WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity should never mix. If you spot water damage near outlets or light fixtures, your priority should be turning off the water and main power supply. Don’t touch standing water until you’ve ensured the electricity is disconnected. Stay clear of rooms where the ceiling or floor is visibly sagging. If water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, it’s best to wear a mask or stay out of the building entirely to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful substances like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

When you discover water damage in your property in Arcadia, contacting a licensed plumber is your top priority. They will find the source of the leak and help determine how long it has been ongoing. Since most insurance companies will not cover leaks older than 14 days, having this evidence can be crucial. A licensed insurance adjuster can provide the necessary documentation to ensure your claim stands a better chance of approval.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To successfully file an insurance claim, it’s important to compile strong evidence. Take pictures and videos of the leak and the damage it’s caused to your property, including floors and furnishings. Additionally, hold on to broken appliances, pipes, or other equipment that contributed to the issue. By maintaining a detailed record of the damage, you’ll improve your chances of receiving fair coverage from your insurance provider throughout the claim process.

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Step 04

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

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

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Step 05

Do Damage Control

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Given that mold can start to develop within just 24 hours, it’s critical to begin the restoration process immediately. Although the process may vary according to specific situations, most water damage rebuild efforts will include the following basic steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first step is to get rid of the water. It’s advisable to enlist a professional water damage repair service as they are equipped with advanced tools and have the know-how to find hidden damage. The water may also carry contaminants such as sewage, urine, or hazardous chemicals depending on the leak’s cause. Professionals use specialized protective equipment and follow safety protocols to manage these risks during the cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before beginning any rebuilding work, you must first repair the leak. Neglecting this critical step can undermine the effectiveness of the entire reconstruction process. Insurance coverage generally applies to repairing the specific leak site but does not include re-piping the full plumbing system. Insurance companies typically hire leak detection experts or skilled plumbers to accurately identify and address the leak. Ensuring this repair is done correctly is fundamental to the success of your subsequent rebuilding efforts.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak has been repaired, drying out the affected areas is crucial to prevent additional damage and control mold growth. Engaging a professional water damage restoration service is highly recommended. They employ state-of-the-art equipment, including industrial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to thoroughly extract moisture and boost air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove airborne mold particles.

Be aware that after submitting an insurance claim, your insurance company might recommend a water damage restoration firm to carry out the drying process. However, some of these firms are aligned with the insurer and may handle a high volume of jobs, typically around 30 or more per month, sourced from these referrals.

Insurance companies’ authority over the payout for water damage claims allows them to apply pressure on the restoration companies they recommend. This often results in a water damage repair service hired through your insurance taking shortcuts in the drying process to please the insurer they frequently work with, potentially compromising the quality of repairs.

Rather than automatically accepting the water damage repair company suggested by your insurer, consider hiring a licensed and objective restoration firm known for its honest work. This company will usually send the bill directly to your insurance provider. As long as the water damage results from a covered incident, your insurer should cover the costs. Choosing an independent contractor ensures that the restoration process is fair and thorough.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Despite most water damage restoration companies aiming to be minimally invasive, it’s sometimes necessary to remove drywall, insulation, or other materials that cannot be saved. For homes built before 1990, testing for lead and asbestos might be needed, as these elements may impact the drying and reconstruction phases.

Each state’s regulations for handling lead and asbestos removal can differ, with some jurisdictions requiring licensed professionals to manage these dangerous substances. A dependable water damage repair company will know the local laws and provide guidance through the lead or asbestos abatement process if such materials are discovered in your property.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Following the completion of the drying process, apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal items to prevent mold and bacterial development. This includes carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other belongings that might have been exposed.

Step 06

Rebuild

With the water extraction and drying phase complete, the rebuilding can commence. Depending on the damage severity, this phase might involve removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials and structural components, such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood flooring, and potentially foundational elements, to restore your home.

Even though certain water damage companies can manage both drying and repairs, consulting a reputable contractor is often the better choice. Insurance companies may recommend vendors who perform both functions, but these vendors might compromise on quality to save money for the insurer. This approach often leaves homeowners unhappy with the results. A respected contractor ensures that both the drying and repair work are done to a high standard.

Choosing a trusted contractor increases the likelihood of high-quality outcomes. With an estimate from your insurance claims manager detailing what will be covered, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that the repair costs fit within the budget specified by your insurance company.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

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