WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Managing water damage in your home can feel incredibly stressful, particularly since no two situations are ever identical. In Burbank, each water damage restoration project demands a tailored approach to address the property’s specific details. Whether the cause is a burst pipe, an overflowing river, or a persistent leak behind the walls, your rebuild plan must account for the unique challenges your home presents.

Even though water damage repair doesn’t follow a standard formula, familiarizing yourself with the common stages involved can help you feel better prepared and more confident throughout the process. The following timeline will outline the vital steps of the restoration journey and provide helpful tips to ensure your insurance company stays aligned with your progress.

It’s important to complete certain initial steps before any physical restoration work begins. These early measures are critical to strengthening your insurance claim and can heavily impact the timeliness and fairness of your settlement.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Prioritizing your safety is essential when faced with water intrusion. If water has risen to electrical outlets or fixtures inside your Burbank home, immediately turn off the water and shut down the electricity at the breaker. Stay clear of standing water until you’re confident there’s no active electrical current. Be extra cautious in rooms where the ceiling or flooring seems to sag or crack. If the water has been lingering for longer than a day, wear a protective mask to shield yourself from harmful mold or asbestos exposure. When you’re uncertain, it’s better to stay completely out of the impacted zones.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon noticing signs of water damage, your next step should be to call a licensed plumber right away. Their expertise is needed to track down the leak’s origin and assess how extensive and old the damage might be. This is key information because many insurance companies deny claims if the damage is deemed too old—typically beyond two weeks. A plumber’s professional report can be invaluable when dealing with your insurer.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Gathering proof of the damage is essential for your insurance claim. Take clear, detailed photographs and videos of every affected part of your home, including walls, floors, and any belongings that have been compromised. Hold onto any damaged appliances or fixtures for inspection purposes. This documentation is crucial for convincing your insurance provider to honor your claim.

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Step 04

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

After you submit your water damage claim in Burbank, the insurance company will arrange a site inspection, known as “field scoping.” During this visit, the representative will identify the origin of the leak, evaluate the extent of the damage, and recommend the necessary steps for repair. Although this is a routine part of the process, having a public adjuster on your side can help ensure your claim is thoroughly evaluated and fairly settled.

It’s important to realise that not all water damage qualifies under standard homeowners’ coverage. Damage caused by neglect, prolonged leaks, or flooding may be excluded. If a flood caused the damage, you’ll need a specific flood insurance policy for coverage. A public adjuster can clarify your policy’s terms and provide the insight needed to avoid unexpected surprises.

Many insurers also use actual cash value (ACV) to determine your claim amount, subtracting depreciation from your payout. This can reduce the funds available for your repairs. A public adjuster helps advocate for the full value of restoration, protecting you from undercompensation.

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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 submitted your claim with all the necessary photos and video evidence, it’s essential to act quickly to reduce additional damage:

  • Wipe down furniture surfaces using a cloth to remove lingering moisture.
  • Open up cabinets, closets, and drawers to allow air to circulate and help dry the space faster.
  • Take cushions off of sofas and chairs so water doesn’t soak deeper into the upholstery.
  • Prop furniture legs up with small blocks, foil, or foam pads to protect them from wet flooring.
  • Move items like photo albums, jewelry, important papers, and other valuables to a dry area.
  • Pick up rugs, books, and colored fabrics from the floor to avoid staining or bleeding.
  • Keep curtains from soaking up water by lifting the bottoms with a hanger.

These immediate steps can help minimize loss while your insurance claim progresses and professional repairs are scheduled.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

In as little as 24 hours, mold can start to form, which is why it’s so important for homeowners in Burbank to respond immediately after spotting water damage. Taking fast action helps avoid more serious problems and can lead to lower repair bills. Although every property demands a specific, tailored strategy, most water damage rebuilds in Burbank proceed through a fairly standard set of steps. Here’s a look at the typical timeline for restoration in this area.

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Your first priority when dealing with water damage in your Burbank home is to remove all standing water as quickly as possible. Professionals specializing in water damage restoration have the necessary equipment and training to locate hidden moisture trapped inside floors, ceilings, and walls. Because standing water can sometimes contain dangerous substances like sewage, mold, or chemicals, experienced teams use the right protective gear and methods to safely extract it while protecting the integrity of your property.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Following water removal, it’s critical to find and repair the source of the leak before restoration continues. Ignoring this step can result in repeated damage and prolonged repairs. Insurance policies typically reimburse the cost to fix the leaking point but won’t cover broader plumbing system replacements. Hiring a licensed plumber or leak detection professional is the best way to ensure the leak is accurately located and resolved.

Step 03

Dry Job

Following the successful repair of the leak, the next key step in restoring your Burbank home or business is thoroughly drying all impacted areas. Residual dampness, if left untreated, can quickly give rise to mold and other secondary issues. This is why working with a professional restoration team is strongly recommended. Such specialists have the equipment necessary—such as powerful dehumidifiers, industrial air movers, and heating units—to efficiently eliminate trapped moisture and increase airflow. Air scrubbers may also be brought in to capture airborne mold spores and improve air quality throughout the drying process.

If you’ve already filed a claim with your insurer, they may recommend a drying contractor from their preferred vendor list. However, proceed with care—these providers often handle many jobs simultaneously and may rush through yours, leading to incomplete results. There can also be cost-cutting pressure from insurers, potentially impacting the quality of service. To ensure careful attention and better outcomes, opt for an independent, licensed restoration company. These professionals prioritize your needs, will bill your insurance directly, and in most cases, insurance will cover the full cost.

Step 04

Lead and Asbestos Abatement

While non-invasive drying methods are the preferred choice for many water damage restoration companies in Burbank, certain situations demand a more aggressive approach involving the removal of drywall, insulation, and other affected materials. If your property was built before 1990, it becomes vital to test for hazardous substances like lead and asbestos, which pose serious health risks if not handled properly.

State laws differ when it comes to the treatment of lead and asbestos, with many requiring specialized certifications for contractors engaged in their removal. A reputable Burbank-based restoration company will be fully familiar with these local requirements. Should lead or asbestos be detected, they will ensure safe, compliant removal practices are followed, granting you peace of mind as your home or business is brought back to its original condition.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Following the completion of the drying phase at your Burbank home or business, your focus should shift toward salvaging and sanitizing your personal items. It’s vital to thoroughly clean and treat any water-exposed belongings with antimicrobial agents specifically designed to eliminate harmful pathogens. Items like rugs, upholstered furniture, garments, and curtains are particularly susceptible to harboring mold and bacteria if not properly handled. Thorough disinfection will ensure these possessions are safe for future use while preserving their quality and preventing long-term microbial damage.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once your Burbank property has gone through the drying process and the water has been removed, the focus shifts to rebuilding. This phase could include replacing, repairing, or removing structural elements like drywall, flooring, cabinetry, or even parts of the foundation, depending on the extent of the damage. While there are water damage restoration companies in Burbank that offer both drying and repair services, it’s typically best to work with a contractor who is experienced specifically in the rebuild. Although your insurance provider may recommend certain vendors for both steps, these companies may lack the necessary skills for high-quality repairs. They may prioritize cutting costs, leading to subpar results.

By selecting a trustworthy contractor in Burbank, you can ensure your rebuild is done correctly. With your insurance estimate in hand, collaborating with your contractor helps keep the rebuild within the parameters of your policy.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Burbank

Public adjusters are essential advocates for policyholders during the insurance claims process. In contrast to insurance adjusters who represent the insurance company’s interests, public adjusters work exclusively for you, making sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under your policy. By hiring a public adjuster in Burbank, you can rest assured that they will handle all communication and negotiations with your insurance company, allowing you to concentrate on returning to normal life. These professionals are skilled negotiators who are dedicated to ensuring you get fair compensation. It’s best to hire one as soon as possible, but they can still be invaluable if:

    • Your insurance company denies coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use costs. A public adjuster can assist in recovering these costs while your property is being repaired.
    • You’re dissatisfied with the repairs being made and need a professional to ensure the work is aligned with the “like-for-like” requirements of your policy. A public adjuster will negotiate with your insurer to address any concerns.
    • The settlement offered by the insurance company doesn’t fully restore your property to its previous state. In this case, a public adjuster can work on your behalf to negotiate a higher settlement that covers all necessary repairs.

You may be asking yourself, “Why should I hire a public adjuster when I can manage my insurance claim by myself or get repair estimates on my own?” While handling the situation on your own is certainly possible, many homeowners in Burbank don’t have the specialized knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of water damage claims, insurance policies, and repair estimates. Hiring a public adjuster ensures that you’re receiving the full compensation you deserve, with their experience and expertise working in your favor.

Your home is more than just a building—it’s likely one of your most valuable assets, and it’s understandable to be emotionally involved in the restoration process after water damage. Public adjusters are dedicated to securing the highest payout for your insurance claim. They specialize in a wide range of claims, such as water damage, property damage, flooding, and more. Their expertise extends to complex issues like replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood-related damage. With their knowledge of how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, public adjusters work relentlessly to secure the necessary funds to restore your home.

It’s worth noting that most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, so they cannot legally assist you with navigating the claims process. Public adjusters in Burbank, however, are fully licensed by the state and can guide you through the entire claims process.

A public adjuster will handle everything for you—from offering professional advice and negotiating with your insurer to managing all the necessary paperwork. Their expertise ensures you get the compensation you deserve in a fair and timely manner.

One key benefit of hiring a public adjuster is that their fee is typically a small percentage of your final settlement, so you only pay when results are delivered.

If your Burbank property has experienced water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to help. With over 4,200 successful claims, we are committed to ensuring the best outcome for you. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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