WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can vary widely, and in Long Beach, your rebuild will be tailored to the specific damage your home has sustained. The process isn’t one-size-fits-all, but understanding the basic steps involved can help you prepare.

The timeline below provides a guide to the typical stages of a water damage rebuild, with tips to help ensure your insurance coverage meets your needs. It’s essential to be proactive as you move forward.

Before the rebuild itself begins, there are key actions to take that will help in the claims process. These initial steps can significantly impact the outcome of your settlement, so don’t overlook them.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water damage around electrical outlets or light fixtures requires immediate attention. In your Long Beach home, cut off both the water and the main power supply without delay. Never come into contact with standing water until the electricity is switched off, and avoid rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If the water has been present for 24 hours or more, wear a surgical mask or, preferably, avoid the area to reduce exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once water damage is detected in your Long Beach property, it’s critical to hire a licensed plumber. They will locate the source of the leak and confirm how long it’s been leaking. Insurance typically won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, so ensuring a professional assessment of the timeline is essential to making sure your claim is valid.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To make your insurance claim process smoother, be sure to collect as much evidence as possible. Capture clear photos and videos of the leak in progress and the damage to floors, furniture, and any other valuables. Don’t forget to keep damaged pipes, appliances, and other systems that may have contributed to the issue. This evidence will play a crucial role in ensuring you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.

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Step 04

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

When you submit a water damage claim in Long Beach, your insurance company will assign an agent to inspect the property and conduct a detailed evaluation. This process, known as “field scoping,” is essential for determining the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and the repairs or replacements required. This assessment is key to generating an estimated cost for repairs. While the claims process can seem fairly simple, having a licensed public adjuster assist you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to recognize that not all water damage is covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. For example, damages caused by flooding, neglect, or prolonged leaks are often excluded. If your home has experienced flooding, you will need to file a separate claim under your flood insurance policy, if applicable. Public adjusters can help guide you through these complexities, ensuring you fully understand what is covered by your insurance policy and what may require additional claims.

Additionally, many insurance companies calculate the actual cash value (ACV) of repairs, which includes factoring in depreciation and can result in a lower payout. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation process is fair and that your claim accurately reflects the true cost of repairs, avoiding a reduced settlement amount.

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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

After collecting the necessary photo and video evidence and filing your water damage claim, there are a number of important actions you can take to minimize further damage to your belongings:

  • Start by wiping down furniture to remove any excess moisture.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to facilitate air circulation for better drying.
  • Lift cushions off sofas and chairs to prevent water absorption.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam underneath the legs of your furniture to keep them elevated and out of standing water.
  • Relocate valuable items such as photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important possessions to a dry, safe location.
  • Move rugs, books, magazines, or any colored items from wet floors to avoid potential staining.
  • To dry curtains, loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod, ensuring they stay off the floor.

By taking these precautionary steps immediately, you can significantly reduce the risk of further damage to your belongings, allowing you to salvage as much as possible while your insurance claim moves forward.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

With mold potentially starting to grow within 24 hours, it is vital for homeowners in Long Beach to promptly begin the rebuild process. While the specific steps may vary depending on the extent of the damage, most water damage rebuild projects in the area generally adhere to the following steps:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first thing to do when dealing with water damage in your Long Beach property is to quickly remove all standing water. It is highly recommended to call a professional water damage mitigation company immediately, as they have the necessary tools and expertise to address hidden damage. The water may contain hazardous substances, such as mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will use protective gear to safely handle the situation and take precautions to protect your home or business during the process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water has been cleared, the next urgent step in the recovery process is to fix the leak. If the leak is not addressed, it will continue to complicate the rebuild efforts. Insurance will usually cover the cost of repairing the leak’s specific location, but not the entire re-piping of the property. To handle this, a specialized plumber or leak detection service will be employed to locate and fix the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is repaired, the next vital step in the water damage recovery process is drying out the affected areas in your home or business. This step is essential to prevent additional damage and to reduce the likelihood of mold growth, which can escalate quickly in damp conditions. For optimal results, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional water damage rebuild company. These professionals are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, which are designed to efficiently extract moisture and improve air circulation throughout your property. Additionally, air scrubbers may be used to remove mold spores from the air, ensuring a safer and healthier environment during the rebuilding phase.

If you’ve filed a claim with your insurance provider, they may suggest a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. However, it’s important to approach this with caution. Many of these recommended companies have strong partnerships with insurance companies and may prioritize the insurer’s interests over the quality of service. These companies often handle numerous jobs per month, which can affect the level of attention your property receives.

Because insurance companies control how much is paid out in your claim, they may exert influence over the work done by their recommended vendors, potentially leading to shortcuts in the drying process. To avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed and independent water damage rebuild company. This ensures that you’ll receive objective and high-quality service. The rebuild company will typically bill your insurance directly, and as long as your water damage is covered under your policy, the cost should be covered by your insurer.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies in Long Beach prefer to minimize disruption during the drying phase, certain situations may require the removal of materials like drywall and insulation that cannot be salvaged. If your home was constructed before 1990, it is advisable to conduct tests for lead and asbestos, as these materials need special handling during both drying and rebuilding phases.

Lead and asbestos removal is regulated differently depending on your state, with many states requiring contractors to be specially licensed for such work. A reputable water damage rebuild company in Long Beach will have a comprehensive understanding of local regulations and will assist in managing the lead or asbestos abatement process if needed. This ensures compliance with safety standards and guarantees that the materials are removed in a safe and professional manner.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is finished in your Long Beach property, it’s essential to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to avoid mold and bacterial growth. Items such as carpets, furniture, clothing, and curtains, which may have been exposed to water, need to be cleaned and sanitized properly. This ensures that they’re safe to use again and protects them from potential mold infestations or harmful bacteria.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been removed and the drying process is complete in your Long Beach home or business, the rebuilding phase can commence. Depending on the extent of the water damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing various structural components such as drywall, flooring, cabinets, and even the foundation.

While there are water damage rebuild companies in Long Beach that offer both drying and rebuilding services, we recommend consulting with a specialized contractor for the rebuild phase. Insurance companies may provide a list of vendors who offer both services, but these vendors may lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save on costs, ultimately leading to unsatisfactory results.

By choosing a trusted and experienced contractor in Long Beach, you ensure that the rebuild process is completed to the highest standards. Additionally, by working with your contractor, you can ensure that the rebuild stays within the budget set by your insurance claim.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Long Beach

Public adjusters are essential professionals who advocate on behalf of the policyholder during the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who represent the interests of the insurance companies, a public adjuster’s goal is to ensure that you receive all the benefits entitled to you under your policy. By hiring a public adjuster in Long Beach, you can have peace of mind knowing that they will manage all interactions with your insurance company, freeing you up to focus on restoring normalcy to your life and property.

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators who work to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s best to hire a public adjuster early on in the claims process, they can still be incredibly helpful in situations such as:

    • Your insurance company is refusing to cover ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use expenses. A public adjuster can intervene to make sure you’re reimbursed for your living expenses incurred while repairs are being made.
    • You’re dissatisfied with the repair work being performed. A public adjuster can ensure that repairs are done according to the “like-for-like” standard specified in your policy by working directly with your insurer.
    • The settlement offered by your insurance company isn’t sufficient to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. A public adjuster will negotiate with your insurance company to help secure a more fair settlement that ensures your home or business is fully restored.

You may wonder, “Why hire a public adjuster when I can manage everything myself or obtain my own repair estimates?” Although you have the option to handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners in Long Beach lack the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of water damage claims or to interpret insurance policies and repair estimates correctly. A public adjuster brings invaluable experience to the table, helping you secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Plus, since your home is likely one of your most important assets, it’s easy to get emotionally involved when dealing with water damage. A public adjuster’s main goal is to secure the highest possible payouts for your insurance claims, including water damage, property damage, flood damage, water seepage, and more. They are also highly knowledgeable about areas related to water damage such as replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. Public adjusters know exactly how to work with insurance carriers to ensure you receive the necessary funds for your repairs.

It’s important to remember that most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and cannot legally represent you on your water damage claim. Public adjusters in Long Beach, however, are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to handle your claims process from start to finish.

In addition, a public adjuster will guide you every step of the way, offering valuable advice, negotiating with the insurance company, and managing the paperwork. With their daily experience negotiating with insurers, public adjusters have an in-depth understanding of the claims process and can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.

The best part? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of what they successfully secure in your settlement, and they are focused on maximizing that amount to benefit you.

If your Long Beach property has suffered from water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are committed to helping clients get the fair adjustment they deserve from their insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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