WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The process for rebuilding after water damage can vary depending on the type and extent of the damage. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, understanding the common practices involved in a standard water damage rebuild is essential.

Here is a timeline of events that typically occur during the water damage rebuild process, along with tips to help ensure you receive appropriate coverage from your insurance company.

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

Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It’s well-known that water and electricity do not mix. Therefore, if water damage has affected outlets or light fixtures, first turn off the water supply and the main power. Avoid touching standing water until the electricity is turned off, and stay away from rooms where the ceiling or floor is sagging. If water has been present for more than 24 hours, either wear a surgical 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

When you first notice water damage in your home or business, promptly hire a licensed plumber to identify the leak’s source and document its duration. Insurance companies typically do not cover leaks that have persisted for more than 14 days, so having a licensed professional verify when the leak started can be critical for your claim to be approved.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you intend to file a claim with your insurance adjuster, be ready to provide thorough evidence. Capture photos and videos of the leak in progress, as well as the damage to floors, furnishings, and any other affected valuables. Additionally, keep any broken pipes, filtration systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, washing machines, or other devices that caused or contributed to the leak. Maintaining this evidence throughout the claims process will help ensure that your insurance company provides coverage.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

When you file a water damage claim, the insurance company will either send an inspector to your home or visit themselves to conduct an assessment. This inspection, known as “field scoping,” involves determining the cause of the leak, how it occurred, and what repairs or replacements are needed. The purpose of this process is to prepare an estimated cost for the necessary repairs.

We should mention that insurance companies may deny water damage claims for various reasons, with the most common being the classification of the damage as a long-term leak. This is why having a licensed plumber inspect the area and documenting the leak with photos and videos is crucial.

When filing a water damage claim in Los Angeles, be aware that not all types of water damage are covered by your insurance. For example, water damage resulting from floods, poor maintenance, or long-term leaks may not be covered by a homeowners policy.

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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 collected photo and video evidence and filed your claim, there are several steps you can take to minimize further damage to your belongings:

  • Dry off furniture with a clean cloth.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors to facilitate air circulation.
  • Lift couch and chair cushions to allow them to air dry.
  • Place small wooden blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs to prevent further damage.
  • Relocate photos, paintings, jewelry, and other valuables to a dry, secure area.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and any colored items from wet floors or carpets.
  • Dry curtains by threading them through a coat hanger and hanging the hanger on the curtain rod.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can begin to develop within 24 hours, it’s crucial to start the rebuild process as soon as possible. While the specifics of the process may vary depending on your situation, most water damage rebuild projects generally include the following steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

First and foremost, the water must be removed. It is advisable to hire a professional water damage mitigation company for this task, as they have the appropriate equipment and expertise to identify hidden water damage. Additionally, depending on the source of the leak, the water may contain sewage, urine, chemicals, mold, and other harmful toxins. Professional water damage technicians are equipped with specialized protective gear and are knowledgeable about the necessary precautions for safely cleaning and restoring your home or business.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before proceeding with the rebuild, it’s essential to fix the leak to prevent further damage to the repair work. If your insurance covers the repair, they will typically pay for fixing the specific area of the leak but not for re-piping the entire home or pipeline. Insurance companies usually engage a leak detection company or a specialized plumber to locate the exact source of the leak and carry out the necessary repairs..

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak is repaired, it is crucial to dry out the damaged areas to prevent further water damage and inhibit mold growth. For optimal results, contact a water damage rebuild company. They will employ professional equipment, including commercial-grade heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to remove moisture and enhance air circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers may be utilized to eliminate mold particles from the air.

If you’ve filed a claim with your insurance company, they may suggest a water damage rebuild company to handle the drying process. However, it’s important to note that some of these firms operate primarily on behalf of insurance companies and may be assigned numerous jobs each month, sometimes exceeding 30.

Insurance companies have the authority to determine the payout amount for your water damage claim, which can give them leverage over their water damage rebuild vendors. As a result, a water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance may prioritize efficiency or cut corners in the drying process to meet the expectations of an insurance company with whom they have an ongoing relationship.

Instead of automatically accepting the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, we advise seeking out a licensed and impartial water damage rebuild firm that is committed to performing honest and thorough work. The company you select will typically bill your insurance company directly. Provided that the water damage is covered by your policy, your insurance should cover the cost of their services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While most water damage rebuild companies strive to use a minimally invasive approach to the drying process, there may be instances where drywall, insulation, or other irreparable materials need to be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company might test for lead and asbestos, as these materials could require special handling during the drying and reconstruction phases.

Regulations concerning lead and asbestos removal vary by state, with some states mandating that only specially licensed contractors handle these hazardous materials. A reputable water damage rebuild company will be familiar with the regulations in your state and can guide you through the process of lead or asbestos abatement if these materials are detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
cleaning personal belongings
personal cleaning2

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is complete, it is important to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacterial growth. This treatment should cover carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that may have been impacted.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been removed and the drying process is complete, the reconstruction phase can commence. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing materials or structural elements affected by the leak. Areas commonly addressed in the rebuild process include drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, the home’s foundation, and other impacted components.

While some water damage rebuild companies handle both the drying process and the subsequent repairs, we recommend consulting a reputable contractor for the repair work. Insurance companies may provide a list of vendors who offer both services, but these vendors might lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save money for the insurer. This often results in subpar work and homeowner dissatisfaction.

Selecting a trusted professional contractor enhances the likelihood of receiving high-quality results. Additionally, with an estimate from your claims manager detailing what your insurance will cover, you can negotiate with your chosen contractor to ensure the repairs stay within that budget.

water damage rebuild

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES PUBLIC ADJUSTER CAN HELP

Public adjusters advocate for the policyholder throughout the claims process. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for insurance companies, public adjusters are dedicated to helping clients receive fair and reasonable policy benefits. Once you hire a public adjuster, you can alleviate the stress of negotiating with your insurance company. The public adjuster will handle all communications with the insurer, allowing you to focus on restoring your life to normal.

They negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s ideal to engage a public adjuster early in the claims process, they can also assist if:

  • Your insurance company is denying coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use. A public adjuster can advocate on your behalf to secure reimbursement for any living costs incurred while your home or business is being repaired.
  • You are dissatisfied with the quality of home repairs. A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard specified in your policy.
  • The settlement offered by your insurance is insufficient to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. A public adjuster can work to negotiate a higher settlement with your insurance company, ensuring you have the necessary funds to fully restore your home or business.

No matter where you are in the claims process, you might be asking yourself: Why should I hire a public adjuster when I can obtain my own repair estimates and deal with the insurance company directly?

While you can navigate the claims process on your own, most homeowners lack experience with water damage claims and in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and home repairs.

Additionally, since a home is often one of a person’s most valuable assets, it’s easy to become emotionally invested in the situation. Public adjusters, on the other hand, specialize in giving you fair and reasonable insurance payouts for claims such as water damage, property damage, flood claims, and more. They are well-versed in key aspects like replacement costs, contingency fees, flood damages, and sewage backups. Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating with insurance carriers to secure the necessary funds for your repairs.

Moreover, most contractors and flooring specialists are not licensed by the Department of Insurance and are not legally authorized to represent you in your water damage claim. In contrast, public adjusters are state-licensed professionals who can provide legal representation throughout the entire claims process.

A public adjuster will guide and advise you throughout your claim, handle negotiations with your insurance company, and manage all necessary paperwork. With their in-depth understanding of the claims process and daily experience in negotiating with insurance companies, public adjusters offer valuable expertise that most homeowners lack, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.

The best part? A public adjuster typically charges a small percentage of the amount they successfully recover from your insurance company, and they work diligently for a fair and reasonable claim settlement.

If your home or business has suffered water damage, Excel Adjusters in Los Angeles can assist you. With experience in settling over 4,200 claims, we are dedicated to securing a fair adjustment for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Excel Adjusters
Call:(213) 800-3333
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