Commercial leaks are a three-way conversation
Most storefronts in Cherry Creek North are leased, often in mixed-use buildings with offices or residences above. When water comes through, the tenant, the landlord and their insurers all have a stake. The building shell, roof and shared plumbing are usually the landlord's responsibility, while tenant improvements, fixtures, inventory and lost income usually fall to the tenant's own commercial policy. The lease decides the details, and commercial leases vary much more than residential ones.
Business owners also face pressures homeowners do not: staff who need hours, customers who expect the doors open, seasonal inventory, and in food service, rules that require cleaning and sometimes inspection before reopening. Fast, well-documented decisions in the first day make the rest of the process smoother.
The first day
Make it safe
Shut off power to wet areas if you can reach the panel safely, keep customers and staff away from wet floors and sagging ceilings, and call 911 for any danger.
Notify the landlord in writing
Call, then follow with an email that includes the time, location and photos. Many leases require prompt written notice.
Protect stock and records
Move inventory, point-of-sale equipment and paperwork away from the water. Photograph damaged items with their tags or labels visible.
Call your commercial insurer
Ask specifically about business interruption coverage and what records you need to support it.
Decide who hires the restoration company
The landlord may bring in a company for the building; you may need your own for your space and contents. Clarify this before work begins.
Tell customers what is happening
A short note on the door and online prevents confusion and protects the relationship while you are closed.
Business-specific concerns
| Business type | Particular risks | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing and home goods retail | Fabric absorbs odor and stains; stockrooms are often in basements | Whether damaged goods must be held for the adjuster before disposal |
| Galleries | Works on paper and canvas are sensitive to humidity as well as direct water | Consignment agreements and who insures consigned works |
| Salons and spas | Electrical equipment at stations, plumbing at every sink | Whether chairs and stations need inspection before use |
| Restaurants and cafes | Food contact surfaces, stored food, walk-in coolers, grease lines | Guidance from Denver's public health and environment department on discarding food and reopening |
| Offices above shops | Water from upper floors reaches ceilings of the shop below | Who controls the space above and how to get access to it |
Partial reopening versus full closure
Partial reopening may work when
- The damaged area can be sealed off from customers
- Drying equipment noise and airflow will not affect the business
- Water was clean and no food areas were reached
- The landlord and insurer agree in writing
Full closure is often safer when
- Contaminated water reached floors where customers walk
- Food areas or equipment were affected
- Ceilings are sagging or electrical systems were wet
- Containment would block exits or required access
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.