WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage can be daunting, and no two homes experience damage in the same way. In Venice, your water damage rebuild will be customized to suit the specific circumstances of your property. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the usual steps of the rebuild process can help you manage your expectations.

Staying informed and prepared is vital throughout the journey. In the following timeline, we’ve provided an overview of the common steps involved in a water damage rebuild, along with tips to ensure that your insurance company provides the support you need.

Before the rebuild process can begin, there are several crucial steps that must be taken. These steps are an important part of the claims process, and ensuring they’re completed correctly can make a big difference in obtaining a fair and prompt settlement from your insurance provider.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Safety should always be your primary concern when dealing with water damage. If the water has affected electrical outlets or light fixtures in your Venice home, immediately turn off the water supply and the main power. Avoid touching any standing water until you’re sure the electricity is cut off, and stay clear of areas with damaged ceilings or floors that could collapse. If the water has been stagnant for over 24 hours, wearing a surgical mask is advised to protect yourself from dangerous substances like mold, lead, or asbestos. It’s best to stay out of the impacted area altogether if you can.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once you’ve discovered water damage, contacting a licensed plumber without delay is essential. A professional plumber can pinpoint the leak’s origin and assess how long it’s been active. Insurance policies generally do not cover leaks older than 14 days, so having a precise professional evaluation is important to make sure your claim is valid.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Proper documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Take multiple photos and videos of the water damage to your floors, furniture, and other personal items. Keep any damaged plumbing, water heaters, or appliances that could have caused or contributed to the issue. This evidence will serve as critical support in ensuring that your insurer offers you the coverage you are entitled to.

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Step 04

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

After you file your water damage claim in Venice, the insurance company will assign an agent to assess the damage to your property. This inspection, referred to as “field scoping,” is designed to establish the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and what repairs or replacements are necessary. It’s an important step in creating an accurate repair estimate. While the claims process may seem simple, involving a licensed public adjuster can provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s also important to note that standard homeowner’s policies typically don’t cover all types of water damage. For example, water damage resulting from floods, neglect, or long-term leaks is often excluded from standard coverage. If flooding is the cause of your damage, you’ll need to submit a separate flood insurance claim, assuming you have this coverage. Public adjusters can help you navigate your insurance policy’s fine print, clarifying what is covered and what isn’t.

Furthermore, many insurance companies utilize the actual cash value (ACV) approach to assess repair costs, which involves factoring in depreciation and potentially lowering your payout. A public adjuster can help ensure the valuation process is fair and ensure your claim reflects the full repair costs, ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully 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

After you’ve gathered photo and video evidence and filed your water damage claim, it’s crucial to take immediate action to reduce further harm to your belongings:

  • Wipe down furniture to eliminate excess moisture as quickly as possible.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to promote airflow and enhance drying.
  • Lift cushions off chairs and couches to prevent water from soaking into them.
  • Place small blocks of wood, aluminum foil, or foam beneath furniture legs to elevate them and keep them dry.
  • Relocate valuables such as photos, artwork, jewelry, and other important items to a dry and secure place.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and any colored items from wet floors to avoid staining.
  • For curtains, loop them through a coat hanger and hang them on the curtain rod, ensuring they stay off the floor and don’t absorb water.

By taking swift action and following these steps, you can greatly reduce the damage to your items and help preserve them while your insurance claim is processed.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can begin growing within just 24 hours, so it’s crucial for homeowners in Venice to initiate the rebuild process without delay. While the rebuild process may vary depending on the severity of the damage and the unique circumstances, the following are the common steps that most water damage rebuild projects in this area typically include:

Water Clean-Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first action in managing water damage in your Venice property is to remove any accumulated water. It is highly recommended to enlist a professional water damage mitigation service, as they are well-equipped with the proper tools and have the knowledge to detect and treat hidden water damage. The water may contain harmful elements like mold, sewage, chemicals, or even urine. A professional crew will wear protective gear to safely complete the clean-up and take all necessary measures to protect your property.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Once the water is removed, the next step in your water damage recovery is repairing the leak. If left unaddressed, the leak will hinder the rebuild process and could cause additional problems. Insurance typically covers the repair costs for the specific leak, but it does not extend to the re-piping of the entire property. A leak detection service or professional plumber will be called upon to locate and repair the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been repaired, the next important task in your water damage recovery is to properly dry out the affected areas in your home or business. This step is essential to prevent any further water damage and to minimize the risk of mold growth, which can escalate quickly and cause more issues. To ensure the drying process is carried out properly, it is strongly advised to engage a professional water damage rebuild company. These professionals have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including commercial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters, all designed to eliminate moisture and improve airflow throughout your property. Additionally, air scrubbers might be used to remove any mold spores from the air, contributing to a healthier environment as the rebuild continues.

If you’ve filed a water damage claim with your insurance provider, they might recommend a specific company to handle the drying. However, it’s essential to approach this with caution. Many of these recommended vendors have established relationships with insurance companies and handle numerous cases each month, which can sometimes result in divided priorities and less-than-optimal service quality.

Insurance companies, having substantial control over the payout process, may pressure recommended vendors to cut costs, leading to a rushed or subpar drying process. Rather than accepting the insurance company’s recommendation without question, consider hiring an independent, licensed water damage rebuild company. This will help ensure that the drying is thorough and conducted with the proper care. Typically, the rebuild company will bill your insurance directly, and as long as the water damage falls under your policy’s coverage, your insurer should handle the payment.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While many water damage rebuild companies in Venice opt for a minimally invasive approach during the drying stage, there are situations where materials such as drywall, insulation, and others must be removed due to water damage. If your home was constructed before 1990, it is crucial to test for lead and asbestos, as these substances can present significant health hazards and require specific handling during the drying and rebuilding processes.

Each state has unique laws and guidelines regarding the removal of lead and asbestos. Many states mandate that contractors must possess specific licenses to handle these dangerous materials appropriately. A reputable and experienced water damage rebuild company in Venice will be well-versed in local regulations and will help guide you through the abatement process if lead or asbestos is found in your home, ensuring that the removal is done safely and in full compliance with all applicable laws.

Dry Job
Cleaning Personal Belongings
Cleaning Personal Belongings

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After your Venice property has gone through the drying process, it’s essential to address your personal belongings by cleaning and disinfecting them with antimicrobial solutions. Items such as carpets, furniture, clothing, and curtains that were exposed to the water should be treated to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Ensuring these items are thoroughly cleaned not only makes them safe to use again but also protects them from the harmful effects of mold and bacteria, keeping your belongings in top condition.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been cleared and the drying process is completed in your Venice home or business, the next step is to begin the rebuilding phase. Depending on the severity of the damage, this could involve removing, repairing, or replacing structural components like drywall, cabinets, flooring, or even parts of the foundation.

While some water damage rebuild companies in Venice handle both drying and repair, it is advisable to consult with a contractor who specializes in rebuilding. Insurance providers may recommend vendors that can take care of both tasks, but they may not always have the expertise needed for high-quality repairs. These companies may cut corners to reduce costs, resulting in less-than-ideal repairs.

Opting for a reputable contractor in Venice ensures you get the best possible results. Armed with an estimate from your insurance company regarding the cost of repairs, you can work closely with your contractor to ensure the rebuild is completed within your policy’s limits.

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Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims in Venice

Public adjusters are essential representatives for policyholders throughout the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who work on behalf of the insurance company, public adjusters are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum benefits from your policy. By hiring a public adjuster in Venice, you can rest assured that they will handle all interactions with your insurance provider, letting you focus on getting back to normal as quickly as possible.

These experts are skilled negotiators, working hard to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s beneficial to hire a public adjuster early, they can still be incredibly helpful if:

    • Your insurance company denies coverage for ALE (Additional Living Expenses) or Loss of Use costs. A public adjuster can assist in recovering those additional expenses while your home is being repaired.
    • If you’re dissatisfied with the repair work being done, a public adjuster can ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standards specified in your policy, working directly with your insurer to resolve the issue.
    • If the insurance settlement isn’t enough to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, a public adjuster can negotiate a better settlement on your behalf.

You may ask, “Why should I hire a public adjuster when I can deal with the insurance company myself or get my own repair estimates?” While it’s certainly possible to go it alone, many homeowners in Venice don’t have the experience needed to handle the complexities of water damage claims, insurance policies, or repair estimates. A public adjuster ensures you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to with their expertise and experience.

Your home is likely one of your most cherished possessions, so it’s completely understandable to feel emotionally attached when facing water damage. Public adjusters are here to make sure you get the highest payout from your insurance claim. Their expertise covers a wide range of claims, including water damage, property damage, flood claims, water seepage, and more. They are highly skilled in handling complex issues such as replacement costs, contingency fees, sewage backups, and flood damages. With their deep knowledge of how to negotiate with insurance carriers, they ensure you get the necessary funds for your repairs.

Keep in mind that most contractors and flooring specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance, which means they cannot represent you in the claims process. Public adjusters in Venice, however, are licensed by the state and have the legal power to assist you throughout the entire process.

A public adjuster will guide you at every stage, from offering advice and negotiating with your insurance company to handling all the required paperwork. Their expertise in dealing with insurers helps ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What’s even better? Public adjusters typically charge a small percentage of the final settlement they negotiate, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from your claim.

If your Venice property has been affected by water damage, Excel Adjusters is ready to step in. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to securing the best outcome for our clients. Reach out today for a free consultation!

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