WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

If your home in Laguna Beach has suffered water damage, you’ll quickly realize that the rebuild process will depend on how severe and what type of damage you’ve experienced. Each situation is unique, so it’s important to understand the steps you can expect to take during the rebuilding process. While no two projects are identical, there are key elements that apply to most water damage rebuilds.

It’s normal to feel uncertain, but being prepared can help you manage the process with confidence. Below, you’ll find an easy-to-follow timeline that highlights the typical steps involved in a water damage rebuild, along with some helpful tips to make sure your insurance gives you the coverage you deserve.

Before any rebuild work starts, there are a few important things to do first. These early actions are crucial for the claims process and can be the difference between a smooth settlement and a frustrating one. Make sure you take them seriously to ensure you’re properly covered.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

If water damage has affected your Laguna Beach home, it’s important to remember that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the damage is near outlets or light fixtures, immediately shut off both the water and main power supply. Avoid standing water at all costs, and stay away from any rooms with sagging ceilings or floors that could be unsafe. If the water has been there for more than a day, consider wearing a surgical mask or, if possible, stay away from the affected area to avoid mold, lead, or asbestos exposure.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

As soon as you see signs of water damage in your Laguna Beach property, call a licensed plumber. They can help you track down the source of the leak and determine how long it’s been happening. Since most insurance policies won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, it’s important to get a professional assessment to make sure your claim will be covered.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you’re planning to file a claim with your insurance provider, make sure to gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos and videos of the leak and any damage to your floors, furniture, or belongings. Make sure to keep any damaged pipes, appliances, or systems that could have caused or worsened the leak. This documentation will help ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

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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 in Laguna Beach, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect the damage to your property. This process, known as “field scoping,” allows the agent to assess the cause of the leak, how it happened, and what repairs or replacements are necessary. This inspection is critical to determining the estimated cost of repairs. While the process may seem straightforward, having a licensed public adjuster working alongside you ensures that your interests are fully protected and that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

It’s crucial to understand that not all water damage is covered under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy. For instance, damage caused by floods, neglect, or prolonged leaks is usually not covered. In the case of flood damage, you would need to file a separate claim under your flood insurance policy, provided you have one. Public adjusters play a significant role in helping you understand your policy’s coverage, making sure you know what is included and what is not.

Furthermore, many insurance companies will calculate the actual cash value (ACV) of repairs, which factors in depreciation and could lead to a lower settlement amount. A skilled public adjuster will ensure that this valuation is handled fairly and that your claim reflects the full and true cost of necessary repairs, helping you avoid any surprises.

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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 captured photo and video evidence and filed your water damage claim, there are several essential steps you can take to prevent additional harm to your possessions:

  • Start by wiping down your furniture to remove excess moisture as quickly as possible.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to promote air circulation and aid in drying.
  • Lift cushions off your furniture to stop them from soaking up water.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam underneath the furniture legs to avoid the water affecting your furniture.
  • Relocate valuable items like photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important belongings to a dry, safe location to protect them.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, or any colored items from wet floors to avoid the risk of stains.
  • To dry curtains, simply loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod, keeping them off the floor to avoid water damage.

Taking these steps promptly can significantly limit the potential for further damage to your possessions, ensuring that you can salvage as much as possible while you wait for the insurance process to proceed.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can begin developing within just 24 hours, so it’s incredibly important for homeowners in Laguna Beach to take action and begin the rebuild process right away. Although each project will vary based on the extent of the damage and other factors, most water damage rebuilds in this region generally follow these essential steps:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The very first step when managing water damage in your Laguna Beach property is removing any standing water. We strongly recommend hiring a professional water damage mitigation company to handle the clean-up. They have the right equipment and knowledge to identify hidden water damage that you might not see. The water can contain harmful substances such as mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. Professionals will take safety precautions by wearing protective gear to ensure the process is safe and thorough for your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water has been removed, the next critical step in recovering from water damage in your Laguna Beach home or business is fixing the leak. If left unchecked, the leak will continue to cause problems throughout the rebuild process. While insurance usually covers the repair of the leak’s specific location, they will not typically cover the cost of re-piping the entire property. A specialized plumber or leak detection service will usually be called in to pinpoint and fix the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once you’ve addressed the leak, the next critical task in your water damage rebuild journey is drying out the affected areas of your property. This step is of utmost importance to stop any further damage and to minimize the risk of mold growth, which can spread quickly and cause lasting issues. To achieve the best results, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional water damage rebuild company. These experts come equipped with the right tools and technologies, such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, all designed to efficiently remove moisture and promote better air circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers may be used to remove mold spores from the air, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment throughout the rebuild process.

If you’ve already filed a claim with your insurance company, they may offer you a recommendation for a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. While this may seem like an easy option, it’s important to understand that many of these companies have strong connections with insurance providers. These companies may have a high volume of jobs each month, which could affect their ability to give your property the personalized care it needs.

Since insurance companies can influence the claims process, they may put pressure on their recommended vendors to reduce costs, sometimes resulting in shortcuts during the drying process. Instead of immediately accepting the insurance company’s recommendation, we suggest hiring a licensed and independent water damage rebuild company. This way, you can be assured of unbiased, high-quality work, and the rebuild company will likely bill your insurance directly, with your insurer covering the cost as long as the water damage is covered by your policy.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

During the water damage rebuilding process, most companies in Laguna Beach work to take a minimally invasive approach. However, in some cases, materials like drywall and insulation that cannot be salvaged must be removed. If your property was built before 1990, it’s especially important to conduct tests for lead and asbestos, as these materials require special handling due to their hazardous nature.

It’s essential to note that each state has its own regulations about lead and asbestos abatement, and certain states require that contractors be specifically licensed to handle these materials. A trusted water damage rebuild company in Laguna Beach will be fully aware of these local laws and will help you navigate the necessary processes to ensure that lead or asbestos is safely removed if found in your home.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After your Laguna Beach home or business has been dried out, the next important step is to clean and treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions. Water can easily lead to mold and bacterial growth, so it’s essential to treat items like carpets, furniture, clothing, and curtains that have been exposed to moisture. This helps ensure that your belongings are safe to use once again, and it prevents the potential spread of harmful bacteria or mold.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the area has been dried out in your Sylmar property, the rebuild process can commence. Depending on how extensive the water damage is, the rebuild could involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural elements like drywall, cabinets, floors, and even parts of the foundation.

Although some water damage rebuild companies in Sylmar offer both drying and reconstruction services, it’s wise to consult with an experienced contractor for the rebuild phase. Insurance companies may suggest vendors that can handle both tasks, but these vendors may not always have the necessary skills for high-quality repairs. Cutting corners is common in these situations, as vendors may try to reduce costs for the insurance company, which can lead to unsatisfactory results for homeowners.

By selecting a trusted and skilled contractor in Sylmar, you can ensure that the rebuild process meets your expectations and is completed to a high standard. You can also work with your contractor to ensure that the repairs fit within the coverage outlined in your insurance estimate.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Laguna Beach

Public adjusters are invaluable resources who advocate for policyholders during the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who are hired by the insurance companies, a public adjuster’s role is to fight for your best interests and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under your policy. By hiring a public adjuster in Laguna Beach, you can relax knowing that they will manage all communications with your insurance provider, allowing you to focus on the more important task of getting your life and property back to normal.

Public adjusters use their expertise to negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you’re not shortchanged. Although it’s recommended to hire a public adjuster early in the process, they can still be beneficial if:

    • Your insurance company is denying coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use. A public adjuster can step in to ensure that you’re reimbursed for the additional living expenses incurred during the repair process.
    • You’re not satisfied with the repair work being done. A public adjuster can advocate for you with your insurer, ensuring that repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy.
    • The settlement you received from your insurance company is insufficient to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance provider to help maximize your claim settlement and ensure your home or business is properly restored.

You may ask, “Why do I need a public adjuster when I can deal with the insurance company directly or get my own repair estimates?” While you can certainly handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners in Laguna Beach lack the experience necessary to navigate water damage claims, or the expertise to accurately assess insurance policies and repair estimates. A public adjuster’s experience ensures you get the compensation you deserve.

Plus, since your home is likely one of your most valuable assets, it’s easy to become emotionally involved when addressing water damage. A public adjuster’s primary responsibility is to secure the maximum payouts for your insurance claims, which include water damage, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and more. They also have extensive knowledge of water damage-related topics like replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damage. Public adjusters understand exactly how to communicate with insurance carriers to ensure you get the necessary funds for your repairs.

It’s crucial to remember that most contractors and flooring professionals are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and thus cannot represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters in Laguna Beach, however, are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to provide representation throughout the claims process.

In addition, a public adjuster will walk you through every step of the process, offering advice, negotiating with the insurance company, and managing all the paperwork. With their vast experience in dealing with insurers, public adjusters possess a comprehensive understanding of the claims process and can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

The best part? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of the settlement they successfully secure with your insurance company and are dedicated to maximizing your claim for your benefit.

If your property in Laguna Beach has been affected by water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to assist you. With over 4,200 successful claims settlements, we are committed to helping clients achieve a fair adjustment from their insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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