WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The nature and scope of water damage will differ from home to home, so the rebuild process in Malibu will vary accordingly. That said, understanding the general procedures involved in a water damage rebuild is crucial, even though each case requires its own approach.

Here’s a timeline of events that typically unfold during a water damage rebuild, along with useful tips to help ensure that your insurance company covers the necessary costs. Before the actual rebuild begins, there are several important steps to take.

These steps are a vital part of the claims process and can be key to obtaining a fair settlement from your insurer.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It’s common knowledge that water and electricity don’t mix, so if your Malibu home has been affected by water damage near electrical outlets or light fixtures, make sure to switch off the water and main power supply immediately. Avoid touching any standing water until the power is shut off, and stay out of rooms where ceilings or floors are sagging. If the water has been present for more than 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or avoid entering to reduce the risk of inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos particles.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

As soon as you discover water damage in your Malibu property, contact a licensed plumber to identify the source of the leak and document how long it’s been leaking. Since insurance companies usually won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, getting an accurate timeline of the leak from a professional plumber is essential for ensuring that your claim is eligible for reimbursement.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To file a claim with your insurance adjuster, you’ll need to gather sufficient evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak, as well as the damage to your floors, furnishings, and other valuable items. Be sure to hold on to any broken pipes, filtration systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, washing machines, or other appliances that may have caused or contributed to the leak. Collecting this evidence will help support your claim and ensure that your insurance company provides the necessary coverage for your repairs.

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Step 04

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

Once you’ve filed your water damage claim in Malibu, the next step involves your insurance company sending an agent to inspect your property. Known as “field scoping,” this inspection will examine the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and the necessary repairs or replacements. This evaluation is essential for estimating the costs of repairs. While the process might seem clear-cut, having a licensed public adjuster on your side ensures that your interests are protected, and you receive the compensation that you’re rightfully entitled to.

It’s important to recognize that not all water damage is covered by a standard homeowners policy. For instance, damages caused by floods, improper maintenance, or long-term leaks typically aren’t included in most policies. In cases of flood damage, you will need a separate flood insurance policy to file a claim. A public adjuster can help you navigate these complexities, ensuring you fully understand what your policy covers and what it excludes.

Additionally, insurance companies often use the actual cash value for repairs, factoring in depreciation, which can lower the payout you receive. A public adjuster is there to ensure that your repairs are fairly valued and that your settlement reflects the true cost of fixing the damage.

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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 collected photo and video evidence and filed your water damage claim, it’s time to take steps to minimize additional damage to your belongings. Here’s what you can do:

  • Wipe furniture down to remove excess moisture as quickly as possible
  • Open up all drawers and closet doors to help with drying
  • Prop up cushions from your couch and chairs to allow them to air out and dry
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs to keep them elevated above the water
  • Relocate valuable items like photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important possessions to a dry, safe place
  • Move rugs, books, magazines, or any colored items off the wet floors to avoid color transfer or staining
  • Dry your curtains by threading them through a coat hanger and hanging the hanger from the curtain rod to keep them from touching the ground

These measures can significantly help reduce the damage to your possessions while your claim is being processed in Malibu, ensuring that you can save as much as possible during this challenging time.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

In Malibu, mold can start to develop within 24 hours of water exposure, making it vital to begin the rebuild process right away. While each rebuild project may differ based on the unique circumstances of the property, most water damage rebuilds in the area will include these general steps:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

For Malibu properties facing water damage, the first priority is water removal. We suggest hiring a professional water damage mitigation company for the job, as they have the specialized equipment and training needed to uncover hidden water damage. Depending on the leak’s origin, the water may be contaminated with mold, sewage, chemicals, or other hazardous materials. Professional technicians will wear protective gear and follow proper protocols to ensure the clean-up is done safely and effectively.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

After the water is removed, fixing the leak is the next crucial step in Malibu. Failing to repair the leak can compromise the rebuild process. Insurance companies generally cover the repair of the leak itself but won’t pay for replacing the entire plumbing system. A leak detection service or a specialized plumber will be engaged by your insurance company to identify the exact source of the leak and carry out necessary repairs.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been repaired in your Malibu home or business, it’s time to focus on drying the affected areas. This step is essential to prevent any additional water damage and to stop mold growth from taking hold. To achieve the best results, it’s advisable to contact a professional water damage rebuild company. These companies are equipped with the necessary tools, such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to remove moisture and enhance air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be utilized to remove mold particles from the air, further improving the safety and cleanliness of the environment.

If you’ve filed a claim with your insurance company, they may suggest a specific water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. However, it’s important to be aware that many of these companies work directly with insurance providers. These companies often receive many jobs from insurers, which can affect their priorities.

Because insurance companies have control over the payout amount for your water damage claim, they may use leverage over their water damage rebuild vendors to reduce costs. This could result in a vendor cutting corners during the drying process to meet the insurer’s goals.

Rather than automatically agreeing to the company recommended by your insurance, we suggest choosing an independent, licensed water damage rebuild company. They will likely bill your insurance company directly, and as long as the damage is covered under your policy, your insurer should pay for the service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

In Malibu, while most water damage rebuild companies strive for a minimally-invasive drying process, some cases will require the removal of drywall, insulation, or other materials that are beyond repair. If your home was constructed before 1990, the rebuild company may need to test for lead and asbestos, as these materials might need to be addressed during the drying and rebuilding procedures.

Each state has unique regulations governing lead and asbestos removal, with some states mandating that only specially-licensed contractors handle these materials. A reputable water damage rebuild company in Malibu will be fully aware of the rules in your area and will guide you through the necessary abatement steps if lead or asbestos are found in your property.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying phase is complete in Malibu, it’s important to provide antimicrobial treatments to your personal belongings to protect against mold and bacteria. This includes items such as carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other valuables that may have been exposed to the water damage.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the drying process is complete in your Malibu home, the rebuild process can begin. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing materials or structural elements of your home that were impacted by the leak. This could include drywall, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and even your home’s foundation.

While some water damage rebuild companies in Malibu can handle both drying and repairs, it’s advisable to hire a well-regarded professional contractor for the rebuild. Insurance companies may offer a list of vendors who will perform both the drying and repairs, but these vendors often lack the necessary expertise, or they may take shortcuts to reduce costs for the insurer, leading to unsatisfactory results.

By selecting a reputable contractor in Malibu, you’re more likely to receive quality results. Moreover, since you should already have an estimate from your claims manager on what your insurance will cover for repairs, you can discuss the scope of the project with your contractor and ensure the repairs fit within your budget.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Malibu

Public adjusters are crucial in representing policyholders throughout the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who work on behalf of the insurance company, public adjusters focus on getting you the maximum benefits from your policy. When you hire a public adjuster in Malibu, you won’t have to deal with the stress of negotiating with your insurance company. They will take over all communication with the insurer, allowing you to focus on getting your life back on track.

Public adjusters have the skills and experience needed to negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s best to bring a public adjuster into the claims process early, they can still assist if:

    • Your insurance company is refusing to cover ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use expenses. A public adjuster can work with your insurance company to get you reimbursed for living costs you’ve incurred during the water damage repairs.
    • You are unhappy with the repairs being done on your home. A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard described in your policy.
    • The settlement offered by your insurance doesn’t cover the costs to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. A public adjuster can help negotiate a higher settlement to ensure your home or business is fully restored.

You might be wondering why you need a public adjuster when you can just get your own repair estimates and communicate with your insurance company directly.

While it’s possible to handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners in Malibu lack the experience needed to deal with water damage claims and understand the intricacies of insurance policies and repair estimates. A public adjuster brings the expertise necessary to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Plus, because your home is often one of your most valuable assets, it’s easy to become emotionally involved when dealing with water damage. Public adjusters specialize in maximizing payouts for insurance claims like water damage, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and more. They are also well-versed in various issues related to water damage, including replacement costs, contingency fees, flood damages, and sewage backups. Public adjusters know exactly how to approach insurance carriers to ensure you receive the compensation necessary for your repairs.

It’s worth noting that most contractors and flooring specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and are not legally authorized to represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters in Malibu, however, are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to represent you throughout the claims process.

A public adjuster will guide you through the entire process, offering advice, negotiating with the insurance company, and handling all the paperwork required. With daily experience in dealing with insurance companies, public adjusters are much more knowledgeable than homeowners when it comes to securing a fair settlement.

The best part? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of the settlement they secure for you, and their goal is to ensure you receive the maximum payout for your claim.

If you’ve experienced water damage in Malibu, Excel Adjusters is here to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are committed to securing a fair settlement from your insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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