WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can be unpredictable and differ significantly from one home to another. When rebuilding your property in Sylmar, the process will be customized based on the extent and type of water damage your home has sustained. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so understanding the typical steps involved is important.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about the process ahead is essential. Below, we’ve outlined the steps of a standard water damage rebuild and included tips to help you make sure you’re getting the insurance coverage you deserve.

Before the rebuild begins, there are some key actions you’ll need to take. These early steps play an important role in the claims process, so don’t skip them—they can greatly influence the outcome of your insurance settlement.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity should never be allowed to mix—if you notice water damage around electrical outlets or light fixtures in your Sylmar property, it’s important to shut off both the water and main electrical supply right away. Be sure to avoid contact with any standing water and keep your distance from rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If the water has been present for more than 24 hours, consider wearing a surgical mask to reduce exposure to harmful substances like mold or asbestos. If you can, it’s best to stay out of the affected area to stay safe.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

The moment water damage is spotted in your Sylmar home, it’s crucial to contact a licensed plumber who can help you pinpoint the leak’s source and determine how long it’s been leaking. Since insurance won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, establishing a clear timeline of the leak is key to making sure your claim qualifies for coverage.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you plan to file an insurance claim, gathering as much evidence as possible is essential. Document the leak with clear photos and videos, and capture any damage to your home’s floors, furniture, and personal belongings. Don’t forget to keep any damaged appliances, such as pipes, water heaters, washing machines, or garbage disposals, as they may have contributed to the leak. This documentation will be helpful when working with your insurance company to secure the coverage you need.

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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 Sylmar, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect your property. This process is known as “field scoping,” where the agent will investigate the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and the necessary repairs or replacements. This step is crucial because it helps determine an accurate estimate for the cost of repairs. Although the claims process might seem straightforward, having a licensed public adjuster on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s also important to know that not all types of water damage are covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. For example, damage caused by floods, neglect, or long-term leaks is typically excluded from coverage. If your home has experienced flood-related damage, you will need to file a separate claim under your flood insurance if you have it. Public adjusters can help you sort through the complexities of your policy, ensuring you’re aware of exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

Additionally, insurance companies often use the actual cash value (ACV) method to calculate repairs, which can involve depreciation of your belongings and reduce the payout. A public adjuster can assist in ensuring that the valuation of your repairs is fair and in line with the actual cost of fixing the damage.

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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

After gathering your photo and video evidence and filing your water damage claim, there are several steps you can take to minimize additional damage to your possessions:

  • Quickly wipe down any furniture to remove moisture that could cause further harm.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to allow proper airflow and drying.
  • Lift cushions from couches and chairs so they don’t soak up excess water.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam under the furniture legs to avoid water damage to the base of your furniture.
  • Relocate valuable items such as photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important personal items to a dry, safe area.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, or anything with color from wet floors to prevent staining.
  • For drying curtains, use a coat hanger to loop them and hang them up, keeping them off the floor.

By taking these early actions, you’ll help protect your belongings and prevent further damage, allowing the insurance process to take its course while you preserve what you can.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given that mold can begin growing within 24 hours, it’s essential for homeowners in Sylmar to start the rebuild process without delay. While each rebuild project will differ depending on the severity of the damage and specific circumstances, the following are the typical steps followed for water damage rebuilds in this area:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The very first step in addressing water damage in your Sylmar property is to remove all standing water. It’s highly recommended to hire a professional water damage mitigation service, as they have the tools and skills necessary to handle water damage that may not be visible. The water can contain dangerous elements such as mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional team will wear protective gear to ensure safety and will take precautions to protect your home or business during the clean-up.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

After the water has been dealt with, the next crucial step in the recovery process for your Sylmar property is fixing the leak. If the leak is not addressed, it can interfere with the rebuilding efforts. Insurance generally covers repairs to the leak’s specific location but will not cover the full re-piping of the property. Often, a specialized plumber or leak detection service will be called in to locate and fix the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been fixed, the next vital step in the recovery process is to dry out the areas of your home or business affected by water. This step is essential not only to prevent any additional water damage but also to reduce the risk of mold growth, which can spread rapidly and cause further complications. To ensure the drying process is effective, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional water damage rebuild company. These specialists have access to the necessary tools and equipment, including commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, which are crucial for effectively removing moisture and improving air circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers may be utilized to clear the air of mold spores, creating a safer environment as the rebuilding progresses.

However, if you’ve filed a claim with your insurance company, they may suggest a preferred water damage rebuild company to carry out the drying. While this may seem convenient, you should be cautious. Many of these companies have close ties with insurance companies and may handle numerous jobs per month. This can lead to conflicting priorities that could affect the quality of service you receive.

Since insurance companies have significant control over the payout process, they may pressure their recommended vendors to meet certain targets, sometimes resulting in compromises during the drying process. To avoid any potential issues, it is highly recommended to seek out a licensed, independent water damage rebuild company. This approach ensures impartial service and guarantees that no corners are cut during the drying process. The company will typically bill your insurance directly, and as long as your water damage claim is covered under your policy, your insurer should cover the cost.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While many water damage rebuild companies in Sylmar aim for a minimally-invasive approach to the drying process, there are cases where certain materials like drywall and insulation must be removed due to water damage that cannot be repaired. Homes built before 1990 may require lead and asbestos testing, as these materials may pose significant health risks and require specialized handling during both the drying and reconstruction phases.

Each state has its own set of regulations regarding lead and asbestos removal. In some states, contractors must have specific licensing to manage these dangerous substances. A reputable water damage rebuild company in Sylmar will have a thorough understanding of local regulations and will assist you with the required abatement processes should lead or asbestos be detected in your home. This helps ensure safe and compliant removal, protecting both your home and health.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is completed in your Sylmar home or business, it’s important to treat your personal items with antimicrobial solutions to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Items such as carpets, furniture, clothing, and curtains that may have come into contact with water need to be properly cleaned and sanitized. This treatment is necessary to ensure that your belongings are safe for use again, protecting them from potential health risks like mold contamination.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the area has been dried out in your Sylmar property, the rebuild process can commence. Depending on how extensive the water damage is, the rebuild could involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural elements like drywall, cabinets, floors, and even parts of the foundation.

Although some water damage rebuild companies in Sylmar offer both drying and reconstruction services, it’s wise to consult with an experienced contractor for the rebuild phase. Insurance companies may suggest vendors that can handle both tasks, but these vendors may not always have the necessary skills for high-quality repairs. Cutting corners is common in these situations, as vendors may try to reduce costs for the insurance company, which can lead to unsatisfactory results for homeowners.

By selecting a trusted and skilled contractor in Sylmar, you can ensure that the rebuild process meets your expectations and is completed to a high standard. You can also work with your contractor to ensure that the repairs fit within the coverage outlined in your insurance estimate.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Sylmar

Public adjusters are essential allies who represent the policyholder throughout the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who represent the interests of the insurance company, a public adjuster’s responsibility is to ensure that you receive the full benefits your policy entitles you to. Once you hire a public adjuster in Sylmar, you can relax knowing that they’ll handle all communication with your insurance company, allowing you to concentrate on the more important task of restoring your life and home to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating on your behalf to make sure you get all the benefits you deserve. Though it’s best to hire a public adjuster early in the claims process, they can still offer significant assistance in cases such as:

    • Your insurance company is denying coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use costs. A public adjuster can step in and ensure you’re reimbursed for the living expenses incurred during the water damage restoration process.
    • You’re dissatisfied with the repairs being done on your home. A public adjuster can work with the insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard your policy guarantees.
    • The settlement provided by your insurance company falls short of covering the full restoration of your home to its pre-loss condition. A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurer to help you secure a higher settlement that ensures your home or business is completely restored.

You might wonder, “Why hire a public adjuster when I could just handle it myself or get my own repair estimates?” While managing the claims process yourself is an option, many homeowners in Sylmar lack the necessary experience to navigate the complexities of water damage claims, nor do they have the expertise to interpret insurance policies and repair estimates properly. A public adjuster has the professional experience and knowledge to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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

It’s important to note that most contractors and flooring specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and therefore cannot represent you in your water damage claim. On the other hand, public adjusters in Sylmar are licensed by the state and are legally authorized to represent you throughout the claims process.

Moreover, a public adjuster will guide you every step of the way, offering advice, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling all the paperwork. With their daily experience dealing with insurers, public adjusters have a thorough understanding of the claims process and can help you secure a fair settlement.

What’s even better? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of what they successfully settle with your insurance company and are committed to ensuring that your claim is maximized for your benefit.

If your Sylmar property has experienced water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to help. With more than 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to helping our 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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