WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given that water damage can vary greatly from one home to another, the rebuild process you experience in Orange County will be tailored to the unique extent and type of damage. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s crucial to understand the key elements of a standard water damage rebuild.

You’ll want to ensure that you’re prepared and informed as you move forward with the process. The following timeline outlines the typical steps you can expect during a water damage rebuild, with tips to help you make sure your insurance provides you with the coverage you deserve.

Before the actual rebuild begins, there are some important actions you should take. These preliminary steps are essential to the claims process and can play a significant role in securing a fair settlement from your insurance provider.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It’s well known that water and electricity should never mix. If you’ve experienced water damage around outlets or light fixtures in your Orange County home, it’s important to cut off both the water and main power supply immediately. Avoid coming into contact with standing water until the electricity has been switched off, and stay clear of any rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If the water has been standing for over 24 hours, it’s recommended to wear a surgical mask or, if possible, stay out of the affected area to minimize exposure to potential mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

The moment you notice water damage in your Orange County property, it’s vital to contact a licensed plumber who can locate the leak’s origin and determine how long it’s been leaking. Since insurance companies won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, having a licensed professional establish the timeline of the leak is key to ensuring your claim is eligible for coverage.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you plan on filing a claim with your insurance company’s adjuster, gather as much evidence as possible. Capture photos and videos of the leak as it happens, along with any damage to your floors, furniture, and other valuable items. Be sure to keep any damaged pipes, filtration systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, washing machines, or other appliances that might have caused or contributed to the leak. Collecting this evidence will significantly help in securing the coverage you need from your insurer.

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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 Orange County, your insurance company will assign an agent to inspect your property. This inspection process, called “field scoping,” involves determining the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and the necessary repairs or replacements. This assessment is crucial for developing an estimated cost of repairs. While the claims process might seem like a simple procedure, having a licensed public adjuster can make sure your interests are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

It’s important to remember that not all water damage is covered under a standard homeowners policy. For example, damage caused by floods, neglect, or long-term leaks typically isn’t included. To address flood-related damages, you would need to file a separate flood insurance claim if you have flood coverage. Public adjusters are instrumental in helping you navigate the complexities of what is and isn’t covered under your policy.

In addition, many insurance companies will calculate the actual cash value of the repairs, factoring in depreciation, which can reduce the settlement amount. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation is fair and that your claim reflects the true cost of repairs.

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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 gathered photo and video evidence and filed your water damage claim, there are several important actions you can take to minimize further damage to your possessions:

  • Quickly wipe down furniture to remove excess moisture
  • Open up cabinet drawers and closet doors to allow air circulation
  • Lift cushions off couches and chairs to prevent water from soaking them
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam underneath the legs of your furniture to keep them from sitting in water
  • Move valuables like photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important items to a dry, safe location
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, or any other colored items from wet floors to avoid stains
  • To dry curtains, loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod to keep them off the floor

Taking these steps early on can significantly reduce further damage to your belongings, ensuring that you can salvage as much as possible while the insurance process unfolds.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can begin to grow within 24 hours, it’s crucial for homeowners in Orange County to initiate the rebuild process promptly. While the rebuild process may vary depending on the extent of the damage and specific circumstances, most water damage rebuild projects in this area will follow these general steps:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first step in handling water damage in your Orange County property is to remove all the water. We highly recommend hiring a professional water damage mitigation company, as they are equipped with the right tools and expertise to address hidden water damage. The water involved may contain hazardous substances like mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will use protective gear to ensure the clean-up process is handled safely and effectively while taking all necessary precautions for your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water has been addressed, the next critical step in your water damage recovery in Orange County is fixing the leak. If left unresolved, the leak can jeopardize the rebuild process. Insurance companies usually cover the repair of the leak’s specific location but won’t cover re-piping the entire property. Typically, they’ll hire a leak detection service or a specialized plumber to find the leak and fix it.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been fixed, it’s essential to dry out the affected areas of your home or business in Orange County. Drying these areas is crucial in preventing further water damage and reducing the possibility of mold growth, which can spread quickly. For the best results, it’s highly recommended that you contact a professional water damage rebuild company. These experts have access to the right equipment, such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to effectively remove moisture and improve circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers may be used to eliminate mold spores from the air, further ensuring a safe environment during the rebuilding process.

It’s important to note that if you’ve filed a claim with your insurance company, they may suggest a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. However, you should be aware that some of these companies are primarily aligned with insurance companies. These businesses often receive many jobs from insurers—sometimes upwards of 30 jobs per month—which could affect their priorities.

Since insurance companies have control over how much gets paid out in your water damage claim, they may exert influence over their water damage rebuild vendors. This could lead to these companies cutting corners in the drying process to meet the insurance company’s demands.

Instead of agreeing to the insurance company’s recommended vendor right away, we suggest finding a licensed and independent water damage rebuild company. This company can offer objective services and ensure that honest work is performed. The rebuilding company will likely bill your insurance directly, and as long as the water damage is covered under your policy, your insurer should cover the cost of this service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While many water damage rebuild companies in Orange County aim to take a minimally-invasive approach during the drying process, there may be instances where drywall, insulation, and other materials that cannot be salvaged must be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company may conduct tests for lead and asbestos, as these materials could require special handling during the drying and rebuilding phases.

Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding lead and asbestos removal, and certain states mandate that contractors be specifically licensed to handle these dangerous substances. A reputable water damage rebuild company operating in Orange County will be fully familiar with the local regulations and will help guide you through the necessary lead or asbestos abatement processes if either of these materials is detected in your home.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is completed in your Orange County home or business, it’s essential to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Items like carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other possessions that might have been affected by water should be properly treated to ensure they’re safe and ready for use again.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the drying process is completed in your Orange County property, the rebuild work can begin. Depending on the extent of the water damage, this process may involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural elements or materials that were affected by the leak. This could include drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, the foundation, and more.

Although some water damage rebuild companies in Orange County can handle both the drying and repair work, we suggest consulting a trusted professional contractor for the rebuild. While insurance companies may provide you with a list of vendors who can take care of both tasks, these vendors often lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save money for the insurance company. As a result, many homeowners end up dissatisfied with the final results.

By choosing a reliable contractor in Orange County, you’re more likely to receive the high-quality results you deserve. Additionally, since you likely have an estimate from your claims manager about what your insurance will cover for repairs, you can work with your contractor to ensure the repairs fit within that budget.

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Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Orange County

Public adjusters are vital advocates who represent the policyholder during the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work on behalf of the insurance companies, a public adjuster’s role is to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your policy. Once you hire a public adjuster in Orange County, you can breathe easier knowing that they’ll handle the communication with your insurance company, allowing you to focus on the more important task of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Public adjusters can negotiate on your behalf with your insurance company to help you get all the benefits you’re entitled to. Although it’s recommended to hire a public adjuster early in the claims process, they can still be of significant help if:

    • Your insurance company is denying coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use expenses. A public adjuster can step in to ensure that you’re reimbursed for living expenses incurred during the water damage repair.
    • You are dissatisfied with the repair work being done on your home. A public adjuster can work with your insurance company to ensure that repairs are made to the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy.
    • The settlement offered by your insurance is insufficient to cover the pre-loss condition of your home. A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to help you maximize your claim settlement and restore your home or business to its original condition.

You might be asking, “Why do I need a public adjuster when I can handle the insurance company myself or get my own repair estimates?”

While you certainly have the option to manage the claims process on your own, most homeowners in Orange County lack the experience to navigate water damage claims or the expertise to interpret insurance policies and repair estimates accurately. A public adjuster brings valuable experience to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Plus, since your home is likely one of your most valued assets, it’s easy to get emotionally invested when dealing with water damage. A public adjuster’s primary goal is to maximize payouts for insurance claims, including water damage claims, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and more. They are also well-versed in aspects related to water damage such as replacement costs, contingency fees, flood damages, sewage backups, and beyond. Public adjusters know exactly how to communicate with insurance carriers to ensure you get the funds necessary for your repairs.

It’s important to note that most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and cannot represent you on your water damage claim. On the other hand, public adjusters in Orange County are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to provide representation throughout the entire claims process.

Furthermore, a public adjuster will be with you every step of the way, offering guidance, advising you, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling all the necessary paperwork. With their daily experience negotiating with insurers, public adjusters possess a much deeper 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 settle for with your insurance company and are committed to maximizing your claim settlement to benefit you.

If your property in Orange County has experienced water damage, Excel Adjusters is ready to assist you. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to helping clients secure a fair adjustment from their insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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