WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The type and extent of water damage can vary greatly between cases, which means that the rebuilding process will also differ. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand the standard procedures that generally comprise a water damage reconstruction project, even though each situation may require a tailored approach.

Below is a timeline outlining the key events that may occur during the water damage reconstruction process, along with some strategies and tips to help secure coverage from your insurance provider in Orange County.

Before initiating the water damage reconstruction, several preliminary steps must be completed. These steps are crucial to the claims process and can significantly aid in securing a fair settlement from your insurance provider.

Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Given the dangers of combining water and electricity, it is crucial to turn off the water supply and main power if water damage affects outlets or light fixtures. Do not touch any standing water until the electricity is turned off, and avoid rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been present for over 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or refrain from entering the building to lower your risk of inhaling mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon discovering water damage in your home or business, it is essential to hire a licensed plumber to identify the source of the leak and provide documentation on its duration. Insurance companies typically do not cover leaks that have persisted for more than 14 days. Therefore, having a licensed professional adjuster assess and confirm when the leak started can be critical for ensuring your claim is eligible for coverage.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Before filing a claim with your insurance adjuster, prepare to present substantial evidence. Take thorough photos and videos of the leak as it happens, and document the damage to your floors, furnishings, and other affected possessions. Furthermore, keep any damaged components such as pipes, filtration systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, washing machines, or similar items that contributed to the leak. Providing this evidence throughout the claims process will be essential for obtaining coverage from your insurance company.

Collect Evidence

Step 04

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

When you file a claim for water damage, the insurance company will either visit your property themselves or send a qualified expert to perform an inspection. This inspection, known as “field scoping,” involves assessing the leak’s cause, how it happened, and what repairs or replacements are required. The findings from this inspection are used to estimate the cost of necessary repairs.

It is important to note that insurance companies may deny water damage claims for various reasons, with one of the most frequent being the classification of the leak as a long-term issue. This underscores the necessity of having a licensed plumber inspect the area initially and documenting the leak with photos and videos. Proper documentation helps establish the timeline and nature of the leak, which can be crucial in preventing a claim denial.

Be aware that not all water damage will be covered by your insurance when you file a claim. Common exclusions from homeowners insurance policies include damage from floods, lack of proper maintenance, or long-term leaks. Knowing these exclusions can help you better navigate the claims process and avoid surprises.

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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

Following the collection of photo and video documentation and the submission of your claim, you should implement certain steps to help mitigate further damage to your items:

  • Wipe furniture dry.
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors.
  • Prop up couch and chair cushions.
  • Place small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs.
  • Move photos, paintings, jewelry, and other valuables to a dry, safe place.
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and other colored items from wet floors or carpet.
  • Dry curtains by looping them through a coat hanger and placing the hanger on the curtain rod.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given that mold can start to grow within 24 hours, initiating the rebuild process as soon as possible is critical. While the process may differ depending on individual factors, most water damage rebuild projects generally follow these steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Removing the water is the first critical step. We suggest hiring a professional water damage mitigation company for this task, as they have both the specialized equipment and the training to identify hidden water damage. The water may contain harmful contaminants, such as sewage or chemicals, and professionals are equipped with protective gear and knowledge of necessary safety measures for effective and safe cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

To ensure the rebuild process is successful, you need to fix the leak first. Insurance coverage typically includes repairs to the specific leak site but does not extend to re-piping the whole home. Insurance companies commonly hire a leak detection expert or specialized plumber to locate and repair the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

After repairing the leak, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the affected areas to prevent additional water damage and mold growth. Contacting a water damage rebuild company is recommended, as they have access to professional equipment like commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to remove moisture and enhance air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be employed to eliminate mold particles from the air.

When you file a claim with your insurance company, they might suggest a water damage rebuild company for the drying process. It’s worth noting that some of these companies are aligned closely with insurers and handle a large number of jobs each month, sometimes over 30, through referrals from insurance companies.

Insurance companies have the power to set the payout limits for water damage claims and can leverage this to influence their rebuild vendors. This means that a water damage rebuild company selected by your insurer might seek to reduce costs or expedite the drying process to please the insurance company they work with regularly.

Rather than accepting the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, consider finding a licensed and independent company that performs unbiased work. Your chosen rebuild company will typically bill your insurance company directly. Provided the water damage is covered by your policy, your insurance should handle the payment for these services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While many water damage rebuild companies aim for a minimally invasive drying process, there are instances where drywall, insulation, and other unsalvageable materials will need to be removed. If your home was built before 1990, the rebuild company may test for lead and asbestos, as these hazardous materials could be present and require careful handling during the drying and rebuilding process.

States have different rules concerning the removal of lead and asbestos, with some requiring specially licensed contractors. A reliable water damage rebuild company will be knowledgeable about your state’s regulations and can assist you through the asbestos or lead abatement process if either material is detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
cleaning personal belongings
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

When the drying job is done, it’s essential to treat your personal items with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacterial growth. This treatment should be applied to carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other potentially affected belongings.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water removal and drying process is finished, the rebuild work can commence. The extent of the damage will determine whether materials or structural components need to be removed, repaired, or replaced. This may include elements such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and even the home’s foundation.

Some water damage rebuild companies in Orange County offer both drying and repair services, but it’s wise to seek out a reputable contractor for the repair work. While your insurance may provide a list of vendors that do both, these vendors may not have the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save costs, often resulting in less-than-satisfactory work for homeowners.

By selecting a contractor you trust, you increase your chances of receiving high-quality results. Additionally, with an estimate from your claims manager outlining what your insurance will cover, you can negotiate with your contractor to stay within that budget.

water damage rebuild

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES PUBLIC ADJUSTER CAN HELP

Public adjusters advocate for policyholders during insurance claims, working for fair and reasonable benefits. Unlike adjusters employed by insurance companies, public adjusters are on your side. Once you engage a public adjuster, they handle all communication with your insurer, helping you avoid the stress and allowing you to focus on restoring normalcy.

Public adjusters can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s advisable to involve a public adjuster at the start of your water damage claim, they can also assist if:

  • If your insurance company denies coverage for ALE or Loss of Use expenses, a public adjuster can negotiate with them to ensure you are reimbursed for any living expenses incurred during your water damage repairs.
  • If you’re dissatisfied with the quality of repairs on your home, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard specified in your policy.
  • If the insurance settlement is insufficient to restore your property to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can advocate for you, negotiating with your insurance company to secure a settlement that fully covers the necessary repairs.

At any stage of the claims process, you might question the need for a public adjuster if you can obtain repair estimates and communicate with your insurance company on your own.

Although you can handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners lack the experience with water damage claims or the detailed knowledge of insurance policies and home repairs necessary for an effective process.

Given that a home is often one of a person’s most valuable assets, it’s easy to become emotionally invested in the claims process. Public adjusters aim to give you fair and reasonable payouts for various insurance claims, including water damage, property damage, and flood claims. They possess expertise in areas like replacement costs, contingency fees, flood damage, and sewage backup. Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating with insurance carriers to secure the necessary funds for your repairs.

Additionally, many contractors and flooring specialists lack licensing from the Department of Insurance and cannot legally represent you in your water damage claim. Public adjusters, however, are state-licensed professionals who can legally represent you throughout the entire claims process.

Finally, a public adjuster will be present throughout the entire claims process to guide you, negotiate with your insurance company, and manage all relevant paperwork. Given their daily experience with insurance claims and negotiations, public adjusters have a deeper understanding of the process than homeowners, which helps in obtaining a fair settlement.

The key benefit is that a public adjuster earns a small percentage of the final settlement amount they obtain from your insurance company. They are dedicated to helping you receive a fair and reasonable claim.

If your home or business in Orange County has suffered water damage, Excel Adjusters is here to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to securing a fair settlement from your insurance company. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Excel Adjusters
Call:(213) 800-3333
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