WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Recovering from water damage isn’t always straightforward, and the path to restoration is rarely the same from one home to the next. If you’re in Fountain Valley, your rebuild plan will be uniquely tailored to the specific type and severity of the damage to your home. From minor water stains to major flooding, your situation requires a personalized approach to bring your space back to normal.

Although the process varies, having a grasp of the common phases involved in a water damage rebuild can help reduce the stress of the unknown. In the timeline we’ve prepared, you’ll find a step-by-step outline of the typical recovery journey, along with tips to help you make sure your insurance company lives up to its promises.

The road to rebuilding begins with a few essential pre-repair steps. These initial measures are more than formalities—they’re pivotal to securing a fair insurance settlement and ensuring that your project starts on solid ground.

Contact Us Today
Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

When dealing with water damage, personal safety comes before anything else. If your Fountain Valley home has standing water near electrical connections, make sure to cut off both power and water sources right away. Avoid contact with the water until it’s verified safe. Structural damage may not always be visible, so be careful around drooping ceilings or weakened floors. If the water has remained still for 24 hours or longer, wearing a surgical mask can prevent exposure to mold or hazardous particles. To be on the safe side, try to avoid entering the affected space at all.

Image for step 1

Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Time is of the essence when water damage appears. Contact a certified plumber quickly—they can assess the situation and determine exactly how long the leak has been active. Most insurance providers have strict timeframes and won’t cover older leaks. A plumber’s findings will be key to proving your case and getting your claim approved without unnecessary delays.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Accurate documentation can make or break your claim. Take a wide range of photos and videos that clearly show the extent of the damage to your property and belongings. If you’ve had appliances or plumbing systems fail, keep them for your records. Every detail counts, and having thorough evidence boosts your chances of a fair insurance settlement.

Image for step 3

Step 04

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

After you’ve submitted your insurance claim for water damage in your Fountain Valley home, your insurance company will arrange for an agent to conduct an in-depth evaluation. This field scoping visit is used to pinpoint the source of the water intrusion, assess the impact, and determine the scope of necessary repairs. Even though the claims process might appear routine, bringing in a public adjuster can offer peace of mind. They’ll advocate on your behalf, help you avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to understand that homeowners insurance doesn’t automatically cover all water damage. Claims stemming from flooding, poor maintenance, or long-term leaks may not be honored unless you have supplemental coverage. An experienced public adjuster can help you make sense of what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to proceed based on your specific policy.

Additionally, be aware that insurers frequently calculate damages using actual cash value, which includes depreciation. This can result in smaller payouts that fall short of actual repair costs. With a public adjuster in your corner, you can push back against low offers and ensure your home is restored without unnecessary financial strain.

Image for step 4

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
Contact Us Today
water damages should be covered

Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once your visual documentation is complete and the insurance process is underway, take these important steps to limit further loss:

  • Dry all exposed furniture surfaces as best as possible using towels or rags.
  • Leave all doors to cabinets, closets, and drawers open to enhance airflow.
  • Lift seat cushions off furniture to prevent deep water absorption.
  • Prop up furniture legs using foil, wood pieces, or foam pads to keep them off wet floors.
  • Move important personal items like family heirlooms, documents, and electronics to a dry area.
  • Clear the area of books, rugs, or anything that might cause stains.
  • For curtains, lift them using a coat hanger and secure them above ground level.

Handling these measures quickly will help reduce the severity of damage while you wait for repairs to begin.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

For homeowners in Fountain Valley, delaying your response to water damage can quickly lead to mold development—sometimes within just 24 hours. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and begin the restoration process promptly. Although the specifics vary by case, most water damage rebuilds in Fountain Valley share a common framework. The overview below outlines the general steps usually involved.

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Before anything else, removing the standing water from your Fountain Valley home is the top priority. Professionals trained in water damage mitigation are best suited for this job, as they have both the equipment and expertise to uncover water that’s soaked into unseen areas. Since the water may contain hazardous materials like mold, wastewater, or harsh chemicals, cleanup crews will use safety gear and proper containment to ensure your property stays protected.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

The moment the water is cleared, addressing the leak that caused it becomes the next priority. Leaving it unresolved will complicate the rebuild and possibly void insurance coverage. Most homeowner policies will cover the cost of repairing the specific leak, but not full plumbing replacements. That’s why a licensed leak detection expert or plumber is brought in to find and repair the issue precisely.

Step 03

Dry Job

Following the successful repair of the leak, it’s essential to dry out every affected surface in your Fountain Valley residence or business. This phase is crucial for halting mold growth and stopping lingering moisture from wreaking havoc later on. Partnering with an experienced water damage restoration crew is your best move—they bring with them high-powered equipment such as large dehumidifiers, air circulation units, and portable heaters. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove mold spores suspended in the air, offering an added layer of protection during recovery.

When dealing with insurance claims, your provider might propose a vendor they frequently work with. However, these suggested companies often deal with dozens of similar cases and might treat your project as just another file number, sometimes prioritizing speed over thoroughness.

Since insurance firms are often looking to keep claim costs down, their affiliated vendors may be nudged to perform quick, budget-conscious jobs that aren’t as thorough as necessary. For better results, hiring your own licensed restoration expert allows you to maintain control of the process. Most independent providers handle billing directly with your insurance, and as long as your claim qualifies, you’ll have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

Step 04

Lead and Asbestos Abatement

In Fountain Valley, many water damage restoration companies prefer a minimally disruptive method during the drying phase. However, there are instances when materials like drywall, insulation, and similar items need to be removed due to severe water damage. If your property was built before 1990, it’s vital to conduct tests for the presence of lead and asbestos. These materials are dangerous to your health and must be handled with great care during both the drying and restoration processes.

Each state has its own set of laws and standards for removing lead and asbestos, and many require contractors to hold specialized licenses for safe handling. A trusted and skilled water damage restoration company in Fountain Valley will be well-acquainted with the local regulations and will assist you throughout the abatement process should lead or asbestos be identified in your home, ensuring removal is carried out safely and in full accordance with the law.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After completing the drying process at your Fountain Valley property, you must focus on cleaning and disinfecting your personal belongings. Items like clothing, curtains, carpets, and furniture that came into contact with the water should be treated with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate bacteria and mold spores. By ensuring these items are adequately cleaned, you not only make them safe for future use but also protect them from potential damage caused by microorganisms. This crucial step helps to preserve your belongings and restore them to their original condition.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the drying process is completed and the water has been cleared from your Fountain Valley property, the next phase is rebuilding. This step may involve the removal, repair, or replacement of structural components such as drywall, cabinets, flooring, or parts of the foundation, depending on the extent of the damage.

Though some Fountain Valley water damage restoration companies offer both drying and rebuilding services, it’s advisable to consult with a specialist in rebuilding. Insurance providers might recommend vendors capable of handling both stages, but these vendors may lack the expertise needed to perform top-quality repairs. Often, they may cut corners in an effort to save costs, leading to subpar repairs.

Choosing a highly regarded contractor in Fountain Valley ensures that your rebuild is done right. With a repair estimate from your insurance provider, you can work with your contractor to ensure the rebuilding process stays within your insurance policy’s coverage limits.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Fountain Valley/h3>

Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting, but hiring a public adjuster can make all the difference. Unlike insurance adjusters, who represent the interests of the insurance company, public adjusters are your dedicated advocates, working to ensure that you receive all the benefits your policy entitles you to. When you hire a public adjuster in Fountain Valley, you can trust them to take care of all interactions with your insurer, giving you the freedom to focus on other aspects of your recovery.

These professionals are expert negotiators, focused on securing the compensation you deserve. While hiring one early is ideal, they can still be extremely helpful if:

    • Your insurance company refuses to cover ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use, and a public adjuster can help you recover these costs while your property is being repaired.
    • You are dissatisfied with the repairs being done and want to ensure the “like-for-like” standards are met according to your policy. A public adjuster will work directly with your insurance provider to address the issue.
    • The settlement you received from your insurer falls short of restoring your property to its original condition. In this situation, a public adjuster can negotiate for a better settlement that will fully cover the necessary repairs.

You may be thinking, “Why should I hire a public adjuster when I can take care of the insurance claim myself or get repair estimates on my own?” While it’s certainly possible to manage things independently, many homeowners in Fountain Valley don’t have the specialized experience to navigate the complexities of water damage claims, insurance policies, or repair estimates. A public adjuster, on the other hand, brings valuable expertise to the table, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Your home is one of your most prized possessions, and it’s completely understandable to feel emotionally attached during the recovery process after water damage. Public adjusters exist to make sure you get the highest payout for your insurance claim. They are highly skilled in a broad range of claims, including water damage, property damage, flood claims, and water seepage. They also handle more complex issues like replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. With their extensive knowledge of insurance negotiations, public adjusters ensure you get the full amount of funds needed for repairs.

Keep in mind that most contractors and flooring specialists aren’t licensed by the Department of Insurance, which means they cannot represent you during the claims process. Public adjusters in Fountain Valley, however, are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to assist you from beginning to end.

A public adjuster will guide you at every stage, from negotiating with your insurer to handling all the paperwork. Their experience in dealing with insurance carriers helps to secure a fair settlement for you.

The best part? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of the final settlement, meaning you only pay for success.

If your Fountain Valley property has been affected by water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to help. With over 4,200 successful claims settled, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Contact Us Today
Excel Adjusters
Call:(213) 800-3333
Skip to content