WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The extent of water damage varies for every property, and therefore, the rebuild process will differ accordingly. While each scenario may call for a unique approach, it’s helpful to be familiar with the standard practices of a water damage rebuild.

Knowing the order of events that typically occur during the rebuild process can make a big difference when dealing with your insurance company. With a few tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of receiving full coverage for the necessary repairs.

Before you begin the actual rebuild in Beverly Hills, there are important preparatory steps you’ll need to follow. These actions are not only essential to the repair process but can also ensure that you receive a fair and just settlement from your insurance company.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix. Therefore, if you discover water damage near outlets or light fixtures, your first step should be to shut off the main power supply. Avoid contact with standing water until the electricity is turned off. Additionally, stay out of any rooms where the ceiling or floor appears compromised. If the water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, it’s best to wear a mask to protect yourself from potential mold, lead, or asbestos exposure.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once you notice water damage in your property in Beverly Hills, reach out to a licensed plumber right away. They can identify the source of the leak and provide evidence about how long it has been leaking. Most insurance companies won’t cover damage from leaks older than 14 days, so it’s essential to have a professional adjuster help pinpoint the leak’s start date to improve your chances of claim approval.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When filing a claim with your insurance company, be sure to provide ample evidence. Capture both photos and videos of the water damage and the leak in action. Document any damage to your property, including furniture, flooring, and other personal items. Keep any faulty appliances like water heaters, pipes, or washing machines that contributed to the leak. This evidence will be crucial in ensuring your insurance company processes and approves your claim without delays.

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Step 04

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

After filing a water damage claim, an insurance representative will inspect your property to determine the cause of the damage and what repairs or replacements are needed. This process, known as field scoping, provides the necessary details for calculating repair costs. While the process might seem routine, having a public adjuster on your side in Beverly Hills can help ensure that your needs are properly addressed and that you receive fair compensation for the damages and repairs that are required.

Keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover every type of water damage. For instance, flooding, improper maintenance, or leaks that go unresolved over a long period are generally not included. To protect your property against flood-related damages, you’ll need a specific flood insurance policy. Public adjusters can help clarify the complexities of what is and isn’t covered, making sure you’re aware of the options available for filing claims.

Furthermore, insurers will often calculate the actual cash value of repairs, subtracting depreciation and reducing the amount you receive. A public adjuster can fight for a more accurate and fair 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 gathering photographic and video evidence and filing your insurance claim, there are certain actions you can implement to minimize further harm to your valuables:

  • 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 growth can start in as little as 24 hours, it’s essential to kick off the restoration process immediately. Although each property owner’s situation may vary, the majority of water damage repair projects will encompass these fundamental steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

To start, it is crucial to address the removal of water. Employing a professional water damage restoration service is advisable, as they have the necessary tools and skills to uncover concealed water damage. The water could also be tainted with dangerous elements like sewage, urine, or chemicals, depending on the origin of the leak. Professionals are trained to wear protective gear and follow safety protocols to handle these risks safely during the cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

To move forward with your reconstruction, you first need to fix the leak. Failure to do so can jeopardize the entire rebuild process. Insurance policies often cover the repair of the exact location where the leak occurred but do not usually include re-piping the entire plumbing system. Typically, insurance companies will hire a leak detection expert or a specialized plumber to pinpoint and address the leak accurately. This initial repair is crucial to setting the stage for effective rebuilding.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is addressed, the next step is to thoroughly dry the damaged areas to prevent further water-related issues and mold development. It’s best to hire a specialized water damage restoration service for this task. They utilize commercial-grade equipment, including heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to extract moisture and improve air flow. Air scrubbers are also employed to filter out airborne mold particles effectively.

Keep in mind that if you’ve made a claim with your insurance provider, they may propose a water damage repair service for drying out your property. However, some of these recommended firms may exclusively work for the insurance company and handle a high volume of jobs, often exceeding 30 per month.

Insurance companies have the power to determine the payout for water damage claims, which gives them significant leverage over their recommended repair vendors. Consequently, a water damage restoration company chosen by your insurance might be inclined to cut corners in the drying process to satisfy the insurer they frequently work with and maintain their business relationship.

Rather than automatically agreeing to use the water damage repair company suggested by your insurer, it’s wise to find a licensed and unbiased restoration company that performs honest work. Typically, this firm will bill your insurance directly. If the water damage is due to a covered incident, your insurance provider should handle the payment. Opting for an independent company ensures that you receive genuine services without potential conflicts of interest.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While many water damage restoration companies strive to minimize disruption during the drying process, sometimes it becomes necessary to remove drywall, insulation, or other materials that cannot be salvaged. Homes built before 1990 may need to be tested for lead and asbestos, as these materials could present additional challenges during both drying and rebuilding.

Regulations for lead and asbestos removal vary by state, with some states mandating that only specially-licensed contractors handle these hazardous substances. A trustworthy water damage restoration company will be familiar with your state’s requirements and can guide you through the process of lead or asbestos abatement if either is found during the inspection.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After completing the drying work, it’s crucial to apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal items to prevent mold and bacteria. This includes carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other possessions that could be impacted.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water is cleared and the drying process is complete, you can proceed with rebuilding. The extent of the damage will dictate what actions are necessary, which may involve removing, repairing, or replacing damaged materials and structural parts, including drywall, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and potentially even the foundation of your home.

Although some water damage restoration companies handle both the drying and the repair work, it’s advisable to hire a highly-regarded contractor for these services. Insurance companies might suggest vendors who offer to complete both tasks, but these vendors sometimes cut corners to reduce costs for the insurer. This can lead to subpar results and dissatisfaction among homeowners. A well-reputed contractor can provide a higher standard of service and ensure proper repairs.

Selecting a reliable contractor increases the chances of achieving satisfactory results. Moreover, with an estimate from your insurance claims adjuster outlining the coverage available, you can work with your contractor to ensure that the repair costs are negotiated to fit within the insurance-approved budget.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Beverly Hills

A public adjuster in Beverly Hills serves as your representative throughout the insurance claims process, whereas insurance adjusters are employed by the insurance company. Public adjusters aim to help you get the most out of your policy. Once you enlist a public adjuster, you can bypass the stress of dealing with the insurance company directly, as they will handle all interactions and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Public adjusters have the expertise to negotiate with your insurance company and ensure you receive the benefits due to you. While it’s best to involve a public adjuster early in your water damage claim, they can still be of help if:

    • Should your insurance company refuse to cover Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses, a public adjuster can step in. They’ll work to ensure you receive compensation for any extra living costs incurred during your home’s repair process.
    • If you find the quality of home repairs unsatisfactory, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standards outlined in your policy, making sure the work is up to par with the original conditions.
    • When the settlement provided by your insurance doesn’t fully cover the repairs needed to return your home to its previous state, a public adjuster can advocate for a higher settlement. Their goal is to ensure you receive adequate funds to restore your property to its original condition.

At any stage in the claims process, you might wonder—why is it necessary to hire a public adjuster when I can gather repair estimates and negotiate directly with the insurance company myself?

Although you have the option to manage the claims process independently, most homeowners typically don’t possess the expertise required for handling water damage claims or understanding detailed insurance policies and repair needs.

Plus, considering how emotionally attached you can be to your home, which is one of your most significant investments, having a public adjuster can be incredibly beneficial. These professionals strive to increase fair and reasonable insurance payouts for claims related to water damage, property damage, flood damage, and other issues. They are experienced in handling replacement costs, contingency fees, and various types of water-related damage, such as sewage backups. Their skill in negotiating with insurance companies ensures you receive the funds necessary for thorough repairs.

What’s more, many contractors and flooring experts do not hold a Department of Insurance license, so they cannot legally act on your behalf in a water damage claim. Public adjusters, however, are state-licensed and have the authority to provide legal representation, guiding you through every step of the claims process to your fair and reasonable compensation.

Finally, a public adjuster will take charge of your entire claim process, providing knowledgeable advice, handling negotiations with your insurer, and overseeing all necessary paperwork. Their extensive experience and specialized skills in the insurance field generally ensure you receive a more favorable settlement than what you might achieve independently.

The great advantage? A public adjuster earns a modest percentage of the settlement amount they negotiate with your insurer, striving to achieve the highest possible compensation for your claim.

Should you face water damage issues at your home or business, ​Excel Adjusters​ in Beverly Hills can provide expert help. Having settled more than 4,200 claims, we are committed to securing a just adjustment for you. Contact us now for a free consultation.

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