WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can be overwhelming, and no two homes experience the same kind of damage. In Oxnard, your water damage rebuild will be personalized to address the unique circumstances of your situation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, understanding the typical rebuild process can help you manage your expectations.

It’s important to stay informed and prepared throughout the journey. In the following timeline, we’ve broken down the usual steps involved in a water damage rebuild, along with tips to ensure that your insurance gives you the support you need.

Before the rebuild begins, there are several important steps to take. These initial actions are a vital part of the claims process, and ensuring you complete them can make a significant difference in securing a fair and timely settlement from your insurance provider.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

When it comes to water damage, safety is the top priority. If your Oxnard home has experienced water damage near electrical outlets or light fixtures, turn off both the water and the main power supply right away. Avoid coming into contact with any standing water until the electricity has been turned off, and stay away from rooms with sagging ceilings or floors that could pose a risk. If the water has been standing for more than 24 hours, wearing a surgical mask can help protect you from harmful substances like mold, lead, or asbestos, and it’s a good idea to stay clear of the affected area entirely.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon discovering water damage, it’s vital to call a licensed plumber immediately. They can identify the leak’s origin and determine how long it’s been leaking. Insurance will generally not cover leaks that are older than 14 days, so getting a professional assessment of the leak’s duration is crucial to ensure your claim is covered.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

For a successful insurance claim, documenting the damage is essential. Take plenty of photos and videos of the leak and any visible damage to your floors, furniture, and other belongings. Hold on to any damaged pipes, water heaters, or appliances that could have caused or contributed to the issue. This evidence will help you secure the coverage you deserve from your insurer.

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Step 04

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

After filing a water damage claim in Oxnard, your insurance company will assign an agent to inspect your property. This inspection, called “field scoping,” is designed to determine the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and what repairs or replacements are needed. This is a crucial step in developing an accurate estimate for repair costs. While the claims process can appear straightforward, a licensed public adjuster can help ensure that your interests are safeguarded and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to be aware that not all types of water damage are covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. For example, damages from floods, neglect, or long-term leaks are usually not included in standard coverage. If flooding is the cause of the damage, you’ll need to file a separate flood insurance claim if you have coverage for such events. Public adjusters are essential in helping you navigate the fine print of your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Additionally, many insurance companies use the actual cash value (ACV) method to assess repairs, which can reduce the payout by factoring in depreciation. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation process is fair and that your claim accurately reflects the full cost of repairs, ensuring you receive what you truly deserve.

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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, here are several crucial actions you should take to minimize further damage to your possessions:

  • Wipe down your furniture to remove excess moisture quickly.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to promote airflow and aid drying.
  • Lift cushions off couches and chairs to prevent them from soaking in the water.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam under the furniture legs to keep them elevated and dry.
  • Move valuables like photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important items to a dry and secure location.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and other colored items from wet floors to avoid staining.
  • For curtains, loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod to prevent them from touching the floor and absorbing water.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can significantly reduce the damage to your possessions and ensure that you salvage as much as possible while waiting for your insurance claim to be processed.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Because mold can start growing within 24 hours, homeowners in Oxnard must begin the rebuild process immediately. The rebuild process can differ based on the severity of the damage and the circumstances surrounding it, but here are the typical steps most water damage rebuild projects in this area follow:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The initial step in addressing water damage in your Oxnard property is to remove all the water that has accumulated. It’s highly advisable to hire a professional water damage mitigation company, as they are equipped with specialized tools and extensive experience to uncover and address hidden water damage. The water might be contaminated with harmful substances like mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will wear protective gear and take all necessary precautions to safely complete the clean-up process while protecting your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water has been removed, the next step in your water damage recovery process is to fix the leak. If the leak isn’t addressed, it will interfere with the rebuild process and may cause additional complications. Insurance typically covers the cost of repairing the leak’s specific location, but does not cover the cost of re-piping the entire property. A specialized plumber or leak detection service will be hired to locate the leak and carry out the necessary repairs.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak has been repaired, the next essential step in your water damage recovery process is to dry out the affected areas of your home or business. This is crucial not only to prevent further water damage but also to minimize the potential for mold growth, which can quickly spread and create even more problems. To ensure that this step is handled properly, it’s strongly recommended that you engage a professional water damage rebuild company. These professionals have access to high-end equipment, such as commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, which are designed to effectively eliminate moisture and improve airflow throughout your property. In addition, air scrubbers may be used to remove mold spores from the air, ensuring a safer and healthier environment as the rebuild progresses.

If you have filed a water damage claim with your insurance company, they may recommend a specific water damage rebuild company to handle the drying. However, it’s important to be cautious in these situations. Many of these recommended companies have close relationships with insurance providers and may handle a large number of jobs each month. This can lead to divided priorities and could affect the quality of service you receive.

Given that insurance companies have significant control over the payout process, they may pressure their recommended vendors to reduce costs, which can result in the drying process being rushed or compromised. Rather than automatically agreeing to the insurance company’s recommendation, we suggest seeking out a licensed, independent water damage rebuild company. This way, you can ensure that the drying process is done thoroughly and correctly. The rebuild company will typically handle the billing directly with your insurance, and as long as the water damage is covered under your policy, your insurer should cover the cost.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although many water damage rebuild companies in Oxnard take a minimally invasive approach during the drying phase, there are cases where materials such as drywall, insulation, and others must be removed due to water damage. If your home was built before 1990, it is crucial to conduct testing for lead and asbestos, as these materials can pose significant health risks and require specific handling during both the drying and rebuilding phases.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding lead and asbestos removal. Many states require contractors to hold specific licenses to handle these hazardous materials properly. A well-established and reputable water damage rebuild company in Oxnard will be fully familiar with local regulations and will guide you through the necessary abatement procedures should lead or asbestos be found in your home, ensuring that the process is carried out safely and in accordance with all applicable laws.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is complete in your Oxnard property, it’s crucial to clean and treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Items like carpets, furniture, clothing, curtains, and any other belongings that may have been exposed to water should be properly cleaned and disinfected. This ensures that they are safe to use again and helps protect your possessions from mold and harmful bacteria.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the drying process completed in your Oxnard home or business, the rebuild phase can begin. Depending on the severity of the water damage, this stage may involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural elements such as drywall, cabinets, floors, or even parts of the foundation.

While some water damage rebuild companies in Oxnard offer both drying and repair services, it’s a good idea to consult a professional contractor who specializes in rebuilding. Insurance companies may suggest certain vendors who can handle both tasks, but these companies may not always have the skills needed to complete high-quality repairs. They may cut corners to save money, which can result in unsatisfactory repairs.

Choosing a reputable contractor in Oxnard ensures that you’ll receive quality results. With an estimate from your insurance company about the coverage for repairs, you can work with your contractor to ensure the rebuild is done within your insurance budget.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Oxnard

Public adjusters are key advocates who represent the policyholder throughout the insurance claims process. In contrast to insurance adjusters, who work for the insurance companies, public adjusters are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum benefits possible from your policy. When you hire a public adjuster in Oxnard, you can relax knowing that they will take care of all communication with your insurance company, allowing you to focus on recovering and returning to normal as soon as possible.

Public adjusters use their negotiation expertise to ensure that you receive all the benefits you deserve. While it’s best to hire one early in the claims process, they can still be highly beneficial if:

    • Your insurance company denies coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use costs. A public adjuster can help you get reimbursed for additional living expenses during the water damage repair process.
    • You’re unhappy with the repair work being done. A public adjuster can work with your insurer to ensure that the repairs are made according to the “like-for-like” standard that your policy specifies.
    • The settlement offered by your insurance company is insufficient to restore your home to its original condition. A public adjuster can negotiate with the insurance company to help you secure a better settlement that fully restores your home or business.

You may be asking, “Why should I hire a public adjuster when I could just deal with the insurance company myself or get my own repair estimates?” While you certainly have the option to handle the claims process on your own, many homeowners in Oxnard lack the necessary experience to navigate water damage claims or the expertise to interpret insurance policies and repair estimates accurately. A public adjuster’s experience ensures that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Plus, given that your home is likely one of your most prized assets, it’s easy to become emotionally invested when facing water damage. A public adjuster’s primary focus is to maximize insurance claim payouts, which includes water damage claims, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and much more. They are also highly skilled in areas like replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. Public adjusters understand exactly how to negotiate with insurance carriers to ensure you get the necessary funds for your repairs.

It’s essential to know that most contractors and flooring specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and cannot represent you in your water damage claim. On the other hand, public adjusters in Oxnard are licensed by the state and have the legal authority to provide representation throughout the claims process.

Furthermore, a public adjuster will assist you every step of the way, offering advice, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling all the paperwork required. With their experience in negotiating with insurers, public adjusters have an intricate understanding of the claims process and can help ensure you get a fair settlement.

The best part? Public adjusters generally charge a small percentage of what they successfully settle for with your insurance company and are committed to ensuring your claim settlement is maximized to benefit you.

If your property in Oxnard has been impacted by water damage, Excel Adjusters is ready to assist. With more than 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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