WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given the diverse nature and extent of water damage, the rebuilding process can vary from one case to another. However, it remains important to be aware of the common practices and procedures that are generally followed in a water damage reconstruction to understand what to expect in a typical rebuild.

Here is an overview of the timeline for the water damage repair process, along with useful tips and advice to help you obtain comprehensive coverage from your insurance provider in San Jose.

Before the water damage rebuilding process can start, a few critical steps need to be addressed. These steps play a key role in the claims process and can assist in ensuring you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company.

Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It is well understood that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Therefore, if water damage has affected areas around electrical outlets or light fixtures, immediately turn off both the water supply and the main power supply. Avoid contact with standing water until the electricity is disconnected and stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been present for over 24 hours, either wear a surgical mask or avoid entering the building to minimize exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

Image for step 1

Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Immediately upon detecting water damage in your residence or commercial property, seek the services of a licensed plumber to find the leak’s source and provide evidence regarding its duration. Insurance companies generally do not cover leaks that have been active for more than 14 days, so having a licensed adjuster verify the start date of the leak is essential for the success of your insurance claim.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When preparing to file a claim with your insurance company’s adjuster, ensure you gather and present comprehensive evidence. Document the leak by taking clear photos and videos of the leak in action, as well as the resulting damage to floors, furnishings, and other valuables. Additionally, keep any broken pipes, filtration systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, washing machines, or other devices involved in or contributing to the leak. This evidence will be crucial in supporting your claim and securing coverage from your insurance provider.

Collect Evidence

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 either dispatch an adjuster to your home or send an external expert to conduct an inspection. The purpose of this inspection, known as “field scoping,” is to determine the cause of the leak, understand how it occurred, and identify what repairs or replacements are needed. This process is essential for preparing an estimated cost of repairs.

Insurance companies may reject water damage claims for various reasons, with one of the most prevalent being the classification of the leak as a long-term issue. To address this, it is crucial to have a licensed plumber examine the area and to maintain detailed photo and video records of the leak. Such documentation is important for demonstrating the leak’s timeline and ensuring your claim is not denied.

When filing a water damage claim, it is important to understand that not all types of water damage may be covered by your insurance policy. For example, damage resulting from floods, inadequate maintenance, or long-term leaks typically falls outside the scope of standard homeowners insurance coverage.

image for step 4

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
Do Damage Control

Step 05

Do Damage Control

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

  • Wipe down furniture.
  • Open cabinet and closet doors.
  • Lift couch and chair cushions.
  • Place wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs.
  • Move valuables to a dry location.
  • Remove rugs and colored items from wet surfaces.
  • Dry curtains using a coat hanger.

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since mold can begin to develop within 24 hours, it is crucial to start the rebuild process promptly. Although the specifics of this process may vary depending on your situation, most water damage rebuilds generally involve the following steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The initial step is to remove the water. It is advisable to hire a professional water damage mitigation company, as they possess the necessary equipment and expertise to detect hidden water damage. Additionally, water from leaks can contain harmful substances such as sewage, chemicals, or mold. Professionals are equipped with protective gear and know the proper precautions to ensure a safe cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before starting the rebuild, it’s essential to repair the leak to avoid compromising the repair work. If your insurance covers the cost, they typically will pay for fixing the specific leak location but not for re-piping the entire home. Insurance companies usually employ a leak detection company or a specialized plumber to locate and repair the leak.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak is fixed, drying out the damaged areas is essential to prevent ongoing water damage and mold development. Engaging a water damage rebuild company is beneficial, as they utilize professional-grade equipment like commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to eliminate moisture and boost air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be used to clean mold particles from the air.

It’s important to note that if you’ve submitted a claim, your insurance company may suggest a specific water damage rebuild company for the drying process. Be aware, however, that some of these companies work exclusively with insurance providers and handle numerous jobs each month, sometimes exceeding 30, directly from insurance companies.

Insurance companies control the payout amounts for water damage claims and can exert influence over their water damage rebuild vendors. As a result, a water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurer may be tempted to cut corners in the drying process to satisfy the insurance company they frequently work with.

Instead of automatically using the water damage rebuild company suggested by your insurance, we recommend selecting a licensed and impartial rebuild company that provides honest services. The rebuild company you select will usually invoice your insurance company directly. As long as the damage is covered under your policy, your insurance should cover the cost.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although many water damage rebuild companies aim to use minimally invasive methods, there are times when drywall, insulation, and other irreparable materials must be removed. If your home was constructed before 1990, the company may test for lead and asbestos, as these materials may need special attention during both the drying and rebuilding phases.

Each state has its own regulations for lead and asbestos removal, with some requiring certified contractors to manage these hazardous materials. A trusted water damage rebuild company will understand your state’s rules and help you navigate the asbestos or lead abatement process if necessary.

Lead and asbestos abatement
cleaning personal belongings
personal cleaning2

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is finished, your personal belongings should be treated with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and bacteria growth. This may apply to items such as carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other materials that could have been impacted.

Step 06

Rebuild

When the drying process is done, the rebuild phase can begin. Based on the severity of the damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials or structural components, including drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and possibly the foundation of the home.

While some water damage rebuild companies in San Jose offer both drying services and the repair or replacement of affected areas, it’s advisable to consult a reputable professional contractor. Although your insurance may suggest vendors who handle both tasks, these companies may lack expertise or cut corners to reduce costs for the insurer, often leaving homeowners dissatisfied with the results.

Opting for a reliable contractor can help ensure a quality rebuild. Since you should have an estimate from your claims manager on what your insurance will cover, you can negotiate with your contractor to complete the repairs within that budget.

water damage rebuild

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES PUBLIC ADJUSTER CAN HELP

Public adjusters represent policyholders during the claims process, advocating on your behalf. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurer, public adjusters work to secure fair and reasonable benefits under your policy. Once hired, they handle all communication with the insurance company, freeing you from the stress of navigating the claims process so you can focus on returning to normal.

Public adjusters are skilled at negotiating with your insurance company to secure the benefits you deserve. While it’s best to reach out to a public adjuster when your water damage claim begins, they can still be helpful if:

  • Should your insurance company decline coverage for ALE or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can advocate on your behalf, working to get you compensated for the living expenses you faced while repairs were being made to your home.
  • If the repairs on your home don’t meet your expectations, a public adjuster can work with your insurance company to uphold the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy, ensuring repairs are done correctly.
  • If the settlement from your insurance company falls short of covering the cost to restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition, a public adjuster can negotiate on your behalf to increase your claim settlement and ensure you achieve full restoration.

As you progress through the claims process, you might ask why a public adjuster is necessary if you can manage repair estimates and interact with your insurance company independently.

Even though you can manage the claims process independently, many homeowners do not possess the expertise in dealing with water damage claims or the detailed understanding of insurance policies and repair requirements.

A home is often a person’s most valued asset, making it easy to get emotionally invested in the claims process. Public adjusters strive to secure fair and reasonable payouts for various insurance claims, such as water damage and flood claims. They are well-versed in concepts like replacement costs, contingency fees, and sewage backups. Public adjusters know how to negotiate with insurance carriers to ensure you receive the funds needed for your repairs.

Moreover, contractors and floor specialists typically do not hold licenses from the Department of Insurance and are not permitted to represent you in water damage claims. Public adjusters, being state-licensed, are legally qualified to provide representation and guidance throughout your claims process.

Lastly, a public adjuster will support you throughout the entire claims process, offering guidance, negotiating with your insurance company, and handling all required paperwork. With their daily experience in the claims process and negotiations, public adjusters possess extensive knowledge compared to homeowners, ensuring a fair settlement.

The advantage is that a public adjuster typically charges only a small percentage of the amount they secure in your settlement. They are committed to help you receive your fair and reasonable claim.

If you’ve experienced water damage at your San Jose property, Excel Adjusters can help. Having settled more than 4,200 claims, we are committed to achieving fair adjustments from insurance companies for our clients. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Excel Adjusters
Call:(213) 800-3333
Skip to content