WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since water damage varies in type and extent, the rebuild process is not one-size-fits-all. However, it is important to be aware of the typical steps involved in a water damage rebuild.

Understanding the process timeline can help when dealing with your insurance company, ensuring they cover all necessary repairs. Using a few key strategies can also increase your chances of receiving full coverage for the rebuild.

Before beginning any rebuild in Anaheim, there are some initial steps that must be followed. These steps are crucial for the claims process and can help secure a fair settlement from your insurance provider, making the restoration process smoother.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Since water and electricity don’t go well together, you should turn off the main power and water supplies if you find water damage near outlets or light fixtures. Don’t touch standing water until the electricity is off, and stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If water has been there for over 24 hours, wear a mask or avoid the area to prevent inhaling harmful substances such as mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you find water damage on your property in Anaheim, it’s essential to hire a licensed plumber right away. They will identify the source of the leak and document how long it’s been occurring. Since insurance companies don’t typically cover leaks lasting longer than 14 days, obtaining this information can be critical. A licensed insurance adjuster will assist in documenting this timeline and help increase the likelihood of your insurance claim being covered.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To file a claim with your insurance company, it’s crucial to gather clear evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak and the resulting damage to your floors, furnishings, and other belongings. Hold onto any broken appliances or pipes that contributed to the issue. Having these records will ensure that your insurance company processes your claim efficiently and increases your chances of receiving adequate coverage for your losses.

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Step 04

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

After submitting a claim for water damage, your insurance provider will send an adjuster to inspect the affected areas. This field scoping inspection includes evaluating the leak’s cause and determining what repairs are necessary. The findings will be used to calculate a repair estimate. While this process may seem simple, hiring a public adjuster in Anaheim ensures that your claim is thoroughly reviewed and that your compensation accurately reflects the true extent of the damage to your home.

When dealing with water damage, it’s essential to remember that not everything is covered by standard homeowners insurance. For instance, flood damage, poor upkeep, or prolonged leaks typically aren’t included in basic policies. For flood-related incidents, a separate flood insurance policy is needed. Public adjusters can help simplify the process, ensuring you understand what is and isn’t covered while guiding you through the proper steps to file your claim and get compensation for the damage.

Furthermore, insurers may assess your claim using the actual cash value method, reducing the payout by accounting for depreciation. A public adjuster can fight for a fairer estimate, ensuring you get proper compensation.

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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

After you’ve collected photo and video proof and successfully filed your claim, it’s important to take additional steps to prevent further damage to your personal items:

  • Wipe furniture dry
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors
  • Prop up couch and chair cushions
  • Put small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs
  • Move photos, paintings, jewelry, and any 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

Since mold can start growing within a day, beginning the restoration process quickly is crucial. While the specific approach may vary depending on individual property needs, most water damage rebuilds will follow these common steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The initial action required is the removal of water. It’s advisable to engage a professional water damage restoration company, as they have the specialized equipment and skills needed to identify concealed damage. The water might also include harmful elements such as sewage, urine, or toxic chemicals based on the leak’s cause. Professionals use safety gear and are well-versed in the precautions necessary to manage these risks effectively during the cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before initiating any rebuilding efforts, it is essential to address and repair the leak. Failing to complete this step could undermine the effectiveness of your reconstruction. Insurance policies generally cover repairs to the precise location of the leak but do not include re-piping the entire plumbing system. Insurers often work with leak detection professionals or specialized plumbers to accurately pinpoint and resolve the leak. Properly handling this repair is key to ensuring a successful rebuilding process.

Step 03

Dry Job

After fixing the leak, it’s important to thoroughly dry the damaged areas to prevent further water damage and inhibit mold growth. Hiring a water damage restoration company is the best approach. They employ professional equipment, including commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to extract moisture and enhance air flow. Air scrubbers may also be used to effectively remove mold particles from the air.

After submitting your insurance claim, your insurer may propose a specific water damage restoration service for the drying process. Be aware that some of these companies work primarily for insurance providers and may handle a significant number of jobs each month, often exceeding 30 due to their referrals.

Insurance companies wield significant control over the amount paid for water damage claims, which allows them to influence their associated repair services. This can lead a water damage restoration company hired through your insurer to take shortcuts during the drying process to align with the preferences of the insurance provider they frequently work with, impacting the quality of the repair work.

Rather than accepting the water damage repair company suggested by your insurance without hesitation, seek out a licensed and impartial contractor known for honest work. This company will generally send their invoice directly to your insurer. Provided the damage results from a covered event, your insurance should cover the cost. An independent firm ensures a fair and comprehensive restoration process, free from undue influence by the insurance provider.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Most water damage rebuild companies strive for a minimally-invasive approach, but certain situations necessitate removing drywall, insulation, or other materials that cannot be salvaged. Homes constructed prior to 1990 may need to be tested for lead and asbestos, which could affect the efficiency of the drying and repair processes.

Each state has distinct rules regarding the removal of lead and asbestos, and some require that only licensed contractors handle these hazardous materials. A knowledgeable water damage restoration company will be familiar with your state’s requirements and support you through the process of lead or asbestos abatement if these substances are detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying work is complete, make sure to use antimicrobial treatments on your personal items to prevent mold and bacteria. This treatment should cover carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other belongings that could have been affected.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the drying process is done and the water has been removed, you can proceed with the rebuild. The necessary actions will depend on the extent of the damage, which may involve removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials and structural components, including drywall, cabinets, hardwood flooring, and potentially the home’s foundation.

While many water damage companies offer both drying and repair services, consulting a reputable contractor is often a better option. Insurance companies may recommend vendors who handle both aspects, but these vendors might cut corners to save money, leading to less satisfactory results. Many homeowners find themselves unhappy with the outcome. A trusted contractor ensures that both drying and repairs are done thoroughly and to a high standard.

Selecting a trusted contractor is crucial for achieving high-quality repairs. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance claims manager indicating what is covered, you can negotiate with your contractor to make sure the repair expenses remain within the limits set by your insurance.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Anaheim

A public adjuster in Anaheim is committed to representing your interests during the insurance claims process, as opposed to insurance adjusters who work on behalf of the insurance company. Their focus is on securing the full benefits of your policy. With a public adjuster handling all the communication and negotiation with your insurance company, you can concentrate on getting your life back to normal without added stress.

Public adjusters are experienced in negotiating with your insurance company to secure the benefits you are entitled to. Although it’s advisable to engage a public adjuster when you first start your water damage claim, they can also be helpful if:

    • If your insurance provider is denying coverage for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses, a public adjuster can help you resolve this issue. They will negotiate with your insurer to get you reimbursed for any temporary living expenses incurred while your property is being repaired.
    • Unsatisfied with the quality of the home repairs after a water damage claim? A public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standards described in your policy, ensuring that the repairs are up to the mark.
    • When the settlement amount offered by your insurance company doesn’t fully cover the necessary repairs to restore your home to its original condition, a public adjuster can advocate for a higher payout, ensuring you receive adequate funds to complete all necessary repairs.

Wherever you are in the claims process, you may be wondering—why do I need a public adjuster when I can simply gather repair estimates and deal with the insurance company myself?

You can certainly handle the claims process alone, but most homeowners typically lack the experience and comprehensive understanding required for dealing with water damage claims and the nuances of insurance policies and home repairs.

Plus, since a home is typically one of your most cherished assets, getting emotionally involved in the claims process is common. Public adjusters are dedicated to enhancing insurance payouts for claims involving water damage, property damage, and flood damage. They have expertise in areas like replacement costs and contingency fees, and they are knowledgeable about specific issues like sewage backups. Their ability to negotiate effectively with insurance companies ensures you receive the financial support necessary to complete your home repairs.

What’s more, because most contractors and flooring professionals lack a Department of Insurance license, they cannot legally act on your behalf in water damage claims. Public adjusters, however, are state-certified and can provide expert legal representation, guiding you through the claims process and ensuring your interests are fully represented.

Finally, a public adjuster will be instrumental throughout your claim, offering professional advice, negotiating with your insurer, and managing paperwork. Their deep expertise and daily practice in handling insurance claims often result in better settlements compared to what homeowners typically achieve alone.

The best news? A public adjuster takes a small percentage from the final settlement they secure and works diligently to get you the highest possible compensation from your insurance claim.

When dealing with water damage in Anaheim, turn to ​Excel Adjusters​ for professional support. With over 4,200 successful claims under our belt, we focus on securing fair settlements from insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the help you need.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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