WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage rebuild processes vary based on the type and extent of the damage, as each situation is unique. However, there are general practices that make up a standard water damage rebuild. Understanding these steps can help guide you through the process.

Below is a timeline of typical events during the water damage rebuild process, along with some helpful tips to ensure you get the coverage you deserve from your insurance company.

Before starting the rebuild, there are several important steps to take. These steps are crucial in the claims process and can help secure a fair settlement from your insurer in Yorba Linda.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity never mix safely, so if water damage has impacted outlets or light fixtures, be sure to turn off both the water supply and the main power. Never touch standing water until you’ve turned off the electricity, and stay clear of any rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been present for more than 24 hours, either wear a mask or avoid entering the building to minimize the risk of inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon noticing water damage, it’s essential to hire a licensed plumber to trace the leak’s source and assess its duration. Insurance companies typically won’t reimburse for leaks that have been ongoing for more than 14 days, so securing a licensed adjuster’s report on the leak’s timeline is important for ensuring your claim is covered.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When filing a claim with your insurance company, be ready to provide proof of the damage. Take detailed photos and videos of the leak, the resulting damage to floors, furniture, and valuables, and any affected areas. Keep any broken appliances or systems, such as pipes, water heaters, washing machines, or garbage disposals, that may have caused or contributed to the leak. These pieces of evidence are crucial in securing proper coverage from your insurer.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

When you submit a water damage insurance claim, the insurer will dispatch an agent to your property to assess the situation. The agent will examine the source of the leak, determine how it occurred, and identify what repairs or replacements are necessary. This inspection, called “field scoping,” plays a crucial role in estimating the cost of repairs. While the insurance process may seem straightforward, having a licensed public adjuster on your side ensures your best interests are protected and helps secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

It’s important to remember that not all water damage is covered by insurance. For instance, damage caused by floods, poor maintenance, or long-standing leaks typically falls outside the scope of a standard homeowner’s policy. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy. Public adjusters can guide you through these exclusions and ensure you fully understand what your policy covers.

Additionally, insurance companies often calculate repairs based on the actual cash value, factoring in depreciation. This may result in a lower payout. A public adjuster can help ensure that the valuation is accurate and fair, advocating for the compensation you 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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Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once you have gathered photo and video evidence and filed your claim, there are several actions you can take to prevent additional damage to your belongings:

  • Dry off all furniture with a towel or cloth.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to allow airflow.
  • Lift up couch and chair cushions to prevent water absorption.
  • Place small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam underneath the legs of furniture to avoid direct contact with water.
  • Relocate photos, artwork, jewelry, and other valuable items to a dry, secure location.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and any colored items from wet floors or carpets to avoid staining.
  • Dry curtains by hanging them on a coat hanger and placing it on the curtain rod.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

With mold able to grow within 24 hours, it’s critical to initiate the rebuild process as soon as possible. Although every water damage situation is different, the following steps are common in most water damage restoration projects:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first step is to remove the water. We strongly recommend hiring a professional water damage mitigation company for this task, as they have the right equipment and expertise to identify hidden water damage. Additionally, depending on the source of the leak, the water could contain harmful substances like sewage, chemicals, mold, and other toxins. Trained water damage professionals use protective gear to safely clean up and know the necessary precautions to take during the process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before proceeding with the rebuild, it’s essential to fix the leak first. Failing to do so could jeopardize the success of the entire rebuild process. If your insurance agrees to cover the costs, they will typically pay for repairs to the leak’s specific location, but not for re-piping the entire home. Usually, insurance companies will hire a leak detection service or a specialized plumber to pinpoint the leak’s exact location and handle the necessary repairs.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is repaired, it’s time to focus on drying out the damaged areas to prevent further water damage and mold growth. To get the best results, it’s wise to hire a water damage rebuild company. They will use specialized equipment like air movers, commercial-grade dehumidifiers, and heaters to remove moisture and promote air circulation. Air scrubbers might also be employed to clean the air of mold particles.

If you’ve filed a claim, your insurance company may suggest a water damage rebuild company for the drying process. But be aware that some of these companies work primarily on behalf of the insurer, handling numerous jobs per month, which may influence the quality and approach of their services.

Because insurance companies control the payout process for water damage claims, they often use their influence over the rebuild vendors they recommend. This can lead to a water damage rebuild company cutting corners in the drying process to meet the needs of the insurance company they frequently work with.

Rather than accepting the water damage rebuild company your insurer suggests, we recommend hiring a licensed, objective company that will carry out honest and professional work. The water damage rebuild company you choose will likely bill your insurer directly, and as long as the damage is covered under your policy, the insurance company should pay for the service.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies aim to minimize disruption during the drying process, there are instances when drywall, insulation, and other materials that cannot be salvaged must be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company may conduct tests for lead and asbestos, as these materials may require special handling during the restoration.

Each state has its own laws about lead and asbestos removal, and some states mandate that these materials be handled by licensed professionals. A trustworthy water damage rebuild company will be familiar with the regulations in your state and can guide you through the proper steps for lead or asbestos abatement if those materials are found.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is finished, it’s essential to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to stop mold and bacteria from developing. This treatment should be applied to carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that may be vulnerable to contamination.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and your home is fully dried, the rebuilding phase can begin. Depending on the severity of the water damage, this process might involve removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials such as drywall, cabinets, flooring, and even structural components like the foundation.

While some water damage restoration companies may handle both the drying and repair processes, it’s often best to hire a reputable contractor for the rebuild. Although your insurance may provide a list of vendors who offer both services, these contractors sometimes lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to reduce costs for the insurance company. As a result, many homeowners are dissatisfied with the outcome.

Choosing a trusted contractor in Yorba Linda gives you a better chance of receiving high-quality repairs. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance adjuster, you’ll be in a good position to negotiate with your contractor to stay within the coverage limits provided by your insurance.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims

Public adjusters are professionals who advocate for the policyholder during the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters, who work for the insurance company, public adjusters are dedicated to helping you maximize the benefits from your policy. Once you hire a public adjuster, you no longer need to deal with the stress of negotiating with your insurance provider. The adjuster handles all communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.

Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating with the insurance company to secure the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s best to contact a public adjuster early in the claims process, they can still assist you later on if:

  • If your insurance company refuses to cover Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use costs, a public adjuster can step in to negotiate with them and help you get reimbursed for any extra living expenses incurred while your home is being repaired.
  • If you’re not satisfied with the repairs made to your home, a public adjuster can work on your behalf to ensure the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your insurance policy is met, negotiating with the insurer for proper compensation.
  • If the settlement your insurance company offers isn’t enough to restore your home or business to its original state, a public adjuster can advocate for a higher payout, ensuring the necessary repairs are fully covered.

You may be asking, why should I hire a public adjuster when I can handle the claims process myself, get my own repair estimates, and speak directly with my insurance company?

While it’s possible to go through the claims process on your own, many homeowners lack the experience needed to navigate water damage claims, insurance policies, and home repairs effectively. Your home is often one of your most valuable assets, which can make the process emotionally charged. Public adjusters are experts who specialize in maximizing payouts for claims like water damage, property damage, flood claims, and more. They are well-versed in topics like replacement cost, flood damages, and sewage backups, and they know how to negotiate with insurers to secure the compensation you need for repairs.

Furthermore, most contractors and floor experts are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and thus cannot represent you in your water damage claim. On the other hand, public adjusters are licensed by the state and can legally assist you with the entire claims process.

A public adjuster will guide you every step of the way, offering advice, handling negotiations with the insurance company, and managing all the necessary paperwork. Their expertise in navigating the claims process and negotiating with insurance providers gives them an edge over homeowners who may lack that specialized knowledge, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.

A key benefit of hiring a public adjuster is that they only charge a small fee based on the amount they settle for with your insurance company. Their goal is always to get you the highest possible settlement.

If you’ve dealt with water damage in Yorba Linda, ​Excel Adjusters​ is ready to assist. With more than 4,200 claims successfully settled, we’re committed to securing a fair adjustment for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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