WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since water damage varies in both type and extent, the rebuild process will be different for each situation. However, knowing the typical steps in a water damage rebuild is essential.

Below is a timeline of events that may unfold during the water damage rebuild process, as well as tips to ensure you receive coverage from your insurance provider.

Certain steps must be completed before the water damage rebuild begins. These steps are essential in the claims process and may aid in obtaining a fair settlement from your insurance company.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Since water and electricity don’t mix, turn off the water and main power supply if water damage is near outlets or light fixtures. Don’t touch standing water until the electricity is turned off, and avoid areas with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been there for over 24 hours, wear a surgical mask or avoid entering the building to reduce your exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you notice water damage, hire a licensed plumber to locate the leak and provide evidence of its duration. Insurance companies will generally not cover leaks that have been present for more than 14 days, so getting a professional assessment of the leak’s start date is key for your claim.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Be prepared to provide evidence when filing a claim with your insurance adjuster. Document the leak and the damage to your floors, furnishings, and valuables through photos and videos. Keep any broken pipes, filtration systems, and other items related to the leak. Having this evidence will help ensure that your insurance claim is properly covered.

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Step 04

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

After filing a water damage claim, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect your home. They will evaluate the leak’s cause, how it occurred, and what needs repair or replacement. This inspection, called “field scoping,” is important for preparing an estimated repair cost. With a licensed public adjuster, you can make sure your interests are fully represented and receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Not all water damage is covered by insurance, so it’s important to know the details. Damage from floods, poor maintenance, or long-term leaks is typically excluded from a standard homeowners policy. For flood-related issues, you must file a claim under a separate flood insurance policy, if you have one. Public adjusters can help you understand what’s covered and assist with the complexities of the claims process.

The actual cash value of repairs, considering depreciation, may be calculated by your insurance company, which could reduce the final payout. A public adjuster can help ensure that you receive a fair and accurate valuation.

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

  • Accidental leaks that happened less than 14 days ago
  • Slab leaks, unless they are specifically excluded by your insurance policy
  • Unexpected dishwasher water leaks
  • Leaks stemming from a water purifier
  • Leaks associated with a garbage disposal
  • Damage due to the joint impact of rain and wind
  • Damage caused by pipes that have burst
  • Leaks associated with a washing machine
  • Water escaping from a refrigerator
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water damages should be covered

Step 05

Do Damage Control

After you’ve gathered photo and video evidence and filed your claim, there are things you can do to prevent further harm to your belongings:

  • Clean and dry furniture thoroughly to prevent moisture damage
  • Leave cabinet drawers and closet doors open to promote airflow
  • Support couch and chair cushions to keep them elevated
  • Protect furniture legs by using wood blocks, foil, or foam as a barrier against moisture
  • Store jewelry, paintings, photos, and other valuable belongings in a dry, secure place.
  • Take away books, rugs, magazines, and other dyed objects from damp carpets or floors.
  • Place curtains through a coat hanger and hang the hanger on the rod to facilitate drying.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can develop in 24 hours, so it’s important to initiate the rebuild process immediately. The steps involved may differ for each property owner, but most water damage rebuild projects follow these general steps.

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

First, the water must be removed. We recommend hiring a professional water damage mitigation company as they have the proper equipment and can locate hidden damage. The water may also contain dangerous elements like chemicals, mold, or sewage, depending on the source. These experts wear protective gear and know how to handle the cleanup safely.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

The leak must be fixed before proceeding with the rebuild to avoid ruining the work. Insurance typically covers repairing the leak at its exact location but not re-piping the entire property. To find and fix the leak, insurance companies will likely hire a leak detection company or a specialized plumber. This is necessary to ensure the rebuild can move ahead.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak is repaired, the damaged areas need to be dried to prevent further issues like mold and water damage. It’s recommended to hire a water damage rebuild company for this task. They will utilize equipment like air movers, dehumidifiers, and commercial-grade heaters to eliminate moisture and enhance circulation. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove mold particles from the air.

If you’ve submitted a claim, your insurance company may refer a water damage rebuild company for the drying process. Some companies, however, work mainly with insurance companies. These firms are often given many jobs monthly, sometimes as many as 30 or more.

Insurance companies have the authority to determine how much is paid out in your water damage claim, allowing them to influence their rebuild vendors. This may result in a water damage rebuild company taking shortcuts in the drying process to cater to the insurance company they frequently collaborate with.

Instead of automatically going with the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, we suggest finding a licensed and objective company that will provide honest work. The company you hire will typically bill your insurance directly. As long as the water damage is covered under your policy, the insurance company should pay for the service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although water damage rebuild companies typically take a minimally-invasive approach, certain materials like drywall and insulation may need to be removed if they are no longer salvageable. If your house was built before 1990, the rebuild company may test for lead and asbestos, requiring special handling during the rebuild process.

Different states have unique rules for lead and asbestos removal, with some requiring contractors to have special licenses. A trusted water damage rebuild company will know the regulations in your state and guide you through the process if lead or asbestos is found.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying phase, your personal items should be treated with antimicrobial solutions to avoid mold and bacterial growth. This treatment may cover carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other affected belongings.

Step 06

Rebuild

When the drying process is finished and the water is removed, the rebuild work can begin. The scope of the damage will determine whether materials or structural elements need to be repaired, replaced, or removed. This may involve drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, the foundation, and other parts of your home.

Some water damage rebuild companies offer both drying and repair services, but it’s better to hire a skilled contractor. While your insurance might recommend vendors who provide both services, these vendors often lack experience or cut corners to save money. This often leads to dissatisfaction among homeowners with the work completed.

When you choose a contractor you trust, you’re more likely to get good results. Having an estimate from your claims manager allows you to negotiate with the contractor and ensure the work fits within the budget set by your insurance.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

A public adjuster works for the policyholder, guiding them through the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who represent the insurance company, a public adjuster seeks to maximize the benefits you receive from your policy. Once hired, a public adjuster takes on the responsibility of communicating with the insurer. This allows you to focus on restoring your life without the added stress of dealing with the insurance company.

Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating with your insurance company to secure the benefits you’re owed. While it’s best to reach out to them at the start of your water damage claim, they can still help if:

    • When your insurance company refuses to cover ALE or Loss of Use costs, a public adjuster can help. They can work on your behalf to get reimbursement for the living expenses you’ve incurred during water damage repairs.
    • If you’re not satisfied with the repair work done on your home, a public adjuster can take action. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard in your policy.
    • If the insurance settlement doesn’t cover the cost of returning your home to its pre-loss state, a public adjuster can intervene. They will work with your insurance company to negotiate a larger settlement for full restoration.

Throughout the claims process, you might wonder why a public adjuster is needed when you can get your own repair estimates and communicate directly with your insurance company.

While you may choose to go through the claims process alone, most homeowners don’t have the experience required for water damage claims or the detailed knowledge of insurance policies and home repairs.

Because a home is usually one of the most important assets a person owns, it’s easy to get emotionally involved in the claims process. Public adjusters are dedicated to maximizing the payout for claims such as water damage, flood damage, and property claims. They also possess expertise in areas like replacement costs, sewage backups, and flood damage. Their knowledge enables them to effectively negotiate with insurance companies to get you the necessary funds for your repairs.

While contractors and floor specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and cannot represent you in your water damage claim, public adjusters are. As licensed professionals, public adjusters can offer legal representation throughout the claims process.

A public adjuster will guide you through the entire claims process, assist with negotiations, and take care of the paperwork. Since they work with insurance companies regularly, they have the knowledge to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

The benefit of hiring a public adjuster is that they charge a small percentage of the amount they settle for with your insurance. Their main goal is to maximize your claim payout.

If your property has been damaged by water, ​Excel Adjusters​ can assist you. With more than 4,200 claims settled, we’re dedicated to securing fair adjustments from your insurance company. Get in touch today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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