best decision for your family or business.

Call Eco Water Restoration at (253) 204-3646 for help deciding whether you can stay in your home during restoration. We serve Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and nearby areas 24/7.

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Ezechiel Nistrian

Co-owner at Eco Water Restoration

Ezechiel "Zeke" Nistrian is a committed entrepreneur who has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and outstanding quality through his leadership at Eco Water Restoration.

Specializing in water, flood, storm, and mold damage restoration, Eco Water Restoration is known for its quick and comprehensive service. The company excels at helping customers navigate the insurance claims process and works tirelessly to restore homes to their original state, making it appear as though the damage never occurred.

Zeke places customer satisfaction at the center of everything he does. His hands-on approach and dedication to providing excellent service are frequently mentioned in glowing reviews, where clients praise his attention to detail and commitment to quality. For Zeke, true fulfillment comes from knowing that he has helped clients restore and enhance their homes, providing peace of mind during stressful times.

If you are in need of reliable restoration services, Zeke Nistrian and Eco Water Restoration are the perfect choice. With a focus on customer care and superior quality, Zeke and his team are ready to deliver the best service and guide you through the process with professionalism and expertise.

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