WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The extent and nature of water damage will differ for each individual, meaning the rebuild process will be unique. However, it’s important to understand the general procedures involved in a typical water damage rebuild.

The following timeline outlines the steps of the water damage rebuild process, along with useful tips to help ensure your insurance company provides coverage.

The water damage rebuild cannot begin until some preliminary steps are taken. These steps are important for the claims process and can assist in receiving a fair settlement from your insurer.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity should never come into contact. If water damage is near outlets or light fixtures, make sure to turn off the main water and power supply. Do not touch any standing water before turning off the electricity, and avoid entering rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been around for more than 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or stay out of the building to reduce your risk of inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon noticing water damage, hire a licensed plumber to trace the source of the leak and determine its duration. Since insurance companies typically don’t cover leaks that have lasted for more than 14 days, having a licensed professional provide this information is essential for your claim.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you are filing a claim with your insurance adjuster, be prepared to provide the necessary evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak and the resulting damage to your floors, furniture, and other valuables. Hold on to any broken appliances or devices that may have caused or contributed to the leak. This evidence will be crucial in securing coverage from your insurance company.

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Step 04

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

When you submit a water damage claim, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect your property. The agent will assess the leak’s cause, how it happened, and what needs to be repaired or replaced. This inspection, known as “field scoping,” is key to determining repair costs. Having a licensed public adjuster on your side can help ensure you are fairly represented and get the compensation you deserve.

It’s important to recognize that insurance doesn’t cover all types of water damage. For instance, damage from floods, ongoing leaks, or lack of maintenance is generally not included in a standard homeowners policy. If you have flood insurance, you’ll need to file a separate claim for flood damage. Public adjusters can guide you through the process and help you understand your coverage.

Insurance companies might calculate the actual cash value of repairs, factoring in depreciation, which can decrease your payout. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation is fair and accurate.

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

  • Sudden leaks that occurred within the past 14 days
  • Slab leaks, as long as they are not excluded in your policy
  • Sudden water leaks from a dishwasher
  • Leaks resulting from a water purifier
  • Water leaks caused by a garbage disposal
  • Combined damage from rain and wind
  • Leaks resulting from burst pipes
  • Water leakage due to a washing machine issue
  • Refrigerator-related water leaks
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water damages should be covered

Step 05

Do Damage Control

After collecting photo and video evidence and filing your claim, there are several steps you can follow to reduce further damage to your possessions:

  • Use a cloth to dry off all furniture surfaces
  • Ensure cabinet drawers and closet doors are open for better air movement
  • Raise chair and couch cushions to aid in drying
  • Place small blocks of wood, foil, or foam under the legs of furniture to prevent damage
  • Place valuables such as jewelry, photos, and paintings in a dry and safe spot.
  • Remove rugs, magazines, books, and similar items from wet carpets or floors.
  • Dry curtains by threading them onto a coat hanger and positioning the hanger on the curtain rod.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can form within 24 hours, it’s vital to begin the rebuild process promptly. Although the process can vary based on individual circumstances, most water damage rebuild projects include these key steps.

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The water should be removed as the first step. It’s advisable to hire a professional water damage mitigation company for this task since they have the appropriate equipment and expertise to detect hidden damage. Depending on the source, the water may contain harmful substances like sewage or mold. These professionals use protective gear and follow safety measures during the cleanup process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before you can proceed with the rebuild, the leak must be repaired to avoid damaging the job. Insurance will usually cover the exact location of the leak but not the re-piping of the entire home. Insurance companies often work with leak detection companies or specialized plumbers to identify and repair the leak. This step is crucial to ensure the rebuild can move forward.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is fixed, drying the affected areas is necessary to avoid more damage and mold growth. A professional water damage rebuild company can assist with this process. They will use equipment such as dehumidifiers, commercial heaters, and air movers to remove moisture and improve air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be used to clear the air of mold particles.

After filing a claim, your insurance may recommend a water damage rebuild company for the drying process. Be aware that some companies work directly with insurance companies. They frequently receive numerous jobs, sometimes over 30 each month.

Since insurance companies control the payouts for water damage claims, they can exert influence over their rebuild vendors. This may cause a water damage rebuild company hired by the insurance to cut corners during the drying process to satisfy the insurer they commonly work with.

Rather than agreeing to the water damage rebuild company your insurance recommends, we advise selecting a licensed and unbiased company for trustworthy service. Your chosen company will likely bill your insurance company directly. If the water damage is covered by your policy, the insurance company should cover the cost of the service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Most water damage rebuild companies will attempt to minimize the impact of the drying process, but materials like drywall and insulation may need to be taken out if they are beyond repair. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company may conduct lead and asbestos testing, which must be addressed during the rebuild.

Each state has its own laws for lead and asbestos removal, and certain states require licensed professionals for this work. A reputable water damage rebuild company will be knowledgeable about the rules in your area and help you with the lead or asbestos abatement process if necessary.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once drying is done, antimicrobial treatments should be applied to your personal belongings to prevent mold and bacteria. This process may include carpets, furniture, clothing, curtains, and other items that could be impacted.

Step 06

Rebuild

After drying and water removal, the actual rebuild work begins. Depending on how much damage there is, materials and structural elements affected by the leak will need to be removed, repaired, or replaced. This may include drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, the foundation, and other affected areas.

Although some water damage rebuild companies can manage both the drying and repairs, we suggest hiring a well-known professional contractor. Your insurance may suggest vendors who do both jobs, but they may lack expertise or try to cut costs, affecting the quality of the work. As a result, many homeowners are unhappy with the finished job.

Hiring a professional contractor you trust will help guarantee quality outcomes. As you already have an estimate from your claims manager, you can discuss pricing with your contractor to stay within the insurance-approved budget.

How a Water Damage Rebuild West Hollywood

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters represent you during the claims process, ensuring you get the most from your policy. Unlike insurance adjusters, who work for the insurance company, public adjusters fight for your best interests. Once you hire a public adjuster, you no longer need to worry about negotiating with the insurer. They handle all the communication, letting you focus on returning to normal life.

By hiring a public adjuster, you can have them negotiate on your behalf to get the benefits you’re entitled to. It’s advisable to contact them early in your water damage claim, though they can still assist if:

    • If your insurance company is not covering ALE or Loss of Use expenses, a public adjuster can intervene. They will liaise with the insurer to ensure you are reimbursed for living expenses during the repair process.
    • If the repairs to your home don’t meet your expectations, a public adjuster can intervene. They can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy is honored.
    • When the insurance settlement is insufficient to restore your home or business, a public adjuster can help. They will negotiate with your insurer to maximize the settlement and ensure the property is returned to its original condition.

At any stage in the claims process, you may ask yourself why you need a public adjuster when you can gather repair estimates and deal with the insurance company on your own.

It’s true you can manage the claims process independently, but most homeowners don’t have the expertise needed to handle water damage claims or navigate insurance policies and home repairs.

A home is often a person’s most valued asset, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the claims process. Public adjusters work to maximize the payout for claims related to water damage, property damage, and floods. They are experts in areas like replacement costs, contingency fees, and sewage backups. Their skill in negotiating with insurance companies helps ensure you receive the appropriate funds for your repairs.

Contractors and flooring professionals are typically not licensed by the Department of Insurance, so they cannot handle your water damage claim on your behalf. Public adjusters are state-licensed and authorized to provide legal representation throughout the process.

A public adjuster will be with you throughout the claims process, helping with negotiations, paperwork, and providing advice. Due to their expertise in dealing with insurance companies, they can secure a fair settlement more effectively than homeowners.

A public adjuster takes a small fee, based on the settlement amount they negotiate with your insurance company. They are dedicated to maximizing the payout for your claim.

If your home or business has experienced water damage, ​Excel Adjusters​ is here for you. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are committed to ensuring fair insurance adjustments. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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