A Community Icon in Crisis
Elks Lodge #1229 has stood for decades as a central gathering place in Seguin, Texas. Known for hosting community events, bingo nights, and private celebrations, the building had become an important part of the town's fabric. But behind the scenes, the facility was aging fast: outdated plumbing, a leaky metal roof, inefficient lighting, and flooring well past its prime.
When disaster struck in the form of water damage and flooding, it was the final blow. Their insurance adjuster's initial estimate offered just a fraction of what was needed—roughly 15% of the true scope. That's when WTR Restoration stepped in to do what we do best: restore the building, advocate for the insured, and help preserve a legacy.
Mitigation First: Stop the Damage in Its Tracks
Before we could talk about rebuilding, we had to stop the bleeding. Our team deployed immediately with a mitigation strategy built to stabilize, dry, and protect the structure.
Our Mitigation Process Included:
Containment Zones
Multiple containment areas were built—between the kitchen and entryway, across stairways, and separating the living and dining spaces—to isolate affected zones and prevent cross-contamination.
Air Quality & Drying Equipment
Four AlorAir dehumidifiers were set strategically throughout the facility (entryway, living room, kitchen, upstairs bathroom), and four XPOWER axial air scrubbers were deployed with external venting to maintain negative pressure and control airborne particles.
Content Protection
Personal items and sensitive contents, particularly in the upstairs loft office, were fully wrapped and sealed off using commercial-grade plastic to prevent damage during drying.
Moisture Mapping & Documentation
We logged and documented the mitigation process using our standard IICRC S500 protocols, with psychrometric readings, photos, and moisture maps to support our position with insurance.
Insurance Advocacy: From 15% Estimate to Full Indemnification
The initial carrier estimate represented only a fraction of the real damages. Our comprehensive mitigation invoice alone eclipsed that amount.
Through detailed documentation, Xactimate-based scoping, and coordinated communication with the carrier, WTR Restoration helped secure:
That's over 5x more than the original estimate—and the difference between patchwork repairs and a full rebuild that honors the Lodge's legacy.
The Rebuild: Modernizing While Preserving Legacy
🧰 PEX Plumbing Upgrade
The entire water system was redone, replacing deteriorating copper lines under the slab with PEX piping. This dramatically reduced the risk of future leaks and made the system easier to maintain and upgrade down the road.
🍻 Custom ADA-Compliant Bar
We designed and built a brand-new bar that meets full ADA compliance for height and accessibility.
- Framing, sheathing, and finish work were all performed in-house
- Drop-in fixtures and plumbing were integrated with the new floorplan
- Durable, moisture-resistant materials were used to prevent future issues
💡 Lighting Retrofit – From 1980s to 2025
Dozens of outdated 8-foot fluorescent fixtures were removed. We installed energy-efficient LED drop-in lights, cutting utility costs while making the space brighter and more welcoming.
🎲 Bingo Hall & Event Room Overhaul
The main hall hadn't seen major updates in over three decades. We removed the old VCT tile and opted for epoxy flooring, offering:
- Seamless, modern finish
- Increased durability for heavy foot traffic
- Easier cleaning and maintenance for staff
🚻 ADA-Compliant Bathrooms with Custom Partitions
Space limitations made it difficult to install standard partitions. We fabricated custom dividers to meet code while maximizing usability. All bathrooms now feature:
- New toilets and sinks
- Durable moisture-resistant paneling
- ADA grab bars and accessible clearances
The Result: A Fully Modernized, Energy-Efficient, ADA-Compliant Elks Lodge
The Elks Lodge #1229 now stands as a modern, functional, and efficient facility that honors its history while serving the needs of its future.
What We Delivered:
Full mitigation & mold remediation
Detailed claim support and negotiation
High-end rebuild with custom solutions
ADA upgrades throughout
Lower ongoing maintenance costs
Energy-efficient systems
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
This wasn't just a job. It was a commitment—to the community, to quality, and to doing things the right way even when the insurance process tried to cut corners.
At WTR Restoration, we don't just fix buildings. We protect legacies, advocate for fair treatment, and restore spaces better than they were before.
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