WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage rebuild processes vary because every situation is unique, but there are general steps involved in a typical rebuild. Knowing these steps can prepare you for what’s to come.

Here’s a timeline of events that may unfold during the water damage rebuild, along with practical advice to ensure your insurance company provides full coverage for the repairs.

Before starting the rebuild, a few key steps need to be followed. These are crucial for the claims process and can help you get a fair settlement from your insurer in Chino Hills.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Since water and electricity are a dangerous combination, it’s crucial to turn off both the water and the main power supply if there’s water damage around outlets or light fixtures. Never touch standing water before ensuring the electricity is switched off, and steer clear of any rooms where ceilings or floors are sagging. If the water has been present for over a day, consider wearing a surgical mask or avoid entering the building to protect yourself from mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

When you notice water damage at your property, it’s crucial to call a licensed plumber to pinpoint the leak’s source and determine its duration. Insurance companies typically refuse to cover leaks that have lasted over 14 days, so having a professional adjuster verify the leak’s timeline can make or break your claim’s approval.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To file a successful claim with your insurance company, gather solid evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak, as well as the damage to your floors, furniture, and any valuables affected. Don’t forget to retain any damaged pipes, water heaters, washing machines, or other appliances involved in the leak. This documentation will help secure proper reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

File a claim and expect your insurance company to do their research.

When you file a water damage claim with your insurance company, they will send an agent to your property to assess the damage. The agent will look at the source of the leak, how it occurred, and determine what repairs or replacements are needed. This inspection process, known as “field scoping,” is essential for developing a repair cost estimate. While the claim process might seem simple, hiring a licensed public adjuster can ensure that you’re fully represented and receive the compensation you deserve.

It’s also important to remember that not all water damage is covered by insurance. For instance, damage caused by flooding, improper maintenance, or long-term leaks is generally excluded from standard homeowner policies. If the damage is flood-related, a separate flood insurance policy would be required. A public adjuster can help clarify what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t.

Furthermore, insurance companies often adjust the payout based on the actual cash value, which factors in depreciation. This could result in a lower claim payout. A public adjuster can ensure that repairs are properly valued and help secure a fair settlement.

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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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Step 05

Do Damage Control

After securing photo and video evidence and filing your claim, follow these steps to help prevent further damage to your belongings:

  • Use a towel or cloth to dry off any furniture affected by water.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to promote better air circulation.
  • Prop up cushions from your couch or chairs to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Lift the legs of your furniture using wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam to prevent them from soaking up water.
  • Move any valuables such as photos, paintings, jewelry, and other precious items to a dry location.
  • Clear away rugs, books, magazines, and other items from the wet floor or carpet to avoid damage.
  • Hang curtains on a coat hanger and place it on the rod to dry them out.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given that mold can develop within 24 hours, it’s vital to begin the rebuild process promptly. While every water damage situation is unique, the majority of rebuilds will include the following key steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

To start, the water needs to be extracted. It’s highly recommended to hire a professional water damage mitigation company, as they have the proper equipment and expertise to uncover hidden water damage. Additionally, water from leaks may contain hazardous substances such as sewage, chemicals, mold, and other toxins. Professional technicians have the necessary protective gear and are trained to take the proper safety precautions during the cleanup process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Fixing the leak is essential before beginning the rebuild. Failing to do so could ruin the entire project. If your insurance agrees to cover repairs, they will typically pay for the specific area of the leak, but they will not cover the full re-piping of your home. Usually, insurance companies bring in a leak detection company or a professional plumber to locate the leak and make the necessary repairs.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is addressed, drying out the affected areas is critical to preventing additional water damage and inhibiting mold growth. A water damage rebuild company is your best option for this task. These professionals use equipment like commercial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters to eliminate moisture and boost airflow. Air scrubbers may also be used to filter out mold spores from the air.

If you’ve submitted a claim, your insurance provider might suggest a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying. Keep in mind that some companies work mainly with insurance companies, often receiving 30 or more jobs each month, which may influence their approach to your repair.

Given that insurance companies have control over the payouts for water damage claims, they can influence the water damage rebuild vendors they work with. This may lead a recommended rebuild company to take shortcuts in the drying process in order to meet the expectations of the insurer they frequently work with.

Rather than automatically agreeing to use the rebuild company recommended by your insurer, we suggest finding a licensed, impartial water damage rebuild company that prioritizes honest and thorough work. The rebuild company you choose will likely bill your insurer directly, and as long as your water damage is covered by your policy, the insurance should cover the cost.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Most water damage rebuild companies will try to minimize the impact of the drying process, but in some instances, materials like drywall, insulation, and other non-salvageable elements must be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the company may test for lead and asbestos, as these substances require careful handling during the rebuild.

Each state has its own set of rules regarding lead and asbestos removal, with some states requiring specially-licensed contractors to manage these hazardous materials. A qualified water damage rebuild company will be familiar with the regulations in your state and can assist you with the lead or asbestos abatement process if necessary.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Following the drying process, an antimicrobial treatment should be used on your personal belongings to protect them from mold and bacteria. This treatment should cover carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that might be susceptible to contamination.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been cleared and your property has dried, it’s time for the rebuild. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could involve removing, repairing, or replacing materials like drywall, cabinets, floors, and structural elements such as the foundation.

Although some companies offer both drying and reconstruction services, we recommend working with a trusted contractor for the rebuild. Your insurance might suggest vendors who handle both tasks, but these companies often lack the expertise or cut corners to save money for the insurer. As a result, many homeowners are left dissatisfied with the repairs.

Choosing an experienced contractor in Chino Hills ensures higher-quality work. With the repair estimate from your claims manager, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate with your contractor to ensure the work fits within your insurance payout.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters act as your representative during the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who work for the insurance company, public adjusters are on your side, striving to secure the maximum payout from your policy. After hiring a public adjuster, you no longer need to engage directly with your insurance company. The adjuster manages all communication, allowing you to focus on rebuilding and recovering.

Public adjusters are adept at negotiating with your insurer to ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to. It’s advisable to reach out to a public adjuster early in the process, but they can also assist if:

  • When your insurance provider denies coverage for ALE or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can help you fight for reimbursement for any living costs incurred while your home was being repaired due to water damage.
  • If you are not satisfied with the repair work completed on your home, a public adjuster can work on your behalf to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy, negotiating with the insurance company for a fair outcome.
  • If the settlement provided by your insurance company isn’t enough to cover restoring your property to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can negotiate for a higher settlement, ensuring you can fully repair your home or business.

You may be asking yourself, why should I hire a public adjuster when I can get estimates and talk to my insurance company on my own?

While it’s true that you can manage the claims process independently, many homeowners lack the necessary expertise in dealing with water damage claims or understanding the fine details of insurance policies and home repair. Additionally, dealing with a home that is damaged—one of your most valuable assets—can be emotionally taxing. Public adjusters are experts in maximizing claim payouts for water damage, property damage, flood claims, and other related issues. They have specialized knowledge about topics such as replacement costs and sewage backups, and know how to advocate with your insurer to ensure you get the compensation needed for repairs.

Moreover, most contractors and flooring professionals are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, meaning they cannot represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters, on the other hand, are licensed professionals who can offer legal representation and guide you through the entire claims process.

Throughout your claim, a public adjuster will work closely with you to provide advice, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure that all paperwork is handled properly. Their in-depth understanding of the claims process and their regular dealings with insurance companies give them a significant advantage when it comes to securing a fair and accurate settlement.

The great benefit of working with a public adjuster is that they only charge a small fee based on the amount they are able to secure from your insurance company. Their incentive is to maximize your claim settlement to ensure you get the most out of your policy.

If you’ve had water damage to your property in Chino Hills, ​Excel Adjusters​ can help. With over 4,200 claims settled, we’re committed to achieving a fair settlement for every client. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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