WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The rebuild process after water damage will look different depending on the extent of the damage, but there are common practices in a standard rebuild. It’s helpful to understand these practices before moving forward.

This timeline provides a general outline of what you can expect during the rebuild, along with useful tips to ensure you’re getting the coverage you deserve from your insurance company.

Before the rebuild starts, several important steps must be taken. These steps play a key role in the claims process and will help you receive a fair settlement from your insurer in Irvine.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Everyone knows that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water damage has reached outlets or light fixtures, it’s essential to switch off the main water and power supply. Don’t touch standing water until you’re sure the electricity is off, and avoid any rooms where the ceiling or floor appears to be sagging. If water has been present for over 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or refrain from entering the building to reduce your risk of inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you spot water damage in your home or business, your first step should be to hire a licensed plumber to trace the leak’s origin and determine how long it has been present. Since insurance policies usually don’t cover leaks older than 14 days, having a licensed adjuster provide this information can be key in ensuring your claim is accepted.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When submitting a claim to your insurance company, ensure you have strong evidence. Photograph and video record the leak, and document any damage to your floors, furnishings, or other valuable items. Additionally, keep any broken pipes, appliances, or systems that caused or contributed to the leak. This evidence is key in ensuring your claim is appropriately covered.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

After filing a water damage claim, your insurer will send an agent to inspect the damage. This agent will evaluate the leak’s origin, how the damage occurred, and what repairs or replacements are necessary. The process, known as “field scoping,” is essential for determining the repair costs. Although this process may appear simple, having a licensed public adjuster can help ensure that your interests are well-represented and that you receive the fair compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s also crucial to note that not all types of water damage are covered by a standard homeowners policy. For instance, damage caused by flooding, neglect, or long-term leaks is typically excluded. If your property is affected by flooding, a separate flood insurance policy is needed. A public adjuster can assist in navigating these situations, helping you understand your coverage.

Insurance companies often calculate the value of repairs based on the actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation and can reduce your claim’s payout. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation is fair and accurate, advocating for a better payout.

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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

Once you’ve documented the damage with photos and videos and filed your claim, it’s important to take certain steps to reduce any additional harm to your items:

  • Wipe down all furniture surfaces to remove excess water and prevent lasting damage.
  • Open the drawers and doors of cabinets and closets to allow air to circulate and speed up the drying process.
  • Prop up cushions from couches and chairs to keep them from absorbing water.
  • Place small blocks of wood, foam, or aluminum foil underneath the legs of furniture to keep them elevated off the wet floor.
  • Relocate valuable items like photos, paintings, and jewelry to a dry, secure place.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and any colored items from the wet floor or carpet to avoid stains or water damage.
  • Dry curtains by looping them over a coat hanger and placing it on the curtain rod for proper airflow.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Because mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours, it’s essential to begin the rebuilding process immediately. Though the specifics may vary depending on the situation, most water damage repair projects will generally follow these steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first step is to remove all the water. We recommend working with a professional water damage mitigation company because they are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to locate hidden water damage. Additionally, the water may be contaminated with harmful substances like sewage, chemicals, mold, or other toxins. Professionals use protective gear and follow strict safety measures while cleaning up to avoid exposure to these hazards.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before starting the rebuild, fixing the leak is a crucial step. Without this, you could end up damaging the entire rebuild. If your insurance covers the repair, they will typically only pay for the specific leak’s repair, not the entire piping system. Insurance companies often employ leak detection services or specialized plumbers to accurately locate the leak and carry out the necessary repairs.

Step 03

Dry Job

After fixing the leak, drying out the damaged areas is the next essential step. This helps prevent additional water damage and stops mold from forming. For the best outcome, contacting a water damage rebuild company is recommended. They will utilize commercial-grade equipment like heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to remove moisture and promote better air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be used to clear mold spores from the air.

If you’ve filed a claim, your insurance company may suggest a specific water damage rebuild company. However, be aware that some of these companies work primarily on behalf of the insurer, handling many cases—sometimes more than 30 each month.

Insurance companies control how much is paid out for water damage claims, giving them leverage over the rebuild vendors they use. This means that a water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurer may prioritize satisfying the insurance company over performing thorough work, potentially cutting corners in the drying process.

We recommend not automatically choosing the water damage rebuild company suggested by your insurer. Instead, look for a licensed, independent company that will provide honest and high-quality services. Typically, the company you select will bill your insurer directly, and as long as your water damage is covered by your policy, your insurance should pay for the services rendered.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Though most water damage rebuild companies seek to minimize the extent of demolition, there are times when drywall, insulation, and other non-salvageable materials must be removed. For homes built before 1990, the rebuild company may check for lead and asbestos, as these substances may need special handling during the rebuilding process.

Lead and asbestos removal is regulated differently by state, and in some states, removal must be handled by contractors with specific licenses. A reliable water damage rebuild company will understand your state’s regulations and can help guide you through the lead and asbestos abatement process if those materials are found.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying process is finished, it’s crucial to apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal belongings in order to avoid mold and bacteria growth. Items like carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and other affected belongings should all be treated.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the drying process is complete and all the water is removed, the rebuilding phase begins. Depending on how severe the damage is, this may involve replacing or repairing materials such as drywall, cabinets, floors, and possibly structural elements like your home’s foundation.

While some companies may offer both drying and reconstruction services, it’s often best to consult a reputable contractor for the rebuild. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who can handle both aspects, but these providers sometimes lack the necessary expertise or may prioritize cutting costs, leading to unsatisfactory repairs.

By hiring a trusted contractor in Irvine, you’re more likely to get the quality repairs you deserve. Since your insurance should provide a repair estimate, you can use that information to negotiate a fair price with your contractor, ensuring the job fits within your budget.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters represent you during the claims process, unlike insurance adjusters, who work on behalf of the insurance company. Public adjusters focus on helping you receive the full benefits of your policy. Once you hire a public adjuster, they take on all communication with the insurance company, relieving you of the stress and allowing you to concentrate on restoring your life.

Public adjusters have the expertise to negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you get the full benefits. It’s recommended to contact a public adjuster early, but they can also assist you if:

  • If your insurance company has refused to cover ALE or Loss of Use expenses, a public adjuster can work directly with them to help you secure reimbursement for the additional living costs you incurred while repairs were underway.
  • If the repairs to your home haven’t met your expectations, a public adjuster can step in to ensure the work meets the “like-for-like” standard required by your policy, negotiating with the insurance company for a fair resolution.
  • If the settlement offered by your insurance company doesn’t fully restore your home to its previous condition, a public adjuster can advocate for a larger payout, ensuring your property is returned to its original state.

You might be thinking, why hire a public adjuster when I can handle my own repair estimates and communicate directly with my insurance company?

While you can certainly go through the claims process alone, most homeowners are not familiar with the complexities of water damage claims or the nuances of insurance policies and repairs. Since your home is likely one of your most valued possessions, it’s easy to become emotionally involved. Public adjusters, however, specialize in maximizing payouts for claims like water damage, flood claims, and property damage. They are experts in areas like replacement costs and sewage backup, and are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the funds necessary for your repairs.

Furthermore, many contractors and flooring specialists lack the proper licensure from the Department of Insurance, so they aren’t authorized to represent you in your water damage claim. In contrast, public adjusters are licensed by the state and are legally able to provide legal representation during the claims process.

A public adjuster will assist you throughout the entire claim process, offering expert advice, negotiating on your behalf with the insurance company, and managing all necessary paperwork. Their daily experience with the claims process and negotiations ensures they have the expertise needed to secure a fair settlement, something that can be difficult for homeowners to achieve on their own.

One of the best advantages of hiring a public adjuster is that they only take a small percentage of the final settlement amount from your insurance company. This means their success is tied to getting you the highest possible claim settlement.

If you’ve experienced water damage in your home or business in Irvine, Excel Adjusters can assist you. We’ve helped settle over 4,200 claims and are focused on ensuring our clients receive a fair adjustment from their insurance providers. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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