WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The type and severity of water damage will differ from person to person, which means the rebuilding process will also vary. Despite this, it’s essential to understand the key practices involved in a typical water damage rebuild.

Below is a timeline of events that may take place during the water damage rebuild process, along with helpful tips to ensure your insurance coverage.

Before starting the water damage rebuild, there are several steps that need to be taken. These steps play a key role in the claims process and can help ensure a fair settlement from your insurer.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity should never be mixed. If water damage is around outlets or light fixtures, turn off the main water and power supply. Avoid touching standing water until the electricity is off, and stay out of areas with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been present for over 24 hours, wear a surgical mask or stay out of the building to reduce exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once you notice water damage in your home or business, hire a licensed plumber to identify the leak’s source and determine how long it has been occurring. Insurance companies typically won’t cover leaks that have lasted more than 14 days, so having a licensed professional confirm the start date can be vital for your claim.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you plan to file a claim with your insurance company’s adjuster, be ready to provide evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak, as well as the damage to floors, furniture, and other valuables. Keep any broken pipes, water heaters, filtration systems, and other devices that caused or contributed to the leak. This evidence will be important to ensure your insurance coverage.

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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, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect your home. They will evaluate the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and what needs repair or replacement. This inspection, called “field scoping,” is necessary for estimating repair costs. Although the claims process may seem simple, having a licensed public adjuster can help ensure your interests are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Not all water damage is covered by insurance. For instance, damage caused by floods, lack of maintenance, or long-term leaks is usually not included in a standard homeowners policy. To cover flood-related damage, you would need to file a claim under a separate flood insurance policy, if you have one. Public adjusters can help you understand what is covered and guide you through these complexities.

Insurance companies may calculate the actual cash value of repairs, factoring in depreciation, which could lower your payout. A public adjuster can help ensure you receive a fair valuation.

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

  • Sudden and unexpected leaks that began within the last 14 days
  • Slab leaks, unless explicitly excluded in your insurance policy
  • Unexpected leaks from a dishwasher
  • Leaks originating from a water purifier
  • Leaks originating from a garbage disposal
  • Damage caused by rain and wind combined
  • Leaks caused by burst pipes
  • Water damage from a washing machine leak
  • Leaks originating from a refrigerator
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water damages should be covered

Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once you have collected photo and video evidence and filed your claim, there are steps you can take to prevent additional damage to your belongings:

  • Dry off any furniture with a cloth
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors for air circulation
  • Elevate couch and chair cushions to allow them to dry
  • Place small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs to prevent water damage
  • Relocate photos, paintings, jewelry, and other valuable items to a dry, secure area.
  • Take rugs, books, magazines, and other dyed objects off wet floors or carpets.
  • Hang curtains on a coat hanger and place the hanger on the curtain rod to dry them.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can begin growing within 24 hours, so it’s crucial to start the rebuild process quickly. While this process may differ based on individual situations, most water damage rebuild projects generally follow these steps.

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first step is to remove the water. We suggest hiring a professional water damage mitigation company because they have the right equipment and are trained to detect hidden water damage. Depending on the leak’s source, the water may contain harmful substances like sewage, chemicals, or mold. Professionals have protective gear and know the necessary precautions for safe cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before starting the rebuild, the leak must be fixed to prevent the work from being damaged. If your insurance covers the repairs, they typically cover fixing the leak’s exact location, not re-piping the entire house. Insurance companies usually hire a leak detection service or specialized plumber to pinpoint the leak and handle the repairs. This step ensures the rebuild process can continue smoothly.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak is repaired, the affected areas need to be dried to prevent further damage. Drying helps stop mold growth and additional water damage. It’s best to contact a water damage rebuild company for this task. They will use professional equipment like industrial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to eliminate moisture and improve airflow. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove mold spores from the air.

If you’ve filed a claim with your insurance, they may suggest a water damage rebuild company for the drying process. However, some water damage rebuild companies work exclusively with insurance companies. These companies often handle numerous jobs each month, sometimes as many as 30 or more.

Insurance companies control the payout amounts for your water damage claim, giving them leverage over their rebuild vendors. As a result, a water damage rebuild company hired by your insurer may take shortcuts in the drying process to satisfy the insurance company they work with frequently.

Rather than simply agreeing to use the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, we suggest finding a licensed and impartial company that will provide honest work. The rebuild company you choose will typically bill your insurance company directly. If the water damage is covered by your policy, your insurance should pay for the service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies aim for a minimally-invasive approach, certain materials like drywall and insulation may need to be removed if they can’t be salvaged. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company might test for lead and asbestos, which require special handling during the drying and rebuilding process.

Each state has its own regulations for lead and asbestos removal, and some require contractors with special licenses. A trustworthy water damage rebuild company will be familiar with your state’s rules and assist you in the lead or asbestos abatement process if these materials are found.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is finished, your belongings should undergo antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacteria. This includes items such as carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and other affected items.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water is removed and drying is finished, the rebuild process can start. Depending on the damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing materials and structural elements that were affected by the leak. This could include drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, the foundation, and other parts of the home.

While some water damage rebuild companies handle both the drying and repairs, it’s best to consult a reputable contractor for the job. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who can handle both tasks, but these vendors often lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save money. As a result, many homeowners are dissatisfied with the final work.

Selecting a reliable contractor ensures that you receive quality results. Additionally, with an estimate from your claims manager on what your insurance will cover, you can negotiate with the contractor to stay within that budget.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters represent policyholders during the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters aim to secure the maximum benefits for you. Once you hire a public adjuster, you can avoid the stress of dealing with the insurance company. They handle all communication with the insurer, allowing you to focus on restoring your life.

Public adjusters negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s best to contact one early in your water damage claim, they can also assist if:

    • If your insurance company is denying coverage for ALE or Loss of Use expenses, a public adjuster can help. They can negotiate with the insurer to ensure you’re reimbursed for any living expenses during water damage repairs.
    • If you’re dissatisfied with your home’s repairs, a public adjuster can step in. They will negotiate with your insurance company to ensure the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy is met.
    • If the settlement offered by your insurance isn’t sufficient to restore your home to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can help. They can negotiate with your insurer to maximize your claim and ensure your property is returned to its original state.

At any stage of the claims process, you might be asking why you need a public adjuster when you can handle your own repair estimates and communicate with the insurance company directly.

Although you can handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners lack experience with water damage claims and detailed knowledge of insurance policies and home repairs.

A person’s home is often one of their most valuable assets, which can make it easy to become emotionally involved in the claims process. Public adjusters work hard to maximize payouts for claims such as water damage, flood damage, and property insurance claims. They are knowledgeable about various aspects of water damage, including replacement costs, sewage backup, and flood damages. With their expertise, public adjusters know how to communicate with insurance companies to help secure the necessary funds for your repairs.

Additionally, most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and cannot represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters, however, are licensed by the state and can offer legal representation throughout the claims process.

A public adjuster will assist you throughout the entire claims process, providing guidance, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling necessary paperwork. With their daily experience negotiating with insurers, public adjusters have more knowledge than homeowners in securing a fair settlement.

The great thing is that a public adjuster charges a small fee based on the amount they help you settle with your insurance. They work hard to ensure that your claim settlement is maximized.

If your home or business has suffered water damage, ​Excel Adjusters​ is here to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to securing a fair adjustment for our clients. Reach out today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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