WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can manifest in many forms, affecting homes in a variety of ways. In Altadena, each water damage rebuild is customized to address the specific extent and nature of the damage to your property. There isn’t a single, uniform approach to restoration, but understanding the core steps of the rebuild process can help you prepare for the work ahead.

As you embark on the journey of repairing your home, being informed is key. The following timeline breaks down the typical steps of a water damage rebuild and includes valuable tips to ensure your insurance provides you with the coverage you need and deserve.

Before any physical work begins, it’s important to take proactive steps to safeguard your claim. These preparatory actions are critical in the claims process, and they can have a significant impact on securing the fair compensation you’re entitled to from your insurer.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity can be a deadly combination, so it’s crucial to act quickly if you’re dealing with water damage near electrical outlets or light fixtures in your Altadena home. Immediately turn off both the main power supply and the water to prevent any accidents. Avoid coming into contact with standing water, especially if the power is still on, and steer clear of any areas with compromised ceilings or floors. If the water has been stagnant for over a day, wearing a surgical mask can help protect you from potential exposure to mold, asbestos, or lead. If possible, it’s best to stay out of the affected area entirely.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

As soon as you notice water damage in your Altadena home, it’s essential to contact a licensed plumber to identify the source of the leak and determine its duration. Insurance providers will not cover leaks older than 14 days, so having a professional confirm the timeline is necessary to ensure your claim qualifies for coverage.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

For a smooth claims process with your insurance provider, start collecting evidence of the damage as soon as you can. Take clear photos and videos of the leak in progress, along with any damage to floors, furniture, or other belongings. Keep damaged appliances or systems, like pipes, water heaters, washing machines, or garbage disposals, that may have contributed to the issue. This will significantly strengthen your case and increase the chances of receiving the coverage you deserve.

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Step 04

File A Claim And Expect Your Insurance Company To Do Their Research

When you file a water damage claim in Altadena, the first thing your insurance company will do is assign an agent to inspect the affected area. This inspection, also known as “field scoping,” involves a thorough evaluation of the leak’s cause, how it happened, and what repairs or replacements are necessary. This step is vital for estimating the total cost of repairs. While the claims process can seem straightforward, working with a licensed public adjuster can ensure your best interests are represented and that you receive the fair compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to note that not all water damage is automatically covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. For instance, damages resulting from floods, neglect, or long-term leaks are generally excluded. If your damage involves flooding, you will need to file a separate claim under flood insurance, provided you have that coverage. Public adjusters are essential in helping you navigate these complicated aspects and ensuring you understand exactly what is covered under your policy.

Furthermore, many insurance companies calculate the actual cash value (ACV) of repairs, which includes factoring in depreciation. This can reduce the overall settlement amount. A skilled public adjuster can help make sure that this valuation is fair and that your claim reflects the full cost of necessary repairs.

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

  • Sudden and accidental leaks that started less than 14 days ago
  • Slab leaks (unless specifically excluded in insurance policy)
  • Sudden dishwasher leaks
  • Water purifier leaks
  • Garbage disposal leaks
  • Rain and wind together
  • Burst pipes
  • Washing machine leak
  • Refrigerator leaks
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water damages should be covered

Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once you’ve collected photo and video evidence and filed your water damage claim, there are several important actions you can take to help reduce further damage to your possessions:

  • Quickly wipe down furniture to remove any excess moisture.
  • Open up cabinet drawers and closet doors to promote air circulation.
  • Lift cushions off couches and chairs to prevent water from soaking them.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam underneath the legs of your furniture to keep them from sitting directly in the water.
  • Move valuable items such as photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important possessions to a dry and safe location.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, or any other colored items from wet floors to avoid potential stains.
  • To dry curtains, loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod to keep them off the floor.

Taking these proactive steps as soon as possible can significantly minimize further damage to your belongings, helping ensure that you can salvage as much as possible while the insurance claim process unfolds.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can start to grow within 24 hours, homeowners in Altadena need to begin the rebuild process as quickly as possible. The rebuild process may vary based on the damage’s extent and other factors, but most water damage rebuild projects in this area typically follow these general steps:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first thing you must do when dealing with water damage in your Altadena property is to eliminate all standing water. It’s strongly advised to hire a professional water damage mitigation company as they have the proper equipment and experience to tackle hidden water damage. The water could be contaminated with hazardous materials such as mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will wear protective gear and take every necessary precaution to ensure the clean-up is thorough and safe for your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water has been cleared, the next essential step in the water damage recovery process for your Altadena property is addressing the leak. If the leak remains unresolved, it could jeopardize the success of the rebuild. Insurance typically covers the repair of the specific leak location, but they will not cover the entire re-piping of the property. Usually, a leak detection service or a specialized plumber will be hired to locate and repair the source of the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

After addressing the leak, the next critical step in the water damage recovery process for your home or business in Altadena is to ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly dried. This step is crucial not only to prevent further water damage but also to minimize the potential for mold growth, which can develop rapidly in damp environments. To achieve the best possible results, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional water damage rebuild company. These experts are equipped with advanced tools, including commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to effectively remove moisture and enhance air circulation throughout the property. In addition, air scrubbers may be used to filter out mold spores from the air, creating a safer environment during the rebuild process.

It is worth noting that if you have already filed a claim with your insurance company, they may suggest a particular water damage rebuild company to manage the drying process. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that some of these companies are heavily aligned with insurance companies and may prioritize the insurer’s interests. These companies may take on a large number of jobs each month, which could potentially impact their ability to give your property the attention it needs.

Insurance companies have considerable influence over the payout process, and they may place pressure on their recommended vendors to cut corners in order to meet their demands. As such, it is advisable to consider hiring a licensed, independent water damage rebuild company. This approach ensures an impartial service and guarantees that your property is treated with the care and diligence it deserves. Typically, the rebuild company will bill your insurance directly, and as long as the water damage is covered under your policy, your insurer should cover the cost of the service.

Step 04

Lead and Asbestos Abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies in Altadena strive to take a minimally invasive approach during the drying process, there are situations where materials such as drywall, insulation, or other components cannot be salvaged and need to be removed. If your home was constructed before 1990, it’s possible that tests for lead and asbestos may be necessary. These materials require special handling during both the drying and rebuilding stages due to their hazardous nature.

Each state has its own regulations regarding the removal of lead and asbestos, and certain states mandate that contractors hold specific certifications to safely handle these substances. A reliable water damage rebuild company in Altadena will be well-versed in local laws and will guide you through the necessary abatement processes if lead or asbestos is found in your home. This ensures that the removal is done safely and in compliance with all regulations.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying process is complete in your Altadena home or business, it’s critical to focus on treating your personal belongings to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Items such as carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other possessions that may have been exposed to water should be treated with antimicrobial solutions. This ensures that these items are safe to use again, preventing the development of harmful pathogens that could pose health risks.

Step 06

Rebuild

Following the removal of water and completion of the drying process in your Altadena property, the rebuild phase can begin. Depending on the severity of the water damage, this stage may involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural elements that were compromised by the leak. This could include drywall, flooring, cabinets, and even parts of the foundation.

While some water damage rebuild companies in Altadena offer both drying and repair services, it’s advisable to consult with a professional contractor who specializes in rebuilding. While insurance companies may suggest certain vendors who handle both tasks, these companies may not have the expertise required for comprehensive repairs, and they may sometimes cut corners to save on costs. This can result in unsatisfactory outcomes for homeowners.

Opting for a reputable contractor in Altadena ensures that the rebuild work is done correctly, meeting both your expectations and the specifications of your insurance policy. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance claims manager about the repair coverage, you can work with your contractor to ensure that the rebuild fits within your budget.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Altadena

Public adjusters play a crucial role as independent advocates for policyholders during the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who represent the interests of insurance companies, a public adjuster works exclusively on your behalf, aiming to secure the maximum benefits allowed under your policy. When you hire a public adjuster in Altadena, you can rest assured that they will manage all communication with your insurance company, giving you the peace of mind to focus on getting your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Public adjusters possess the negotiation skills and experience necessary to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s ideal to bring a public adjuster on board at the start of the claims process, they can still be highly valuable if:

    • Your insurance provider is refusing to cover ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use costs. A public adjuster can step in and ensure that you’re compensated for the additional living costs incurred during the repair process.
    • You’re dissatisfied with the repair work being carried out. A public adjuster will advocate on your behalf to ensure that repairs are completed to the “like-for-like” standard specified in your policy.
    • The settlement offer from your insurance company is insufficient to restore your home to its original condition. A public adjuster will work diligently with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement, ensuring your home or business is fully restored.

You may be wondering, “Why hire a public adjuster when I can handle everything myself or get my own repair estimates?” While you certainly have the option to manage your claim independently, most homeowners in Altadena lack the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of water damage claims or the expertise to interpret insurance policies and repair estimates accurately. A public adjuster brings crucial knowledge to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Plus, given that your home is likely one of your most cherished investments, it’s easy to become emotionally involved when dealing with water damage. A public adjuster’s primary mission is to maximize insurance claim payouts, which include water damage claims, property damage, flood damage, water seepage, and much more. They are also highly knowledgeable about areas related to water damage such as replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. Public adjusters understand the ins and outs of communication with insurance carriers, ensuring you receive the funds you need for your repairs.

It’s worth noting that most contractors and flooring professionals are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and thus cannot represent you during your water damage claim. However, public adjusters in Altadena are fully licensed by the state and have the legal right to represent you throughout the entire claims process.

Additionally, a public adjuster will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance, offering advice, negotiating with your insurance company, and taking care of all the paperwork involved. With their extensive experience in negotiating with insurers, public adjusters have a deep understanding of the claims process and can help guarantee you receive a fair and just settlement.

The best part? Public adjusters generally charge a small percentage of the amount they successfully secure in your insurance settlement and are fully dedicated to maximizing that settlement to benefit you.

If your property in Altadena has sustained water damage, Excel Adjusters is ready to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are committed to helping clients achieve a fair adjustment from their insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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