WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can be overwhelming, and every home experiences damage in its own way. In Huntington Beach, your water damage rebuild will be tailored to meet the specific needs of your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the general rebuild process can help you set realistic expectations for what’s to come.

It’s crucial to remain informed and prepared throughout the process. In the timeline below, we’ve outlined the typical steps involved in a water damage rebuild, along with helpful tips to ensure that your insurance provider supports you throughout the entire journey.

Before the rebuild can start, there are several critical steps to take. These preliminary actions are an essential part of the claims process, and completing them accurately can significantly influence the speed and fairness of your settlement from your insurance company.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

When dealing with water damage, your safety must come first. If you’ve experienced water damage in your Huntington Beach home near electrical outlets or light fixtures, immediately shut off both the water supply and the main power. Avoid contact with standing water until you’ve turned off the electricity, and stay away from areas with sagging ceilings or floors that could be unstable. If the water has been stagnant for over 24 hours, wearing a surgical mask is recommended to safeguard yourself from potentially harmful substances such as mold, lead, or asbestos. It’s also best to avoid the affected area if possible.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

When you first notice water damage, calling a licensed plumber is crucial. A plumber can locate the source of the leak and estimate how long it has been ongoing. Keep in mind that insurance typically won’t cover leaks that have persisted for over 14 days, so having a professional assessment is vital to ensure your claim will be eligible.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To ensure a successful insurance claim, thorough documentation of the damage is key. Take as many photos and videos as possible of the leak and the damage to your floors, furniture, and belongings. Keep any damaged pipes, water heaters, or appliances that may have contributed to the issue. This evidence will strengthen your case and help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to from your insurer.

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Step 04

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

Once you file a water damage claim in Huntington Beach, your insurance company will assign an agent to inspect your property. This inspection, known as “field scoping,” helps determine the cause of the leak, how it happened, and what specific repairs or replacements are required. This step is critical for generating an accurate estimate for the necessary repairs. Although the claims process may seem straightforward, hiring a licensed public adjuster can help ensure that your best interests are protected and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to remember that not all types of water damage are included under a standard homeowner’s policy. For instance, damages from floods, neglect, or long-standing leaks are often excluded from standard coverage. If the water damage is due to flooding, you’ll need to file a separate flood insurance claim, assuming you have flood coverage. A public adjuster can be an invaluable resource in helping you understand the finer details of your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover.

In addition, many insurance companies apply the actual cash value (ACV) method when assessing repair costs, which can reduce the payout by factoring in depreciation. A public adjuster can help make sure that the valuation process is fair and ensures that your claim accurately represents the total cost of repairs, guaranteeing you receive the compensation you truly deserve.

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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 gathered photo and video evidence and submitted your water damage claim, there are several essential steps you can take to prevent further damage to your belongings:

  • Quickly wipe down your furniture to remove excess moisture and stop further soaking.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to increase airflow and assist with the drying process.
  • Lift cushions off furniture like couches and chairs to avoid water soaking into the fabric.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs to keep them elevated and dry.
  • Relocate valuables such as photographs, artwork, jewelry, and other important items to a dry, secure area.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and any other colored items from wet floors to prevent staining.
  • For curtains, loop them over a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod, keeping them off the floor to avoid absorption.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can minimize the damage to your possessions and ensure that as much as possible is saved while waiting for the insurance claim process to unfold.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can begin to develop within 24 hours, homeowners in Huntington Beach must act quickly and start the rebuild process as soon as possible. The steps involved in the rebuild process may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific situation. However, here are the general stages that most water damage rebuild projects in this region typically follow:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first task in dealing with water damage at your Huntington Beach property is to remove all standing water. It’s strongly recommended to hire a professional water damage mitigation company, as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to identify and address hidden water damage. The water could contain hazardous substances like mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will use protective gear and ensure the clean-up process is carried out safely, minimizing risks to your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

After the water has been cleared, the next critical step in restoring your property is to repair the leak. Failing to fix the leak can disrupt the rebuild process and lead to further issues. Insurance generally covers the cost of repairing the leak at its specific location but does not cover the costs of re-piping the whole property. A specialized plumber or leak detection service will be called in to locate and repair the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak has been repaired, the next vital step in your water damage recovery is to dry out the affected areas of your home or business. This process is crucial not just for preventing further damage, but also for reducing the risk of mold growth, which can spread rapidly and lead to additional problems. To ensure this step is performed correctly, it is highly recommended to hire a professional water damage rebuild company. These experts have access to advanced equipment such as commercial-grade dehumidifiers, heaters, and air movers designed to effectively remove moisture and enhance airflow throughout the property. Air scrubbers may also be used to filter out mold spores from the air, promoting a safer environment as the rebuild progresses.

If you have submitted a water damage claim to your insurance company, they may suggest a particular water damage rebuild company to carry out the drying. However, it’s important to be cautious in this situation. Many of these recommended vendors often have strong ties with insurance providers and may handle numerous cases each month. This could lead to split attention and potentially affect the quality of service you receive.

Since insurance companies often have a significant influence over the payout process, they may pressure their preferred vendors to cut costs, which could result in a rushed or incomplete drying job. Instead of automatically agreeing to the insurance company’s suggestion, we recommend choosing an independent, licensed water damage rebuild company. This ensures that the drying process is done properly and thoroughly. The rebuild company will usually bill your insurance directly, and as long as the water damage is covered under your policy, your insurer should handle the costs.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although many water damage rebuild companies in Huntington Beach prefer a minimally invasive approach during the drying process, there are instances where materials such as drywall, insulation, and other elements need to be removed due to water damage. If your home was built prior to 1990, it is essential to conduct lead and asbestos testing, as these substances can pose serious health risks and require specialized handling during both the drying and rebuilding stages.

Each state has its own set of regulations when it comes to lead and asbestos removal. Many states require contractors to have specific licenses to safely manage these hazardous materials. A trusted and experienced water damage rebuild company in Huntington Beach will be thoroughly knowledgeable about local rules and will assist you through the necessary abatement procedures if lead or asbestos is detected in your home, ensuring that everything is managed safely and in compliance with relevant laws.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying process has been completed in your Huntington Beach property, it’s vital to clean and treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacteria from developing. Items such as carpets, furniture, clothing, curtains, and other belongings that may have come into contact with water should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This not only ensures the safety of your possessions but also helps protect them from the harmful effects of mold and bacteria, ensuring they’re safe for use again.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the drying phase is finished in your Huntington Beach home or business, it’s time to move on to the rebuild phase. Depending on the extent of the water damage, this stage may require removing, repairing, or even replacing structural elements like drywall, cabinets, floors, or possibly portions of the foundation.

While many water damage rebuild companies in Huntington Beach offer both drying and repair services, it is highly recommended to work with a professional contractor who specializes in rebuilding. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who can handle both aspects of the process, but these companies may not possess the necessary skills to deliver high-quality repairs. Often, they may take shortcuts to save costs, which could result in subpar repair work.

By choosing a trustworthy and experienced contractor in Huntington Beach, you can ensure quality results. With your insurance estimate for repairs, you can collaborate with your contractor to ensure the rebuild is done within the boundaries of your insurance coverage.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Huntington Beach

Public adjusters serve as vital advocates, representing the policyholder throughout the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters are solely focused on ensuring you receive the full benefits from your policy. Hiring a public adjuster in Huntington Beach allows you to rest easy, knowing they will handle all communication with your insurer while you focus on recovering and restoring normalcy in your life.

These professionals leverage their negotiation skills to ensure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to. While it’s ideal to bring a public adjuster on board early, they remain highly valuable in several situations, such as:

    • If your insurance company denies coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use costs, a public adjuster can help you recover those expenses during repairs.
    • If you’re dissatisfied with the quality of the repair work, a public adjuster can work with your insurer to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy.
    • If the settlement provided by your insurance company falls short of covering the full extent of repairs needed to restore your home, a public adjuster can advocate on your behalf, negotiating a higher settlement.

You may wonder, “Why hire a public adjuster when I could simply deal with the insurance company myself or get my own repair estimates?” While you certainly can, many homeowners in Huntington Beach don’t have the necessary experience to navigate complex water damage claims or fully understand their insurance policies and repair estimates. A public adjuster brings the expertise needed to ensure you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Considering how much your home means to you, it’s natural to feel emotionally involved when dealing with water damage. A public adjuster’s primary role is to ensure you get the maximum payout from your insurance claim. This includes handling water damage claims, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and more. They are well-versed in dealing with complex issues like replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. Their expertise in negotiating with insurance carriers ensures you receive the necessary funds for repairs.

It’s important to recognize that most contractors and flooring specialists aren’t licensed by the Department of Insurance, meaning they cannot represent you in your water damage claim. However, public adjusters in Huntington Beach are state-licensed and authorized to provide representation throughout the claims process.

In addition to their legal authority, public adjusters offer valuable support every step of the way. They’ll advise you, negotiate with your insurer, and manage all the necessary paperwork. With years of experience in the field, they understand the claims process intricately and can help secure a fair settlement for you.

The best part? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of the settlement they successfully negotiate, ensuring your claim is maximized to benefit you.

If water damage has impacted your property in Huntington Beach, Excel Adjusters is here to help. With over 4,200 successful claims settled, we are committed to assisting clients in securing the right adjustment from their insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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