WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The extent and type of water damage will determine the rebuild process, and it will vary from case to case. However, knowing the standard steps for a typical water damage rebuild is essential.

The following is a general timeline of events during the rebuild, along with helpful tips to ensure your insurance company provides proper coverage for the necessary repairs.

Before the rebuild process begins, make sure to take care of a few important steps. These are vital for the claims process and can help you secure a fair settlement from your insurer in Newport Beach.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity don’t mix, which is why it’s critical to turn off both the water and the main power supply if water damage is near outlets or light fixtures. Avoid touching any standing water until the power is disconnected, and do not enter areas with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, it’s important to either wear a mask or avoid the building entirely to prevent inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once you detect water damage in your home or business, it’s important to hire a licensed plumber who can identify the source of the leak and provide documentation on its duration. Insurance companies typically won’t cover leaks that have been ongoing for more than 14 days, so having a licensed professional adjuster confirm when the leak started is essential for your claim to be eligible for coverage.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Before filing a claim with your insurance company, be ready with evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak, as well as any damage to your floors, furniture, and valuables. Also, hold onto any damaged pipes, water heaters, or other devices that caused or contributed to the leak. This documentation will support your claim and help ensure you receive proper coverage from your insurer.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

When you submit a water damage insurance claim, an insurance agent will visit your property to inspect the damage. They’ll assess the leak’s cause, how it happened, and the necessary repairs or replacements. This inspection, known as “field scoping,” helps estimate the cost of repairs. While the process seems simple, a licensed public adjuster can advocate for your interests, ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all water damage is covered by homeowners insurance. For example, damage resulting from floods, neglect, or long-term leaks is typically excluded from standard policies. In the case of flooding, a separate flood insurance policy would be needed. A public adjuster can clarify these exclusions and make sure you understand your coverage.

Additionally, insurance companies often base their payout on the actual cash value, which includes depreciation and could lower the payout amount. A public adjuster can help ensure that repairs are valued correctly and that you receive a fair settlement.

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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 collected photo and video evidence and submitted your claim, you can take these steps to limit additional damage to your possessions:

  • Wipe all furniture to remove any moisture and prevent damage.
  • Open cabinet and closet doors to allow air to circulate and help with drying.
  • Prop up cushions from chairs and couches to let them dry properly.
  • Use small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under the furniture legs to keep them off wet surfaces.
  • Move valuables like photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important items to a safe, dry area.
  • Take away rugs, books, magazines, and other colored items from the wet floors or carpet to avoid soaking and staining.
  • Hang curtains by threading them through a coat hanger and placing it on the curtain rod to help them dry faster.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can begin to form within 24 hours, so it’s crucial to start the rebuild process right away. While the exact process may differ based on the property, most water damage reconstruction projects typically involve the following steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

First, the water must be removed. We advise hiring a professional water damage mitigation company for this task, as they possess the proper equipment and are trained to detect hidden water damage. Depending on the source of the leak, the water could be contaminated with sewage, mold, chemicals, and other harmful toxins. Water damage technicians wear protective gear and understand the necessary precautions to ensure safe cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

To move forward with the rebuild, addressing the leak must be your first step. If you don’t, you risk ruining the entire rebuild. If your insurance covers repairs, they will generally pay for fixing the exact area of the leak but won’t cover re-piping the entire house. In most cases, insurance companies will bring in a leak detection service or a qualified plumber to locate and repair the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is repaired, it’s crucial to dry out the damaged areas to prevent further water damage and inhibit mold growth. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to hire a water damage rebuild company. They will use specialized equipment such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to effectively remove moisture and enhance airflow. Air scrubbers may also be employed to eliminate mold particles from the air.

It’s worth noting that if you’ve filed an insurance claim, your insurer might suggest a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. However, be cautious, as some companies are hired directly by insurance providers and prioritize their interests. These businesses can receive a high volume of jobs, sometimes 30 or more per month, from insurers.

Insurance companies have significant influence over the payout process for water damage claims, and this power extends to the water damage rebuild vendors they hire. As a result, a water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurer may be inclined to cut corners in the drying process to meet the insurance company’s expectations.

Instead of simply accepting the water damage rebuild company suggested by your insurance, consider finding an independent, licensed company that can provide fair and reliable services. The company you choose will likely bill your insurer directly, and as long as the water damage is covered by your policy, your insurance should handle the payment for their services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies aim to limit the disruption during the drying process, there are situations where materials like drywall, insulation, and other non-salvageable materials must be discarded. If your home was built prior to 1990, the rebuild company may perform tests to check for lead and asbestos, which will need to be handled carefully during the rebuilding process.

The rules around lead and asbestos removal vary by state, with some states requiring licensed contractors for these hazardous materials. A reputable water damage rebuild company will be familiar with the regulations in your area and can help you navigate the abatement process if lead or asbestos is detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

When the drying process is complete, antimicrobial treatments should be applied to your personal belongings to help prevent mold and bacteria from forming. This includes treating carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that may be affected.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been removed and your home is thoroughly dried, the rebuilding phase can begin. This may involve removing, repairing, or replacing materials like drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and possibly structural elements such as the foundation, depending on the extent of the damage.

While some water damage companies offer both drying and rebuilding services, it’s wise to hire a trusted contractor for the reconstruction work. Although your insurance may provide a list of vendors who offer both services, these companies may lack the proper expertise or might cut corners to save costs for the insurer. As a result, homeowners often end up disappointed with the repairs.

Choosing a reputable contractor in Newport Beach ensures better results. With an estimate from your claims manager on how much your insurer is willing to cover, you can negotiate with the contractor to keep the costs within that budget.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters are professionals who advocate for you during the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters work solely to ensure you get the maximum compensation from your policy. Once you hire a public adjuster, you no longer need to handle the negotiations with your insurance company. They manage all communication, giving you more time to focus on your recovery.

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators who work on your behalf to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. Although it’s best to contact a public adjuster at the beginning of your water damage claim, they can still provide assistance if:

  • If your insurance company refuses to cover ALE or Loss of Use expenses, a public adjuster can assist you in securing reimbursement for the living costs you incurred during the repair process.
  • If you are unhappy with the quality of the repairs made to your home, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance provider to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard mentioned in your policy.
  • If the insurance settlement isn’t sufficient to cover the full cost of restoring your property to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can help maximize your claim, ensuring that you are adequately compensated.

You may wonder, why should I hire a public adjuster when I can obtain my own repair estimates and talk directly with the insurance company?

While it’s true you can navigate the claims process independently, most homeowners lack experience in managing water damage claims, interpreting insurance policies, and understanding the repair process. Since your home is one of your most significant assets, it’s easy to become emotionally invested in the outcome. Public adjusters are trained professionals who focus on securing the maximum payout for claims like water damage, flood, and property damage. They have in-depth knowledge of concepts like replacement costs, flood damage, and sewage backups, and they know how to negotiate with insurance carriers to ensure you receive the compensation you need to restore your home.

Additionally, most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, meaning they cannot legally represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters, however, are state-licensed professionals who can provide legal representation throughout the entire claims process.

A public adjuster will be by your side throughout the claim, offering guidance, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling any necessary paperwork. With their extensive knowledge of the claims process and experience negotiating with insurers, public adjusters are better equipped to secure a fair settlement for you than a homeowner dealing with the process alone.

The great thing about working with a public adjuster is that they only charge a small percentage based on the settlement they secure with your insurance company. Their goal is to maximize your claim settlement and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

If you’ve suffered water damage to your property in Newport Beach, ​Excel Adjusters​ is here to help. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. ​Contact us today for a free consultation.

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