WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The process of rebuilding after water damage can differ greatly depending on the severity and type of damage. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the key elements of a standard water damage rebuild is important.

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect during the rebuild, along with some valuable tips to make sure your insurance coverage is fully utilized.

Before starting any rebuild, a few essential steps need to be completed first. Taking these steps seriously can help you get a fair settlement from your insurance company in Santa Clarita.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It’s a well-known fact that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water damage has affected outlets or light fixtures, make sure to turn off both the water and the main power supply. Never touch standing water until the electricity is off, and avoid entering rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If the water has been present for over 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or stay out of the building to avoid inhaling potentially harmful mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you discover water damage in your home or business, it’s crucial to hire a licensed plumber to locate the leak and confirm how long it has been active. Since most insurance companies won’t cover leaks lasting over 14 days, having a licensed insurance adjuster document the leak’s start date can be critical to your claim’s success.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, it’s essential to gather evidence of the damage. Capture clear photos and videos of the leak as it occurs, along with damage to your floors, furniture, and other valuables. Additionally, keep any damaged items, such as pipes, water heaters, or washing machines, that contributed to the leak. This evidence will be vital in ensuring your claim is processed correctly.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

When you file a water damage claim, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect the damage. The agent will investigate the cause of the leak, how it happened, and what repairs or replacements are needed. This inspection, called “field scoping,” is key to creating an accurate repair estimate. While this process may seem clear-cut, a licensed public adjuster can help ensure that your interests are fully represented and that you receive the appropriate compensation.

Keep in mind that not all water damage may be covered by your policy. For example, flooding, lack of maintenance, or damage from long-term leaks typically isn’t included in a standard homeowner’s policy. If flood-related damage occurs, a separate flood insurance policy would be necessary. A public adjuster can help clarify these situations and ensure you know exactly what’s covered under your insurance.

Also, insurance companies may adjust their payout by calculating the actual cash value of repairs, which takes depreciation into account. This could lower the amount of your claim. Public adjusters are there to ensure the damage is valued correctly and to fight for a fair payout.

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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

After collecting photo and video evidence and submitting your claim, take the following steps to minimize further damage to your possessions:

  • Use a towel or cloth to wipe furniture dry and prevent water damage.
  • Open up all cabinet drawers and closet doors to enhance airflow and speed up drying.
  • Lift and prop up couch and chair cushions to allow them to dry properly.
  • Elevate furniture legs by placing small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam underneath to keep them off the wet floor.
  • Move photos, paintings, jewelry, and other valuables to a dry and safe place to protect them.
  • Take away rugs, books, magazines, and any colored items from the wet floors or carpet to prevent them from soaking up moisture.
  • Hang curtains by threading them through a coat hanger and placing it on the rod to dry them out.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Because mold growth can begin within just 24 hours, it’s essential to begin the rebuilding process without delay. While each case may differ, most water damage repairs will follow these general steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Removing the water should be your first priority. We suggest hiring a professional water damage mitigation company for this, as they have the necessary tools and training to detect hidden water damage. Furthermore, depending on the leak’s origin, the water may contain dangerous elements such as sewage, chemicals, mold, or other toxins. Professionals are equipped with protective gear and are aware of the safety measures required during cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

The leak must be fixed before you can proceed with the rebuild. If you don’t address it, the entire rebuild could be compromised. If your insurance approves coverage, they’ll usually cover the cost of repairing the leak’s exact location, but they won’t cover the cost of re-piping the whole house. Typically, insurance providers will hire a leak detection service or an expert plumber to find and fix the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been fixed, it’s crucial to dry out the damaged areas to avoid additional water damage and stop mold from growing. The most effective way to do this is by hiring a professional water damage rebuild company. They use specialized equipment like air movers, dehumidifiers, and commercial-grade heaters to eliminate moisture and enhance airflow. Air scrubbers may also be used to capture mold particles in the air.

It’s also important to note that if you’ve filed a claim, your insurance company may recommend a specific water damage rebuild company. However, some of these companies work primarily with insurers, often receiving over 30 jobs a month, which may influence how they prioritize your claim.

Insurance companies have the power to dictate the payout amounts for water damage claims, and this extends to the vendors they use for water damage rebuild work. As a result, a water damage rebuild company chosen by your insurer may take shortcuts in order to satisfy the insurance company’s cost-saving interests.

Instead of defaulting to the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurer, we suggest seeking out a licensed, independent company that can offer honest and reliable work. The company you select will typically bill your insurance directly, and if the water damage is covered by your policy, the insurance should cover the expenses.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Most water damage rebuild companies strive to use a minimally-invasive approach, but in certain cases, materials such as drywall, insulation, and other non-salvageable items must be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company may test for lead and asbestos, which may require special handling during the drying and reconstruction process.

Each state has different rules when it comes to lead and asbestos removal, and some states require licensed contractors to handle these hazardous substances. A reliable water damage rebuild company will understand the specific regulations in your state and can assist you with the abatement process if lead or asbestos is detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying process is complete, an antimicrobial treatment should be applied to your personal items to prevent mold and bacteria growth. This includes carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other belongings that could be at risk.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been extracted and your home has dried out, the reconstruction process can begin. The scope of this work depends on the damage but could include replacing or repairing materials such as drywall, cabinets, floors, and even structural elements like your home’s foundation.

Although some companies specialize in both drying and rebuilding, it’s advisable to work with a well-established contractor for the reconstruction phase. While your insurance may suggest vendors who offer both services, these providers sometimes lack the necessary skills or may cut corners to save the insurance company money. This often results in subpar repairs and homeowner dissatisfaction.

By hiring a trusted professional contractor in Santa Clarita, you’re more likely to receive high-quality repairs. With the repair estimate from your insurance, you can also negotiate with your contractor to ensure the project stays within your budget.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters serve as your advocate during the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters are focused on ensuring you get the full benefits from your policy. When you hire a public adjuster, you no longer have to deal with the hassle of negotiating with your insurance company. They take over all communication, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Public adjusters are experts in negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. Although it’s ideal to reach out to a public adjuster at the start of your water damage claim, they can also help if:

  • When your insurance refuses to cover ALE or Loss of Use costs, a public adjuster can help by negotiating with your insurer to ensure you are reimbursed for the additional living expenses you incurred while waiting for water damage repairs.
  • If you are unhappy with how your home was repaired, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard set in your policy, ensuring you get fair treatment.
  • If the insurance settlement provided doesn’t fully cover the cost of restoring your property to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can work with your insurance company to maximize your claim and ensure you are properly compensated.

You might be wondering, why do I need a public adjuster when I can get repair estimates and deal with the insurance company myself?

While it’s certainly possible to go through the process independently, most homeowners don’t have the experience or knowledge required to handle complex water damage claims or fully understand their insurance policies. Your home is often your most valuable asset, and the claims process can be emotionally charged. Public adjusters are trained professionals who work to maximize the payout for your claims, including water damage, property damage, and more. They understand key concepts like replacement costs and flood damage and know how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the funds needed for your repairs.

In addition, most contractors and flooring experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, so they cannot legally represent you during your water damage claim. Public adjusters, however, are licensed professionals who are fully authorized to represent your interests throughout the entire claims process.

A public adjuster will support you throughout your claim, providing expert advice, negotiating with your insurance provider, and managing the necessary paperwork. With their deep knowledge of the claims process and frequent interactions with insurance companies, public adjusters can help ensure you receive a fair settlement, which can be challenging for homeowners to secure on their own.

The advantage of working with a public adjuster is that they only take a small percentage of the amount they successfully negotiate with your insurance company. They are fully committed to maximizing your claim settlement.

If you’ve faced water damage in your home or business in Santa Clarita, ​Excel Adjusters​ can help. With over 4,200 claims settled, we have a proven track record of securing fair settlements for our clients. Reach out today for a free consultation.

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